Financial Operations Specialist (Senior)

Job Description

Role Overview

Provides advanced financial administrative support across general finance functions, including preparing accountings, reconciling General Ledger and bank accounts, processing payables, and supporting financial transactions across Agency platforms. Serves as a lead resource for complex financial issues, customer inquiries, and policy interpretation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead financial processing activities, ensuring accuracy across accountings, GL updates, reconciliations, and vendor/payment actions.
• Analyze financial data, clear suspensions, and resolve complex financial discrepancies.
• Guide team members on procedures, workflow priorities, and financial policy interpretation.
• Establish and periodically revalidate commitments/obligations; ensure deobligation of unused funds.
• Enter and validate financial data in Sponsor-unique systems, maintaining strong data integrity.
• Provide customer service and technical assistance for financial matters.
• Support travel and reimbursement processing.
• Serve as first-line reviewer for policy interpretation questions.
• Act as liaison between system users and developers; support system testing, troubleshooting, and creation of ad hoc financial reports.
• Train users on financial systems and respond to system-related inquiries.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of organizational financial policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, including Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB), and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).
• Expertise in financial systems, data integrity practices, and quality assurance methods.
• Ability to interpret financial policies and provide guidance on complex financial issues.
• Strong analytical skills for evaluating financial data, identifying discrepancies, and developing actionable recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain financial information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated customer service skills with the ability to anticipate needs, resolve issues, and maintain positive relationships.
• Strong interpersonal skills that support collaboration with colleagues, managers, and cross-functional partners.
• Ability to lead and mentor team members, delegate tasks, and support team cohesion.
• Skilled in using financial systems and tools to manage information, support decision-making, and produce reports.
• Ability to manage moderately complex to complex financial inquiries and determine when escalation is appropriate.
• Adaptability to shifting priorities, evolving requirements, and dynamic workloads.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: At least 3 years of professional experience in financial records processing/management.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related field (experience may substitute year-for-year).

Certifications: None required.

Minimum Security Clearance

TS/SCI w/ Polygraph