Financial Analyst, Principal

Worker Type: Regular

Job Description

Summary: The Principal Analyst is responsible for the development and maintenance of program financial plans in support of multiple products and business areas. This position will work within a team environment comprised of Program Management, Finance, Technical and other supporting staff. Partnering with the program team to contribute to the successful execution of contracts by providing critical financial oversight and guidance that includes developing, presenting and defending quarterly Estimates at Completion (EACs) and financial forecasts.

Position Responsibilities:

• Development and maintenance of program financial plans including budgets and Estimate-At-Completes (EACs) to meet contractual/project requirements for assigned programs.
• Compliance with internal procedures and government procurement regulations.
• Analyzing cost performance against plans to ensure contractual cost obligations are met.
• Preparation of project control/financial analysis reports for distribution to customer/user organization.
• Work with the business management teams to develop strategies to improve financial performance based on metrics.
• Development of complex cost and pricing models.
• Support in the development of proposal cost estimates, support DCAA audits (pre and post-award), and assist with contract negotiations as necessary.
• Administration of complex financial analysis (variance analysis, risk analysis, profit/loss analysis, etc.).
• Performs ad-hoc analysis, identifies trends and prepares ad-hoc financial reports with recommendations for improvements.
• Analyze large volumes of data using worksheet and database skills to manipulate, summarize, and select into meaningful information for decision making.
• Liaison between program office, operations and other support organizations on financial issues.
• Interfaces with subcontracts and customers and performs extensive investigations as required.
• Leads Audit response to external, internal, and Government auditors.
• Identify and lead process improvements including reports, tools and presentation materials.
• Works on complex issues where analysis of situations or data requires an in-depth evaluation of variable factors.
• Determines methods & procedures on new assignments and may serve as Team Lead.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience):

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of 12 – 15 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in costing and pricing of complex development programs.
• Working knowledge of ERP, SCM, and CRM software/applications.
• Experience successfully managing and producing data with strict deadlines.
• Current expertise in MS Office Suite (Advanced MS Excel required).
• Must be able to effectively work with other users, finance, planners and support staff in achieving results.
• Exhibits Judgement, Dedication, Professionalism with good communication skills.
• Previous work experience in the defense department or with a subcontractor to the defense department.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies:

• Advanced degree is preferred.
• Knowledge of Cobra & MS Project knowledge is desirable.
• Experience using Oracle EBS preferred.
• Experience in utilizing Earned Value Management Metrics and Reporting preferred.
• Knowledge of Government Cost accounting principles and FAR preferred.
• Exercises judgment in selecting methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
• Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Focuses on teamwork, collaboration and puts the success of the team above one's own interests.
• Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties.
• Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives.
• Takes ownership and responsibility for current and past work products.
• Is committed to learning from mistakes and driven to improve and enhance performance of oneself, others, and the company.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to work in an office environment (Constant).
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent).

The salary range for this role is: $120,686 - $170,940

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: .

We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are: Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do: Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR: U.S. Citizenship required.