Financial Specialist

Air Force Research Laboratory; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Force Research Laboratory in Arlington, VA seeks a Financial Specialist at the GS-12/13 level to enable rapid tech delivery through sound financial decision-making. This federal role requires U.S. citizenship, a Secret clearance, and APDP/DAWIA qualifications.

2-year APDP window applies, with annual disclosures and DoD planning responsibilities. Responsibilities include advising on FM issues, conducting analyses, and ensuring transparency and controls across budgeting, execution, and

Qualifications

• United States citizenship is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• At least one year of specialized experience at the next lower grade; GS-11 for DO-02.
• APDP Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) in Business-Financial Management required; DAWIA rules apply.
• Must meet NDAA 2012 Financial Management requirements and provide disclosures.

Responsibilities

• Supports organizational and mission priorities at all levels.
• Analyzes, interprets & applies FM procedures in complex situations.
• Allocates and monitors financial resources with internal controls.
• Develops standardized processes to promote transparency and accountability.
• Performs financial analysis to maximize resources and mission effectiveness.
• Extracts data from systems and ensures data integrity.
• Advises internal/external customers on FM issues.
• Prepares documentation for FIAR audit trail and DoD budgeting/execution.

Skills

FM procedures

Financial analysis

Advisory services

Data extraction

Budget formulation

Program control

Education

Master’s/MBA

Job description

Job Overview

OPEN TO CURRENT FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ONLY. This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 2 October 2026.

Job Overview

OPEN TO CURRENT FEDERAL CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ONLY. This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 2 October 2026.

The Air Force Research Laboratory is seeking to fill a DO-0501-02 (GS-12/13 equivalent) Financial Specialist position to enable faster delivery of game-changing technologies through financial decision-making located at Arlington, VA.

Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Supports organizational and mission priorities at all levels.
• Program Financial Manager representing AFRL. Analyzes, interprets & applies FM procedures in a variety of complex situations.
• Allocates & monitors financial resources in compliance with laws, regulations & policies, with sufficient transparency & appropriate internal controls.
• Develops, interprets & guides standardized processes & operations to ensure transparency & promote efficiency & accountability to leadership.
• Researches & analyzes information related to budget formulation & execution, financial analysis, governance, operations, cost analysis, accounting, & program control.
• Applies fiscal law, policies, regulations, principles, standards & procedures to all FM activities.
• Demonstrates the knowledge, skills, & abilities to effectively & efficiently provide advisory services on FM issues to internal/external customers.
• Performs value-added financial analysis to make informed decisions that maximize resources & improve mission effectiveness.
• Utilizes systems to extract data, identify & resolve system problems, & maintain data integrity.
• Applies methods of analysis sufficient to ensure financial aspects of research & program forecasts, reports, plans, & strategies are consistent with DAF goals & strategic initiatives.
• Prepares supporting documentation for FIAR audit trail. Supports all aspects of the DoD planning, programming, budgeting & execution of programs.

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience related to the position at the next lower grade. For DO-02 consideration, applicants must have a minimum of GS-11 equivalent experience.
• This is an APDP position requiring Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) Non-Critical certification in Business-Financial Management (K). This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). The employee must meet or be capable of meeting Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• The selectee will have 24 months to meet APDP requirements, or a waiver must be obtained. Applicants for this position must list any acquisition certifications and status as an acquisition corps member in their resume.
• This is a Financial Management Level 2 Certified position IAW the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2012, Public Law 112-81, Subtitle F-Financial Management, Section 1599d.
• The incumbent of this position will be required to file annual financial disclosures to ensure there are no conflicts of interest in the performance of these duties.

Desired Qualifications

• Desired Master’s/MBA or equivalent advanced degree in finance, business administration, or other relevant meaningful Master’s degree.
• Experience with successfully interfacing/collaborating with business partners across multiple functions outside of financial management.
• Strong technical and financial management knowledge, including the ability to use financial models and effectively communicate data and results.
• Exceptional leadership skills, to include setting clear expectations, motivating employees and driving accountability to garner desired results.
• Knowledge/experience of Department of Defense Acquisition requirements; financial management concepts, principles, practices, laws, and regulations.
• Experience in building program plans and budget justification products.
• Experience in providing written and oral communications to senior leaders.
• Experience with solving complex issues which span multiple internal and external organizations.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Series

0501

Additional Information

Resume requirement: Resume may not exceed two pages, and font size should be no smaller than 10pts.

Posting End Date 10/02/2026