LEAD SPECIALIST - SR. SPECIALIST - Project Management

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute is looking for a Lead Specialist - Sr. Specialist in Project Management in San Antonio, Texas. This role will support the financial administration of projects through reporting and analysis, ensuring compliance with regulations.

Successful candidates will have a Bachelor's or Master's degree and 5-10 years of relevant experience, including in SQL and financial tracking. The position offers opportunities to influence project outcomes and enhance operational workflows.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in financial tracking and data analysis.
• Experience providing financial reporting to project managers and executives.
• Proficient in writing SQL queries and using reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Support executive management with financial reports and forecasting.
• Monitor financial applications and identify upcoming deadlines.
• Design training programs for project managers on financial concepts.

Skills

Financial reporting

Data analysis

Project management

SQL querying

Microsoft Excel

Power BI

Education

Bachelors or Masters degree in Accounting, Data Analysis, Finance, Project Management or related field

Tools

Excel

Power BI

SQL

Job description

LEAD SPECIALIST - SR. SPECIALIST - Project Management

11-00943

Who We Are:

We are R&D problem-solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Since 1947, we have worked toward the betterment of humankind, pushing the boundaries of science and technology to develop solutions.

Objectives of this Role:

• Support the division’s executive management by providing routine and ad hoc financial reports and historical financial analysis of project backlog and expenditures using MS Excel, Power BI/SQL.
• Assist with the utilization of this data to develop accurate financial forecasts.
• Provide project manager support by interfacing with Division personnel, clients, and other SwRI groups to resolve issues such as invoicing, client data requests, expedited purchases, and contract/financial documentation gaps.
• Complete project monthly financial status reports (contract deliverables) in alignment with customer and government regulations. Support proposal estimates, tracking and submission.
• Provide training and guidance on how to financially administer project budgets, including the use of standard reporting tools and trackers.
• Support project creation, tracking, deliverables, commitments tracking/close out, labor transfers, non-labor transfers, and close out.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:

• Proactively monitor SwRI financial applications and division communications to identify upcoming deadlines, emerging financial issues, and process bottlenecks, ensuring timely resolution and minimal disruption to operations.
• Develop, validate, and distribute monthly project financial reports; perform detailed variance and trend analyses to ensure accuracy and to deliver clear, actionable insights to division executives and project managers.
• Analyze division backlog, promotional activities, and contract status to produce forward-looking financial metrics and scenario analyses that support strategic planning, resource allocation, and revenue forecasting.
• Design and deliver a structured training and mentoring program for new and existing project managers focused on financial concepts, tools, and best practices, enabling PMs to interpret financial reports, manage budgets proactively, and make data-driven decisions.
• Partner with project managers to structure and maintain project financials (opening/closing projects, CLINs, and phases) and execute labor/non-labor transfers, ensuring compliance while continuously improving workflows, and enhancing the efficiency and transparency.

Requirements:

• Requires a Bachelors or a Masters degree in Accounting, Data Analysis, Finance, Project Management, or related degree field with experience.
• 5-10 years hands‑on experience in financial tracking, data analysis, trend monitoring, and interpreting complex financial metrics.
• 5-10 years experience providing financial reporting and analysis support to project managers and executive leadership.
• 5-10 years experience writing SQL queries and creating reports and charts (e.g. Microsoft SSRS, Power BI, Excel).
• Must be reliable, flexible, and able to take initiative and follow through on assignments with limited supervision.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements:

Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen.

Job Locations: San Antonio, Texas

An Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and veteran status.