Planning Specialist

Cherokee Federal; Poolesville (MD); On-site; USD 160,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Paid time off

Health insurance (medical, dental, and

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid holidays

EAP

FSA/HSA

Professional development

Job summary

Cherokee Preting, part of Cherokee Federal, seeks a fully cleared Planning Specialist to support our Client in Northern Virginia. The role will involve coordinating financial/accounting actions, event training, and acting as a liaison, with a Full Scope Poly at time of application.

Starting salary range is $160,000–$175,000. Benefits include 401(k) match, health coverage, paid time off, life and disability insurance, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Must have three (5) or more years of relevant experience.
• Must have an active Top Secret/SCI with Polygraph level clearance at time of application.
• Must have experience providing Business Consulting responsible for program support activities including finance and personnel management.
• Experience at developing program specific spending plans, which are constantly analyzed and refined using near real time proprietary financial databases.
• Able to serve as a liaison to other groups within the organization, identify and document leading practices of regulatory compliance making sure critical programmatic documents, workflow patterns, personnel information, and financial records are maintained for continuity purposes in accordance with existing SOPs.
• Must have good communication (written and oral) skills to perform briefings and complete required reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (i.e. Excel) and data analytics.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• This position requires an active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.

Responsibilities

• Serve as program manager for client coordinating, tracking, and monitoring administrative and program support activity.
• Monitor and maintain spending plans for fiscal year and maintain program accounting records.
• Coordinate with other entities within the organization to ensure compliance with regulations and procedures as they pertain to program activity.
• Draft and coordinate necessary documentation (e.g. cables) to include travel schedules, funding and documenting certifications/training.
• Interface with office staff outside Headquarters - to coordinate training events, training agendas, student participation and instruction.
• Coordinate, track, and monitor program support activities using a series of Sponsor-specific databases and COTS software applications.
• Reconcile receipts and expenditures for individual programs’ monthly and quarterly financial statements.
• Adhere to tradecraft and security guidelines, practices and regulations to preserve the security and safety of the programs.
• Maintain accountability and ensure proper usage of customer systems and devices.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Skills

TS/SCI with Polygraph

MS Office

Data analytics

Communication skills

US Citizen

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Sponsor-specific databases

COTS software

Job description

Prepared Date: 9/30/2026

A government contract requires that this position be restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. You must provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to qualify.

This position requires an active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.

Position Summary

Cherokee Preting is seeking a fully cleared Planning Specialist to support our Client in Northern Virginia. The Planning Specialist will have a Full Scope Poly at time of application and will be charged with supporting financial/accounting actions, training events and act as a liaison.

Starting Salary Range for Planning Specialist: $160,000 – $175,000

Benefits That Set Us Apart

When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.

Highlights Include

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Professional development, training, and certification support
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection

Because taking care of our employees isn't just a promise, it's part of who we are.

Benefits Are Subject To Change And Eligibility Requirements Apply.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:

Includes The Following

• Serve as program manager for client coordinating, tracking, and monitoring administrative and program support activity.
• Monitor and maintain spending plans for fiscal year and maintain program accounting records.
• Coordinate with other entities within the organization to ensure compliance with regulations and procedures as they pertain to program activity.
• Draft and coordinate necessary documentation (e.g. cables) to include travel schedules, funding and documenting certifications/training.
• Interface with office staff outside Headquarters - to coordinate training events, training agendas, student participation and instruction.
• Coordinate, track, and monitor program support activities using a series of Sponsor-specific databases and COTS software applications.
• Reconcile receipts and expenditures for individual programs’ monthly and quarterly financial statements.
• Adhere to tradecraft and security guidelines, practices and regulations to preserve the security and safety of the programs.
• Maintain accountability and ensure proper usage of customer systems and devices.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Basic Qualifications

• Must have three (5) or more years of relevant experience.
• Must have an active Top Secret/SCI with Polygraph level clearance at time of application.
• Must have experience providing Business Consulting responsible for program support activities including finance and personnel management.
• Experience at developing program specific spending plans, which are constantly analyzed and refined using near real time proprietary financial databases.
• Able to serve as a liaison to other groups within the organization, identify and document leading practices of regulatory compliance making sure critical programmatic documents, workflow patterns, personnel information, and financial records are maintained for continuity purposes in accordance with existing SOPs.
• Must have good communication (written and oral) skills to perform briefings and complete required reports
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (i.e. Excel) and data analytics
• Must be a US Citizen.
• This position requires an active TS/SCI with Polygraph clearance.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Preferred Qualifications

• Desired to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study.
• Preferred to have accounting, banking, finance experience or academic background.
• Desired working knowledge of AML/KYC regulations
• Preferred to have experience with the Client and their systems
• Preferred to have experience with cable writing.
• Preferred to have experience with accounting systems like Quickbooks or Peachtree.

Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Company Information

Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Preting, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t, and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

In accordance with Virginia's pay transparency requirements, the estimated annual salary range for this position is $160,000 – $175,000. Actual compensation is based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].