Principal Financial Analyst

Northrop Grumman Corp.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Corp. in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Principal Financial Analyst (A03) to lead rate strategy, budgets, and overhead management.

You will forecast complex budgets, develop allocation bases, and ensure CAS, FAR/DFARS compliance while coordinating audit activity with regulatory bodies. This role requires clear stakeholder communication and cross-functional collaboration across program offices.

Qualifications

• Typically 6+ years of progressive financial analysis experience in aerospace/defense.
• Experience managing indirect budgets, rates, and overhead allocations.
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS and CAS applied to government contracts.
• Ability to model complex rates and perform audits.
• Strong written and verbal communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead indirect budgets, allocations, and overhead rate development with business units.
• Provide advanced forecasting for budgets and overhead structures.
• Develop allocation methodologies and base structures for cost distribution.
• Coordinate data and reporting for internal and external audits (DCAA/DCMA).
• Prepare financial briefings for senior management.

Skills

Aerospace & defence finance

FAR/DFARS/CAS knowledge

Direct labor & overhead rates

Data modeling

Excel / MS Office proficient

Communication skills

Auditing & regulatory readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting/Business Admin

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial modeling software

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Position SummaryThe Principal Financial Analyst (A03) is a mid-career finance professional responsible for forming, analyzing, and managing specialized budgets, indirect rates, and overhead structures under moderate supervision while ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS and alignment with corporate objectives. This role provides advanced financial analysis, forecasting, and reporting support for Budgets, Rates, and Overhead Management, including monthly reviews of allocations, actual rates, and incurred costs against FPRP/FPRA expectations, audit support, and preparation of findings and recommendations for management. The position also compiles and analyzes data from multiple systems, develops and coordinates allocation methodologies and bases with business units, and assists in developing indirect budgets, allocations, and overhead rates. In addition to supporting day-to-day budget and rate activities, this role contributes strategically to overhead planning, allocation accuracy, business unit forecasting, and special projects. The ideal candidate brings approximately six years of progressive finance experience, preferably in the aerospace and defense industry, along with demonstrated success managing complex rate structures, supporting compliance-driven financial processes, collaborating across cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvement through strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills.Key ResponsibilitiesRate Strategy, Budgets & Overhead ManagementLead the development and coordination of business area indirect budgets, allocations, and overhead rates in partnership with AS Business Units.Provide advanced financial forecasting support for complex budgets, organizational rates, and overhead management structures.Develop and refine direct allocation methodologies and base structures to ensure equitable, compliant cost distribution across division programs.Financial Analysis & Lifecycle ComplianceEnsure all rate and overhead practices strictly align with corporate accounting standards, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR/DFARS) requirements.Perform specialized calculations and financial modeling for special projects, strategic initiatives, and structural business unit changes as required.Audit Support & Regulatory ComplianceServe as a primary point of contact and coordinate the preparation, delivery, and defense of data for all internal and external rate and overhead audits.Liaise confidently with regulatory agencies (such as DCAA and DCMA) regarding overhead submissions, cost impacts, and baseline rate reviews.Maintain complete, audit-ready historical records, files, and justification documentation for all calculated factors, bases, and budget assumptions.Stakeholder Engagement & CollaborationPartner closely with AS Business Unit leads to establish foundational allocation bases, driving consistency across division financial models.Translate complex rate and overhead concepts into clear, actionable business insights for non-financial stakeholders, contracts management, and program executives.Prepare and deliver comprehensive financial briefings and reports of findings to senior management to guide operational and strategic decision-making.Required Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledgeDeep understanding of aerospace and defense industry financial practices, including overhead structures, direct labor rates, and fringe/material handlings.Strong foundational knowledge of FAR, DFARS, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and their specific application to government contract costing and rate agreements (FPRP/FPRA).Robust understanding of direct allocation methodologies and pool-and-base relationships within a multi-tiered corporate structure.SkillsAdvanced data modeling and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize massive data sets into precise financial forecasts.Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., advanced formulas, pivot tables, financial modeling) and broader MS Office applications.Solution-oriented problem solving, with the ability to design and advocate for compliant, practical paths forward on complex rate issues.Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical financial data clearly and concisely.AbilitiesExercise professional judgment and calm under pressure when managing tight financial reporting cycles and regulatory audit deadlines.Operate as a proactive, valued business partner who actively seeks to optimize financial outcomes rather than just compiling data.Maintain a growth mindset, showing a strong willingness to continuously learn and adapt to changing federal regulations and corporate accounting systems.Education & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related quantitative field required.Typically, 6+ years of progressive financial analysis experience, with a heavy emphasis on defense/government contracting or aerospace environments.Demonstrated experience working with direct labor rates, overhead rates, and structural cost allocations.Certifications & ClearanceSecurity Clearance: U.S. citizenship is required. Candidate must have the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance as required by the program, but no clearance is needed to start.Primary Level Salary Range: $94,200.00 - $141,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.