Program Finance Lead

Ultra Electronics Group; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Bonus

PTO + 11 holidays

401K match

Medical/Dental/Vision

Job summary

Ultra Intelligence & Communications, a Mission Solutions unit, seeks a Program Finance Lead in the United States. The role partners with program management, contracts, accounting, and operations to manage budgets, forecasts, and EACs for DoD programs.

The ideal candidate has ~5 years of government contracting or defense finance experience and can communicate complex financial data to non-financial stakeholders. Security clearance may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• Approximately 5+ years of experience in program finance, government contracting, defense, aerospace, or a related industry.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and variance analysis.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, if required for assigned programs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary finance partner for DoD programs and program managers.
• Lead monthly forecasting and variance analysis for assigned programs.
• Monitor contract funding, obligations, expenditures, revenue, and remaining value.
• Prepare monthly program financial reports and executive presentations.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial analysis

Variance analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field

Job description

Company: Ultra Intelligence & Communications Mission Solutions Powering Decision Join the team redefining defense technology. From engineering systems that save lives to leading programs that change the battlefield—find your place in the future of defense. Mission Solutions By joining our Mission Solutions business, you will be a member of a team dedicated to providing innovative solutions that streamline the preparation and execution of intricate, mission-critical operations. We focus on enhancing situational awareness, tactical command and control, and seamless video data exchange capabilities within a dynamic, multi-domain environment.

Job Description Position Summary

The Program Finance Lead is responsible for providing financial management, analysis, forecasting, and reporting support for assigned Department of Defense (DoD) programs. This role serves as a key financial partner to Program Management, Contracts, Accounting, and Business Operations, ensuring program financial performance is accurately measured, risks are identified, and financial commitments and obligations are effectively managed. The ideal candidate has approximately 5 years of experience in government contracting, program finance, or defense/aerospace finance and is comfortable working with program managers and senior leadership in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Financial Management Serve as the primary finance partner for assigned DoD programs and program managers. Develop and maintain program budgets, forecasts, financial plans, and estimates at completion (EACs). Monitor program financial performance against approved budgets, forecasts, and contractual requirements. Analyze cost, revenue, profit, funding, and cash‑flow performance. Identify financial trends, risks, and opportunities and communicate recommendations to program leadership. Support monthly and quarterly program financial reviews.
• Forecasting & Financial Analysis Lead monthly forecasting and variance analysis for assigned programs. Develop and maintain Estimate at Completion (EAC) and Estimate to Complete (ETC) forecasts. Evaluate labor, material, subcontractor, and other direct‑cost trends. Analyze staffing plans and labor utilization against program requirements. Perform scenario modeling and "what-if" analysis to support program decisions. Assess financial impacts of contract modifications, scope changes, funding changes, and schedule changes.
• Government Contracting Support financial management of Cost Plus, Time & Materials, Firm Fixed Price, and other government contract types. Monitor contract funding, obligations, expenditures, revenue, and remaining contract value. Partner with Contracts and Program Management to assess the financial impact of contract changes. Support compliance with applicable government contracting requirements, company policies, and internal controls. Assist with customer audits, DCAA‑related requests, and other government financial reviews as needed.
• Reporting & Leadership Support: Prepare monthly program financial reports and executive‑level presentations. Provide concise financial insights to Program Managers, Business Unit leaders, and Finance leadership. Develop dashboards and reporting tools to improve program visibility and financial decision‑making. Communicate complex financial information clearly to non‑financial stakeholders. Support annual operating plans, long‑range planning, and strategic financial initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field.
• Approximately 5+ years of experience in program finance, government contracting, defense, aerospace, or a related industry.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and variance analysis.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance, if required for assigned programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with DCAA, DCMA, FAR, DFARS, CAS, or government accounting requirements.
• 5+ years of experience supporting DoD or other U.S. Government contracts.
• 5+ years of experience with EAC/ETC forecasting and program financial reporting.
• Previous experience supporting major DoD customers such as Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Department of Defense agencies.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple programs and competing priorities in a deadline‑driven environment.
• MBA, CPA, CMA, or other relevant professional certification.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, financial modeling, and data analysis.
• Experience working with classified or highly regulated programs.

Notice

Due to the nature of the programs we deliver for our customers, candidates may need to obtain the relevant security clearance or handle export‑controlled material as defined by the role's requirements.

Our Benefits

• Annual Bonus - Annual Bonus – Performance Related
• Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) package plus 11 company holidays Early finish on Friday
• 401K w/ company match
• Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits
• Student Loan Assistance Program
• Array of voluntary benefit offerings

Ultra I&C is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected state or federal classes. We provide affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. If you need an accommodation in any part of the application process, email [e-mail].

Ultra I&C is powering decision speed across the multidomain battlespace with resilient tactical communications, mission optimization and encryption technologies. We secure, move and make sense of data across all domains—delivering real‑time, mission‑ready intelligence that gives operators at the edge the clarity to act and the speed to win. For decades, global defense forces and allied partners have relied on Ultra I&C to outpace threats and cut through complexity on the battlefield. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, we deliver battle‑proven technology purpose‑built for decision advantage in contested, high‑threat environments.