Project Researcher (Remote, Entry Level)

ICF; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF is seeking a full-time Project Finance Researcher to support the JWPCD Housing and Community Development team, reporting to the Grant Finance & Administration Manager. This role provides financial and administrative support for federal contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements, ensuring accurate reporting and timely coordination.

This entry-level position may be fully remote from any U.S. location, with preference for Eastern Time, and anticipated pay in the mid $60K range.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of forecasting, data management, reporting, analysis, compliance, or related field.
• Intermediate Excel skills: pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, logical formulas, data validation, formatting.
• Ability to analyze, manipulate, and interpret data to support decisions.
• Knowledge of basic finance processes and general accounting principles.
• Strong organizational skills and multi-tasking in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with project teams.
• Strong problem-solving ability to identify issues and propose solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support project managers and staff in preparing financial information for monthly client reporting.
• Provide timely financial status updates including burn rate, backlog, and profitability.
• Coordinate invoicing activities and perform quality reviews for government contracts.
• Develop and maintain reports and financial tools related to project budgets.
• Communicate regularly with project managers and directors on financial status and updates.
• Manage data entry processes in online government systems of record with quality control.
• Coordinate monthly invoices with detailed line-item cost justifications.
• Provide forecasting support and assist with actual-to-budget comparisons.
• Serve as a primary contact for government clients on project financial matters.
• Collaborate with finance, billing, and project control teams to resolve issues.
• Develop and maintain process documentation and guidance materials.
• Assist Procurement with subcontractor procurement and administration, including communication with subcontractors.

Skills

Forecasting

Data management

Data analysis

Financial analysis

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred in Business, Management, Communications, Public Policy, Finance, Economics, or another related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Description

ICF is seeking a full-time Project Finance Researcher to support the Justice, Workforce, Preparedness, and Community Development (JWPCD) Line of Business. This role primarily supports JWPCD’s Housing and Community Development team. Reporting to the Grant Finance & Administration Manager, this role will provide financial and administrative support for federal contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements, helping ensure accurate reporting, effective project controls, and timely coordination across project teams.

This is an entry-level position expected to begin as soon as possible. This role may be fully-remote from any U.S. location, though preference will be given to those able to work within the eastern time zone. Anticipate pay for this position is in the mid $60K range.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Project Managers and project staff in preparing financial information for monthly client reporting.
• Provide timely financial status updates to Project Managers and the Finance & Administration Lead, including burn rate, remaining backlog, and project profitability.
• Coordinate invoicing activities and conduct quality reviews for complex government contracts.
• Develop, maintain, and update reports and financial management tools related to project budgets, as needed.
• Communicate regularly with Project Managers and Directors regarding project financial status, risks, and updates.
• Manage and provide quality control for data entry processes in online government systems of record.
• Coordinate the timely preparation of monthly invoices, including detailed line-item cost justifications.
• Provide forecasting support and assist with actual-to-budget comparisons for Project Managers and the Finance & Administration Lead.
• Serve as a regular point of contact for government clients on project financial and administrative matters.
• Collaborate with the Project Finance Controller, Billing team, Project Managers, and Group and Project Control Managers to resolve project-related financial issues.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, procedures, and related guidance materials.
• Assist the Procurement Manager with subcontractor procurement and administration, including direct communication with subcontractors and tracking of applications and budgets.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Business, Management, Communications, Public Policy, Finance, Economics, or another related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1-2 years of professional experience in forecasting, data management, reporting, analysis, compliance, finance, or a related field.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookup functions (e.g., VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP), logical formulas, data validation, and conditional formatting.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, manipulate, and interpret data to support business decisions.
• Working knowledge of basic finance processes and general accounting principles.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with project teams and stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify issues, evaluate options, and recommend solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and attention to detail.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please [e-mail] we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrights or our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance [e-mail]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

Pay Range

There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$55,665.00 - $94,631.00

Nationwide Remote Office (US99)