Project Researcher (Remote, Entry Level)

ICF Olson; United States; Remote; USD 56,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work across the U.S.

Eastern Time Zone preference

Job summary

ICF Olson seeks an entry-level Project Finance Researcher to support JWPCD’s Housing and Community Development team. This role focuses on financial reporting for federal contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements, helping ensure accurate reporting and timely project controls.

Reporting to the Grant Finance & Administration Manager, you will coordinate with project staff and managers, with a preference for candidates in the Eastern Time Zone.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in business, management, economics or related field.
• 1–2 years forecasting, data management, reporting, analysis, or finance experience.
• Strong Excel skills: pivots, lookups, formulas, data validation, formatting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare financial information for monthly client reporting.
• Provide timely financial status updates including burn rate and profitability.
• Coordinate invoicing and quality reviews for government contracts.
• Develop and update reports and budgeting tools.
• Communicate project financial status to managers and directors.

Skills

Forecasting

Data management

Reporting

Analysis

Compliance

Finance basics

Organization

Independent work

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Excel (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP)

Data validation

Conditional formatting

Microsoft Office

Job 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.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship

All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for new H-1B visa sponsorship by ICF. Candidates who currently hold valid work authorization may be considered for a change of employer petition, subject to company policy and applicable immigration requirements. 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

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)

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About ICF

ICF is a global consulting and technology services company with approximately 9,000 employees, but we are not your typical consultants. At ICF, business analysts and policy specialists work together with digital strategists, data scientists and creatives. We combine unmatched industry expertise with cutting-edge engagement capabilities to help organizations solve their most complex challenges. Since 1969, public and private sector clients have worked with ICF to navigate change and shape the future. Learn more at icf.com.