Senior Financial Analyst

Waypoint Human Capital; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Waypoint’s client seeks a Senior Budget Analyst to support the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) in budget formulation, analysis, and execution across the PPBE process. The role requires DoD budgeting expertise and active clearance, with on-site work in Alexandria, VA.

The candidate will handle budget development, program execution, funding management, and senior-level reporting, using DoD financial systems and Excel-based tools to drive efficiency

Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship.
• Active Secret clearance (Top Secret preferred).
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Management, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience supporting DoD financial management, budgeting, or PPBE activities.
• Extensive knowledge of the PPBE process.
• Experience supporting budget formulation, justification, execution, and financial reporting.
• Experience developing and reviewing budget exhibits, justification materials, and supporting documentation.
• Experience monitoring funding execution, obligations, disbursements, and expenditure tracking.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Access.
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience preparing executive-level briefings, reports, and financial recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Support all phases of the DoD PPBE process.
• Assist in developing POMs and BES.
• Manage internal budget reviews, change proposals, and budget submissions using Excel and financial systems.
• Develop and review budget justification materials (R-Forms, P-Forms).
• Prepare financial analyses and evaluate program performance and execution trends.
• Create reports, briefings, and presentations for senior DoD leadership.
• Review SOWs and funding documentation for R&D programs.
• Monitor funding releases, obligations, disbursements, and expenditure tracking.
• Prepare and support PPBE documentation (R1–R4, Budget Issue Papers, Program Decision Memorandums).
• Participate in Mid-Year Reviews and PPBE-related meetings.
• Support process improvement to enhance financial operations and transparency.
• Process financial transactions within DAI and related systems.
• Support audit readiness efforts and data calls from DoD leadership.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

PPBE knowledge

Budget analysis

Financial reporting

Executive briefings

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/business

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Access

Job description

Position Title: Senior Financial Analyst

Position Type: Full-time, On-Site

Location: Alexandria, VA

Clearance: Active Secret Clearance (Top Secret Preferred)

Description:

Waypoint’s client is seeking a Senior Budget Analyst to support the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) by providing financial management, budget formulation, and program execution support throughout the Department of Defense Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process.

The selected candidate will support all phases of PPBE, including budget development, program execution, funding management, financial analysis, audit readiness, and senior-level reporting. This position requires extensive knowledge of DoD financial systems, budget justification processes, and acquisition funding execution within a complex headquarters environment.

Responsibilities:

• Support all phases of the DoD Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process.
• Assist in the development of Program Objective Memorandums (POMs) and Budget Estimate Submissions (BES).
• Manage internal budget reviews, change proposals, and budget submissions utilizing Excel and applicable financial systems.
• Develop and review detailed budget justification materials, including R-Forms, P-Forms, and related PPBE documentation.
• Prepare financial analyses and evaluate program effectiveness, budget performance, and execution trends.
• Develop reports, briefings, and presentations for senior DoD leadership.
• Review Statements of Work (SOWs) and funding documentation supporting approved R&D programs.
• Monitor program execution activities, including funding releases, obligation rates, disbursement rates, and expenditure tracking.
• Prepare and support documentation associated with Research and Development Descriptive Summaries (R1-R4), Program Budget Review submissions, Budget Issue Papers, Program Decision Memorandums, and related PPBE activities.
• Participate in Mid-Year Reviews and other PPBE-related meetings and reviews.
• Support process improvement initiatives focused on enhancing financial operations, efficiency, transparency, and mission effectiveness.
• Process financial and budgetary transactions within Defense Agencies Initiative (DAI) and related financial management systems.
• Support audit readiness efforts and preparation of associated documentation.
• Execute and respond to financial and budgetary data calls from DoD leadership and stakeholders.

Required:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Active Secret clearance (Top Secret preferred)
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Management, or related field
• Minimum 10 years of experience supporting DoD financial management, budgeting, or PPBE activities
• Extensive knowledge of the DoD Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process
• Experience supporting budget formulation, justification, execution, and financial reporting activities
• Experience developing and reviewing budget exhibits, justification materials, and supporting documentation
• Experience monitoring funding execution, obligations, disbursements, and expenditure tracking
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Access
• Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Experience preparing executive-level briefings, reports, and financial recommendations

Desired:

• Experience supporting OUSD(R&E), OSD, Military Service Headquarters, or other DoD headquarters organizations
• Experience supporting DoD acquisition programs and Research & Development (R&D) portfolios
• Knowledge of Defense Agencies Initiative (DAI) financial management systems
• Experience preparing R1-R4 exhibits, Budget Issue Papers, Program Decision Memorandums, and related PPBE documentation
• Experience supporting audit readiness initiatives and financial compliance activities
• Knowledge of DoD funding execution processes and appropriations management
• Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field
• Experience supporting senior executive leadership within the Department of Defense
• Active Top Secret clearance preferred