Senior Program & Financial Specialist (2 Year Term position)

Kindora; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 127,000; Full time

Job summary

NEA in Washington, DC seeks a seasoned budget and financial program expert to lead budget planning and analysis within the Center for Advocacy and Political Action. The incumbent will plan and implement budget processes, forecast expenditures, and analyze fiscal operations across departments.

The role requires strong experience with financial systems (PeopleSoft, Excel) and the ability to produce complex financial reports and presentations for leadership. Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree as stated or equivalent. (Education requirements)
• Four years of progressive professional experience in program budgets and financial operations.
• Experience with federal/state financial statutes related to assignments.
• Significant experience using financial management systems and Excel for complex reporting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, plan, and implement Center budget processes and budgetary controls.
• Conduct cost analyses and analyze program expenditures and spending trends.
• Develop forecasts and financial models to support contracts and external agreements.
• Maintain databases of program purchases, contracts, and expenditures.

Skills

Budget planning

Financial analysis

Excel

PeopleSoft

Smartsheet

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Business Finance, or equivalent

Tools

PeopleSoft

Excel

Smartsheet

PowerPoint

Job description

If you would enjoy working in a dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to become part of a stellar team of professionals, we invite you to apply online today.

Posting Period: September 01, 2026 - Until Filled Employee Type: NEASO NEA Staff Organization, OO117 Campaigns & Elections Department (C&E) Position Type: Term (Fixed Term) Salary Range: $83,141.00 - $127,427.00 Rank: NEASO Rank 6 Position Details: Position Emphasis: The position supports the NEA’s strategic objective to focus the energy and resources of its 3 million members toward the promotion of public education by providing specialized program and financial expertise to the Center for Advocacy and Political Action.

Position Summary

This position involves providing specialized program and financial expertise to the Center for Advocacy and Political Action. The incumbent has the lead role and responsibility for preparing, planning, administering, and implementing Center budgetary processes.

The essential functions include preparing, planning, and coordinating strategic program activities; performing cost analyses, and examining the department’s program and financial transactions based on NEA’s accounting and internal auditing guidelines.

The incumbent is responsible for determining program expenditures; disbursal of budgeted funds; reconciling fiscal records; and analyzing the department’s current and historical financial operations and spending trends.

The incumbent conducts account analyses, generates recurring financial spreadsheets or graphs, and makes budgetary recommendations and decisions which impact directly on departmental projects or long-term operations.

The work also involves using a personal computer and financial management software to develop, create, and maintain specialized databases regarding program purchases, vouchers, contracts, or other departmental expenses.

The incumbent also acts as liaison to Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Business and Financial Services, and Procurement staff to resolve fiscal issues and facilitate management of the budget and administration of external contracts. The position may require occasional travel to carry out the various responsibilities.

Minimum Education Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Business Finance, or equivalent.

Minimum Qualifications

Four years of progressively professional expertise in planning and implementing program budgets and assisting in strategic financial/business operations, including resolving multi-faceted fiscal issues, tracking current and historical financial operations, reviewing spending trends of a program, administering contracts and consultant agreements, and analyzing fiscal activities.

Experience with applicable federal and state regulatory statutes (Federal Elections Commission, Internal Revenue Services, state and local tax laws) as they relate to assignments.

Other Requirements

Significant experience using NEA’s financial management system, such as PeopleSoft, Excel, or similar systems needed to create complex databases or to forecast program expenditures. Advanced skills in using applications for developing presentations, creating complex graphs, or developing specialized financial reports.

Candidates are encouraged to provide work samples (e.g. spreadsheets, database, or presentation materials) at interview. Must be able to work extended hours on evenings and weekend during seasonal requirements such as fiscal year end, budget planning, and 4-month projections.

Selection Criteria

Tier 1 (Essential): Proven current experience providing specialized financial and program support, including demonstrated experience monitoring budgetary data and evaluating program expenditures. Demonstrated financial accountability for implementing program budgets; generating complex financial reports, and resolving budgetary issues.

Demonstrated experience with advanced word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation (i.e. Microsoft Office Suite), Smartsheet and financial management (i.e. PeopleSoft) applications for use in Budget System, Agency Fee Report, and Chart of Accounts.

Effective interpersonal, communications, and customer service skills to interact with all levels of staff and governance. Demonstrated skill in analyzing meeting and travel expenses and in developing scope of work; evaluating contractor, vendor, or consultant expenditures. Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

Proven flexibility and effectiveness in handling multiple and complex tasks simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing conditions. Demonstrated use of sound judgment for decision-making and ability to follow through on tasks with minimal supervision. Proven ability to handle confidential matters with discretion. Successful references.

Tier 2 (Significant): Experience collecting and synthesizing financial data for distribution. Familiarity with advising and training on a variety of budgetary issues and with coordinating budget-related work of other program staff.

Proven ability to develop financial models in Microsoft Excel or similar tools using technical formulas to forecasting financial transactions such as estimate at complete, contractor burn rates, and cost estimating. Tier 3 (Desirable): Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner certification or similar financial designation.

Knowledge of CAPA's programs, strategic focus, and priorities.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the following is provided: The position involves skill in using a computer and/or laptop; oral and written communication skills; skills in proofreading and editing; use of clear and articulate speech; interpersonal relations skills; reasoning and problem-solving skills; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; ability to sit for long periods, stoop, bend, reach and carry light materials (up to 10 lbs.); and ability to travel by various methods of transportation, e.g., airplane, car.

NEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, or disability. Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal .