**Description** Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc. has an immediate need for a Financial Analyst with a broad set of skills and experience who is proactive, adaptable and deadline driven to join our Integrated Missions Systems (IMS) sector located in Raleigh, NC. The IMS Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) team is a key link between business areas and larger finance function at business and group level. We are looking for someone who sees an opportunity in every challenge, can function well in a fast-changing environment and will drive efficiencies in the way we operate. Candidates will have a sharp analytical mind, strong modelling skills, multiple years of experience in financial planning and analysis, and a solid understanding of accounting principles are necessary. **What you’ll do as a Staff Financial Analyst** + Assist the Sector’s Director of Operations in developing and implementing fiscal operating processes and procedures. Maintain, and establish operational specifications for financial information systems considering such things as information flow, volume, and document format. + Provide analysis and monitor business performance by unit, division, and sector. + Track and report on key performance indicators; analyzing and interpreting financial and operational performance and track key operational objectives and strategic initiatives to improve the efficiency and profitability of the business units. + Assemble spreadsheets, develop charts and graphs used in program management reviews, management progress reports and presentations. + Review and analyze monthly corporate and business unit financial statements, quarterly and annual financial data, as well as preparation of internal management analyses. + Prepare revenue and expense analysis for the month-end close, analyze actuals vs. projections, update and validate monthly reporting packages for submission to senior management. + Develop and update sector budget and forecast plans to align with business objectives. **Staff Financial Analyst Qualifications** + U.S. citizenship is required, candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Current clearance is preferred. + Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics with 2-4 years of experience, or a Master’s with 0-2 years of experience. Equivalent professional experience (at least 8 years) will be considered for talented candidates without a degree. + Knowledge and/or experience with CostPoint, Power BI, Adaptive Planning and/or similar Finance, Planning and Analysis (FP&A) tools. + Skilled at organizing and translating financial information into clear written documentation; articulating complex budgets and expenditures. + Experience working in a collaborative environment; ability to work well under tight deadlines and effectively interact with a wide range of personnel. + Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written language communication skills. + Intermediate to Advanced Excel modeling skills and proficiency with PowerPoint, including the ability to manipulate large quantities of data. + Ability to quickly evaluate incoming work and manage priorities in time critical situations. + Ability to extract meaning and suggest action items from data, to proactively address any variances from expected projections. **About ARA:** Applied Research Associates (ARA), founded in 1979, is an international employee-owned company whose mission is to "Solve problems of national importance.” We are composed mainly of scientific engineers who create and invent applications that protect our public servants, prevent disasters to homeowners, and provide strength to our military heroes. We do not just accept the ordinary. Our motto is to 'Expand the realm of possibility.” Moreover, it is accomplished with fun and profit. The Integrated Mission Systems sector was established in Raleigh, NC in 1982. We are nationally recognized for our expertise in several different areas including weapons effects, blast and shock modeling, threat and vulnerability assessment, sensor systems, and modeling and simulation. Our team of engineers/scientists and senior-level software system developers is committed to creating smart and scalable solutions and producing the highest quality work for our customers. To find out more about what the Integrated Mission Systems Sector has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/ **Qualifications** **Education** **Preferred** + Bachelors or better in Accounting **Experience** **Required** + 2-4 years: Relevant Experience Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)