Senior Research Associate-Project Finance

Requisition Number

26886BR

Westat is an employee-owned corporation providing research services to agencies of the U.S. Government, as well as businesses, foundations, and state and local governments. Westat's research, technical, and administrative staff of more than 2,000 is located at our headquarters in Rockville, Maryland, near Washington, DC.

Westat is committed to building a diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity, belonging and equity for all. We believe that our greatest strength draws on the different backgrounds, cultures, perspectives and experiences of our employees.

Job Summary:

Westat has an immediate opening for a Senior Research Associate, Project Finance in the Public Health Practice to directly support project leadership in management of a multi-million-dollar portfolio of research contracts. The candidate will be responsible for the financial health of the project through accurate tracking, financial analysis, and advice to ensure the long-term success.

Hybrid 1-2 days per week preferred, remote work arrangement also available.

Job Responsibilities:

• Provide support to Project Managers in the preparation and analysis of project financial data and other contract, project, or business-related tasks.

• Prepare and manage project specific financial deliverables and ad hoc financial reporting.

• Work with Program Team to collect bottom-up financial forecasts/Estimate to complete and enter into Program Financial Management Tool and maintain contract budgets.

• Work directly with external partners to monitor forecasted expenditures and resolve invoicing issues.

• Work collaboratively with other functional support personnel (the program manager with other complex contracts, project or business-related contracts, subcontracts, HR, etc.) to support tasks.

• Review trends to assess accuracy of the financial forecast and work with program team to mediate any issues.

• Monitor progress of program requirements and cost performance against plans to ensure contractual cost obligations are met.

• Conduct financial analysis (variance analysis, risk analysis, profit/loss analysis, etc.).

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree and 8 years of related work experience, including at least 5 years of program control or financial management in a government contracting setting.

• Experience with Deltek Costpoint and TM1 (or similar) project forecasting tools.

• Intermediate MS Excel skills such as pivot tables, filters, SUMIFS and VLOOKUPS to work with large data sets to perform analysis and monthly manual spreadsheet report in support of monthly invoice.

• Knowledge of accounting principles to include cost collection, revenue recognition, Estimate at Complete (EAC) lifecycle, invoicing, and unbilled reconciliation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MBA and/or PMP certification.

• Experience with government contract financial management particularly with HHS (Health and Human Services).

• Expertise working in contracting/consulting firm.

• Ability to work with multiple support functions (contracts, procurement, accounting).

• Ability to communicate financial information into actionable data for non-financial collaborators.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Demonstrated communication skills.

• Collaboration with teams, managers and/or clients.

• Organization skills, including time management ability.

• Detail oriented.

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Parental Leave

Vacation Leave

Sick Leave

Holiday Leave

Professional Development

Health Advocate

Employee Assistance Program

Travel Accident Insurance

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Short Term Disability Insurance

Long Term Disability Insurance

Life and AD&D Insurance

Critical Illness Insurance

Supplemental Life Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Health Savings Account

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, gender identity or expression, or any other protected status under applicable law.

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Career Area

Research - Health Studies

Pay Range

The anticipated salary range for this position is $95,000 - $133,000 and will commensurate with experience.

Bonus Eligibility

Yes