Budget Analytics & Financial Operations Analyst

Budget Analytics & Financial Operations Analyst

Bethesda, MD

Axle is a bioscience and information technology company that offers advancements in translational research, biomedical informatics, and data science applications to research centers and healthcare organizations nationally and abroad. With experts in biomedical science, software engineering, and program management, we focus on developing and applying research tools and techniques to empower decision-making and accelerate research discoveries. We work with some of the top research organizations and facilities in the country including multiple institutes at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Axle is seeking a Budget Analytics & Financial Operations Analyst to join our vibrant team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) supporting the Bethesda, MD.

Benefits We Offer:

• 100% Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage for Employees
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• 401K match up to 5%
• Educational Benefits for Career Growth
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Flexible Spending Accounts:
• Healthcare (FSA)
• Parking Reimbursement Account (PRK)
• Dependent Care Assistant Program (DCAP)
• Transportation Reimbursement Account (TRN)

Summary:

The objective of this requirement is to provide comprehensive financial operations, analytical, and coordination support to the NIMHD FMB to ensure effective execution, monitoring, and reporting of the Institute's budget. The contractor shall support FMB in managing complex financial portfolios, maintaining accurate and reliable financial data, and producing timely analyses and reports that inform leadership decision-making. In addition, the contractor will assist in strengthening internal financial monitoring processes, enhancing reporting efficiency, and supporting efforts to improve data analytics and automation within FMB operations in support of the mission of the NIMHD within the NIH.

Objectives: The objective of this requirement is to provide comprehensive financial operations, analytical, and coordination support to the NIMHD FMB to ensure effective execution, monitoring, and reporting of the Institute's budget.

The contractor shall support FMB in managing complex financial portfolios, maintaining accurate and reliable financial data, and producing timely analyses and reports that inform leadership decision-making. In addition, the contractor will assist in strengthening internal financial monitoring processes, enhancing reporting efficiency, and supporting efforts to improve data analytics and automation within FMB operations. This support is critical to ensuring sound financial stewardship, operational continuity, and compliance with federal financial management requirements in support of the mission of the NIMHD within the NIH.

Background: The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), Financial Management Branch (FMB), is responsible for managing the full budget lifecycle for the NIMHD, an Institute within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). NIMHD's mission is to lead scientific research to improve minority health and reduce health disparities.

FMB oversees the formulation, execution, monitoring, and reporting of the Institute's annual appropriated budget in accordance with federal appropriations law, NIH policy, and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) financial management requirements.

The Branch provides financial oversight and operational support across all major Institute portfolios, including:

• Research Management and Support (RMS)
• Research and Development (R&D) Contracts
• Division of Intramural Research (DIR)
• Extramural Grant Programs

Through these funding mechanisms, NIMHD supports scientific research, clinical and translational studies, training initiatives, and administrative operations. FMB ensures that funds are properly allocated, obligated, monitored, and reported to support Institute leadership decision-making and to maintain compliance with applicable federal financial regulations.

As portfolio complexity and reporting requirements continue to expand, FMB is strengthening its internal financial monitoring, forecasting, and analytic capabilities. The Branch is also evaluating opportunities to improve efficiency and enhance data-driven decision-making through structured analytics and responsible automation initiatives, consistent with federal governance standards.

This position provides support to FMB's operational and analytical functions to ensure effective stewardship of public funds and alignment with the Institute's mission and regulatory responsibilities.

General Requirements:

A. Financial Operations and Budget Execution Support

The contractor shall provide operational financial support across Institute portfolios, including RMS, R&D Contracts, DIR, and Extramural Grant programs, by:

1. Processing and tracking Interagency Agreements (IAAs) and associated financial documentation.
2. Preparing and processing DCC actions and Common Accounting Number (CAN) changes.
3. Monitoring obligations, expenditures, and available balances.
4. Supporting reconciliation of financial data and assisting in resolution of discrepancies.
5. Maintaining personnel funding projections, payroll forecasting, and FTE tracking.
6. Supporting internal funding adjustments and documentation requirements.

These responsibilities directly contribute to the accurate execution and accountability of Institute funds.

B. Portfolio Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting

The contractor shall support FMB's oversight responsibilities by:

1. Assisting in monitoring financial status across RMS, R&D Contracts, DIR, and Extramural portfolios.
2. Preparing and updating monthly and quarterly financial reports.
3. Conducting variance and trend analyses to identify emerging issues or risks.
4. Maintaining standardized financial tracking tools and reporting templates.
5. Assisting in preparation of briefing materials and financial summaries for leadership.

This work enhances transparency, strengthens oversight, and supports data-informed decision-making.

C. Data Analytics and Process Improvement

Under the direction of the Chief, FMB, and other senior Budget Analysts, the contractor shall:

1. Assist in development and maintenance of financial forecasting and tracking models.
2. Support the creation of dashboards or structured reporting tools to improve data accessibility.
3. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through enhanced analytics or automation of recurring reporting processes.
4. Participate in pilot efforts involving structured data modeling or AI-enabled tools.
5. Document methodologies, assumptions, and lessons learned from pilot efforts.
6. Assist in evaluating the feasibility and value of enhanced analytic approaches for potential broader adoption.

This component of the role supports continuous improvement while maintaining responsible oversight and compliance.

D. Process Documentation and Coordination

The contractor shall strengthen operational continuity within FMB by:

1. Assisting in documentation and updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
2. Drafting internal workflow documentation and budget guidance as directed.
3. Supporting standardization of reporting formats and financial tracking processes.
4. Documenting meeting minutes and distributing action items.
5. Maintaining project tracking logs and monitoring status of FMB initiatives.

These efforts support consistency, institutional knowledge retention, and effective internal coordination.

Specific Requirements:

Education: B.S.

Experience: 1 – 5 years

Location: NIMHD – 5601 Fisher's Lane, Rockville, MD 20852

Hours: Monday through Friday, 30–40 hours per week. No rotational shifts. Not telework eligible. No night or holiday shifts.

Delivery or Deliverables and Reporting Requirements. The contractor shall provide deliverables that may include, but are not limited to:

1. Processed IAAs, DCC actions, and CAN adjustments.
2. Updated personnel funding and payroll projection tracking tools.
3. Monthly and quarterly financial monitoring reports.
4. Updated financial forecasting templates and tracking models.
5. Documentation of data analytics or automation pilot efforts.
6. Updated SOPs and workflow documentation.
7. Meeting minutes, action item logs, and project status reports.
8. Financial summaries and briefing materials prepared for internal use.

Disclaimer: The above description is meant to illustrate the general nature of work and level of effort being performed by individuals assigned to this position or job description. This is not restricted as a complete list of all skills, responsibilities, duties, and/or assignments required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their position, job description or responsibilities as needed.

The diversity of Axle's employees is a tremendous asset. We are firmly committed to providing equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and will not tolerate any illegal discrimination or harassment based on age, race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, status with respect to public assistance, and other characteristics