Financial Analyst

Financial AnalystAt Virgin Galactic, our Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) team works closely with our business partners to provide financial clarity, improve decision-making, and help optimize how resources are allocated across the organization.We are seeking a Financial Analyst to support our Space Missions organization in support of our flight readiness and operational execution. You will work closely with leadership for our Safety, Facilities, Flight Test Pilots, Medical & Engineering teams. This is a high-visibility role at the intersection of finance and operations, ideal for a strong analyst who thrives in complex environments and wants to operate as a true business partner. This role is well-suited for candidates with strong FP&A fundamentals who are ready to step into a more impactful, business-facing role with exposure to senior leaders and mission-critical decision-making. Includes daily focus on execution of tasks and deliverables.ResponsibilitiesServe as a trusted finance partner to leaders across Space Missions teams, helping translate operational activity into financial insight and actionable recommendations.Partner with leadership to build and manage budgets, forecasts, and headcount plans aligned with mission priorities and operational needs.Provide visibility to budgets and headcount to proactively identify areas of opportunity and enable better planning decisions.Support monthly and quarterly financial reporting cycles, including variance analysis, forecast updates, and provide clear communication of financial performance drivers.Analyze spending patterns, operational costs, and workforce trends to identify risks and optimization opportunities.Develop executive-level presentations and financial materials for leadership reviews, including performance updates, forecasts, and business case support.Build and enhance financial models, reporting tools, and planning templates to improve accuracy, scalability, and decision-making speed.Drive improvements in FP&A processes, systems, and tools (e.g., Oracle, Anaplan, Power BI), with a focus on automation, simplification, and usability.Partner cross-functionally with Accounting, Finance, and IT to ensure data integrity, reporting consistency, and efficient planning workflows.Support ad hoc analyses and strategic initiatives related to cost structure, operational efficiency, and resource allocation.Required Skills and ExperienceBachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, or a related field with 5 years of experience in FP&A, corporate finance, accounting, consulting, or related analytical roles. MBA or advanced degree with 3 years of experience.Budgeting and financial planning experience, preferably with experience in operations, transportation and/or aerospace industries.Strong understanding of monthly close process, performance reporting, and financial forecasting / planning.Demonstrated ability to partner with operational or technical teams to support decision-making.Advanced Excel skills with experience building and maintaining financial models and reporting tools.Experience with enterprise systems such as Oracle, Anaplan, Power BI, or similar planning/reporting tools.Strong analytical mindset with the ability to distill complex data into clear insights and recommendations.Proven ability to improve processes, streamline reporting, and enhance financial visibility for stakeholders.Strong communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to present financial insights to non-finance audiences and senior leaders.Self-starter with natural curiosity, enthusiasm, desire to learn and ability to deal with ambiguity.Demonstrate willingness to adjust thinking and behavior.Ability to communicate in a manner that is timely, respectful, and open to other ideasOffice located in Tustin, CA