Senior Program Finance Manager

Job Description

Job Description

At Areté, we are on the forefront of developing innovative solutions, with great minds from all backgrounds, to help solve the nation’s most complex security challenges. We strive for an inclusive, collaborative team environment that approaches differences as opportunities for innovation and excellence. As an employee-owned company, we foster an atmosphere that propels diverse career opportunities and professional growth.

Discover your future with us.

The Senior Programs Finance Manager is responsible for leading all financial planning, analysis, and operational finance activities supporting direct programs, labor, materials, production and operations. This role provides strategic financial insights, ensures accurate program performance measurement, and partners closely with Operations, Program Management, Supply Chain, and Executive Leadership to drive execution excellence and financial accountability. The ideal candidate brings deep analytical strength, strong understanding of program finance, and demonstrated capability in earned value management, forecasting, and operational decision support. This is an exempt, full-time position that may be based out of our Tucson, AZ; Falls Church, VA; Niwot, CO; or Northridge, CA offices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Builds, leads and mentors a high-performing programs finance team; establishes clear goals, manages performance, and develops succession and growth plans.
• Lead Direct Planning and Analysis, including revenue, direct labor, materials, and program‑level cost forecasting
• Oversee Estimates at Completion (EACs), ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely updates across all programs and cost elements.
• Manage Earned Value Management System (EVMS) processes, reporting, and compliance, partnering with Program Management to ensure accurate and actionable performance metrics.
• Lead Resource Planning, including labor capacity modeling, workforce alignment, and scenario analysis to support operational needs.
• Conduct Inventory Analysis, including excess/obsolete review, inventory turns, valuation accuracy, and production‑planning alignment. Reconcile inventory to general ledger.
• Provide comprehensive Proposal Support, including pricing analysis, cost modeling, basis‑of‑estimate development, and compliance with customer and regulatory requirements.
• Drive Cash Flow Analysis, including program‑level cash modeling, billing/milestone analysis, and risk/opportunity assessments.
• Develop and maintain Direct Dashboards, providing operational and financial visibility to leadership through real‑time metrics and performance trends.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Program Management on performance reviews, production planning, and cost‑reduction initiatives.
• Support audits, compliance reviews, and financial controls across direct cost areas.
• Lead continuous‑improvement initiatives to strengthen financial processes, data accuracy, and decision‑support capabilities.

We have an impressive range of benefits, programs, and perks that we offer:

Health & Wellness:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Vision Reimbursement
• Fitness Reimbursement

Financial:

• Company-funded 5% contribution to your 401(k) retirement plan
• Company-funded 5% contribution to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Continuing Education Funds

Work-Life Balance:

• Flexible Scheduling
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Parental and Bereavement Leave

What We Value:

• Creativity and innovation in solving challenges
• Integrity and responsibility in all actions
• Collaboration across teams and specialties
• Responsiveness in fast-paced environments
• Passion for national security and excellence

Experiences and Background We Look For (Required Skills):

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in program finance, manufacturing finance, FP&A, cost accounting, or related operational finance functions.
• Strong experience with EACs, EVMS, program performance measurement, or production/operations finance.
• Proficiency in financial modeling, forecasting, and analytics tools.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence cross‑functional leaders.

Nice to Have (Preferred Skills):

• Experience in aerospace, defense, engineering, or other program‑centric, cost‑structured environments.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Costpoint) and EVMS/analytics tools.
• Familiarity with proposal compliance, government contracting, or FAR/DFARS environments.
• MBA, CPA, CMA or relevant professional certification.

The salary range for this role is $175,000 to $210,000; however, Arete considers several factors when extending an offer of employment, including but not limited to: the position and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Other Considerations

Areté is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination, and we believe every person has the right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and equal consideration. Areté is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

U.S. citizenship is required to meet position eligibility.

Successful passage of a criminal background screen is required to meet position eligibility.

Selected applicants will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Areté will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Successful passage of a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug test is required to meet position eligibility.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website because of your disability. To request an accommodation, please contact Areté Human Resources at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com for assistance.