Financial Specialist

About the Role

The Air Force Research Laboratory is seeking to fill a DO-0501-02 (GS-12/13 equivalent) Financial Specialist position to enable faster delivery of game-changing technologies through financial decision-making located at Arlington, VA. This position is open to current federal civilian employees only and will be accepting candidate submissions until 11:45 PM EST, 2 October 2026.

Responsibilities

• Supports organizational and mission priorities at all levels.
• Serves as Program Financial Manager representing AFRL.
• Analyzes, interprets, and applies FM procedures in a variety of complex situations.
• Allocates and monitors financial resources in compliance with laws, regulations, and policies, ensuring transparency and appropriate internal controls.
• Develops, interprets, and guides standardized processes and operations to ensure transparency and promote efficiency and accountability to leadership.
• Researches and analyzes information related to budget formulation and execution, financial analysis, governance, operations, cost analysis, accounting, and program control.
• Applies fiscal law, policies, regulations, principles, standards, and procedures to all FM activities.
• Provides advisory services on FM issues to internal/external customers.
• Performs value-added financial analysis to make informed decisions that maximize resources and improve mission effectiveness.
• Utilizes systems to extract data, identify and resolve system problems, and maintain data integrity.
• Ensures financial aspects of research and program forecasts, reports, plans, and strategies are consistent with DAF goals and strategic initiatives.
• Prepares supporting documentation for FIAR audit trail.
• Supports all aspects of the DoD planning, programming, budgeting, and execution of programs.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
• At least one (1) year of specialized experience related to the position at the next lower grade (for DO-02 consideration, applicants must have a minimum of GS-11 equivalent experience).
• Level/Tier 2 (Practitioner) Non-Critical certification in Business-Financial Management (K) required.
• Must meet or be capable of meeting Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• Incumbent must file annual financial disclosures to ensure no conflicts of interest.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s/MBA or equivalent advanced degree in finance, business administration, or other relevant field.
• Experience interfacing/collaborating with business partners across multiple functions outside of financial management.
• Strong technical and financial management knowledge, including the ability to use financial models and communicate data effectively.
• Exceptional leadership skills, including setting clear expectations, motivating employees, and driving accountability.
• Knowledge/experience of DoD Acquisition requirements and financial management concepts, principles, practices, laws, and regulations.
• Experience building program plans and budget justification products.
• Experience providing written and oral communications to senior leaders.
• Experience solving complex issues spanning multiple internal and external organizations.

Additional Information

This position is eligible for situational telework as determined by agency policy. The selectee will have 24 months to meet APDP requirements or obtain a waiver. Applicants must list acquisition certifications and status as an acquisition corps member in their resume. Resume may not exceed two pages, with a font size no smaller than 10pts.