Strategic Advisor Air Force PBES

About the role

Provide subject-matter expertise in the Air Force Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PBES) process. This role supports the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Financial Management and Comptroller (SAF/FM) and the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs (AF/A8) by delivering strategic advisory services, process oversight, and enterprise integration across the Department of the Air Force (DAF) resource allocation processes. The position shapes DAF programming and budgeting decisions by improving governance, data quality, decision support, and consistency across Headquarters Air Force (HAF), Major Commands (MAJCOMs), Field Commands (FLDCOMs), Direct Reporting Units (DRUs), and Field Operating Agencies (FOAs).

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior Air Force PBES Subject Matter Expert (SME) supporting SAF/FM and AF/A8 on planning, programming, budgeting, execution, and resource management initiatives.
• Coordinate with Headquarters Air Force organizations, Commands, Combatant Commands, and other stakeholders to ensure timely execution of PBES activities.
• Provide strategic oversight of enterprise PBES business processes and recommend improvements that enhance efficiency, transparency, and decision quality.
• Ensure consistency of budget submissions, program documentation, data standards, and business rules across MAJCOMs and other Air Force organizations.
• Advise senior leaders on Program Objective Memorandum (POM), President's Budget (PB), Budget Estimate Submission (BES), execution reviews, and other programming and budgeting milestones.
• Support enterprise governance by evaluating resource requirements, analyzing impacts of policy changes, and developing recommendations for senior leadership decision-making.
• Develop executive-level briefing materials, analytical products, decision papers, and strategic communications supporting SAF/FM and AF/A8 priorities.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts among financial management, programming, manpower, logistics, acquisition, personnel, and operational communities to resolve complex resource issues.
• Lead development and delivery of PBES education and decision-support training using instructor-led, virtual, and computer-based learning methodologies.
• Support organizational change management initiatives associated with modernization of DAF resource management processes, systems, and governance.
• Develop performance metrics, dashboards, and reporting tools that improve visibility into PBES execution and strategic outcomes.
• Provide oversight of contractor personnel, ensuring quality, schedule, and customer satisfaction while maintaining strong relationships with Government stakeholders.

Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 10 years of DAF budget, PPB&E, or financial management experience, including significant experience supporting Air Force PBES.
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic initiatives and organizational change management efforts.
• Thorough understanding of the DAF Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution process and associated governance.
• Experience developing executive briefings, policy recommendations, and decision-support products for senior leaders.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate activities across multiple DAF organizations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated experience briefing senior military and civilian leadership.
• Ability to manage customer relationships while ensuring deliverables meet schedule, quality, and mission objectives.
• Active secret clearance (requires U.S. citizenship).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within Headquarters Air Force, Secretariat Staff, Joint Staff, Office of the Secretary of War (OSW), or other DoW organizations.
• Demonstrated experience supporting SAF/FM, AF/A8, or equivalent headquarters organizations.
• Experience working at a Command level or higher.
• Knowledge of Air Force resource management systems, budget data environments, and decision-support tools.
• Familiarity with Air Force Corporate Structure, Program Objective Memorandum (POM) development, Program Decision Memoranda (PDMs), and budget execution processes.
• Experience supporting enterprise business transformation, digital modernization, or data analytics initiatives within Air Force Financial Management.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, CDFM, CGFM, or equivalent.

About Kearney & Company

Exclusively focused on the Government, Kearney & Company provides financial services, including auditing, consulting, and technology services. The firm is consistently rated a Best Place to Work based on employee feedback and is recognized as one of the leading accounting firms in the country. Employment at Kearney means a flexible, collaborative, and open-minded work environment.

Pay

The expected salary range for this position is between $103,000 and $180,000. This range represents base pay only and does not include straight time pay for hours worked over 40 per week, company contributions toward paid benefits, or bonuses. Actual compensation will be determined based on specific experience, education, work location, clearance level, and other factors permitted by law. This position is eligible for bonuses when applicable.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan and 529 Education Savings Plan
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Account
• Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity Insurances
• Legal Insurance and Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program, fitness and wellness benefits, and other firm benefits
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time