Finance Manager - Manager Level 2

Description

Expand your horizons, advance your career, and contribute to a secure future for generations. Northrop Grumman’s Space Sector invites you to bring your pioneering spirit to our collaborative teams. As a Finance Manager – Manager Level 2 located in McLean, VA, you’ll be a linchpin in missions of paramount importance, defining the art of the possible from day one.

The Manager, Finance 2 will serve as the primary financial planning and analysis and financial reporting lead for the Civil Space & Sciences business unit within the Launch & Exploration division. This role is responsible for driving the financial forecasting, budgeting, and reporting processes; providing decision-support analysis to business leadership; and ensuring financial integrity, compliance, and performance against financial objectives. The manager will partner closely with the Business Unit Director of Business Management and functional leaders to support strategic and operational decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the full FP&A cycle (annual operating plan, long-range plan, monthly/quarterly forecasts)
• Develop, maintain, and communicate robust financial models, including revenue, margin, indirect expenses, and cash flow projections.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly financial packages, variance analyses, and performance dashboards.
• Analyze program and portfolio performance, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities; recommend actions to improve financial outcomes.
• Support indirect budgeting and rate analysis.
• Ensure alignment of actuals, forecasts, and budgets with corporate financial systems and reporting requirements.
• Lead and develop financial analysts, providing coaching, workload prioritization, and performance feedback.
• Drive process improvements, standardization, and automation in reporting and analysis.
• Support internal and external audits, ensuring adherence to company financial controls, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Present financial results and analysis to leadership, clearly articulating key drivers, assumptions, and recommendations.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, FP&A, or related discipline – OR - 6+ years with a Master’s degree.
• Strong financial modeling, forecasting, and variance analysis skills
• Proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint
• Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
• Proven experience working cross-functionally and influencing decisions in a matrixed organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional certification (e.g., CFA, CPA, CMA) is a plus.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, space systems, or related high-technology industries.
• Experience with EVMS, program finance, and government contracting requirements.
• Demonstrated people leadership experience (team lead, supervisor, or manager).
• Experience with enterprise financial systems (e.g., SAP/CostPoint, IBM Cognos TM1, or similar planning/reporting tools).

Key Competencies

• Strong business acumen and strategic thinking.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and financial rigor.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Problem-solving mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Collaborative and proactive approach to partnering with stakeholders.