Program Finance Director

Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

The Director I reports to the Director 2 of Program Finance, with matrixed responsibilities to the Program Office leaders that they support. This position is accountable for financial acumen and support of program control activities, accurate program performance, and actionable financial reporting on the overall financial position of their program office activities. The role will be responsible for developing and leading a team of program finance leads and program finance analysts.

This role requires an ability to think strategically and tactically as well as outstanding analytical, communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities include supporting annual and long-term program level planning activities, serving as the team point‑of‑contact on principles and tools for Earned Value Management (EVM), quarterly estimates at completion (EAC), and developing a deep understanding of their business financial performance. The position will be responsible for communicating results effectively through EAC packages, program management review packages, and timely data and analysis on key programs.

Additional responsibilities include supporting contract start‑up and contract close‑out activities, as well as proposal development. This role is expected to drive continuous improvement in alignment with program finance and overall finance vision and strategy. It will also play a representative role for applicable internal and external audits, fostering adherence to government regulations, Draper policies and procedures.

• Accountable for reporting and understanding financial performance of programs, from program analytics, EVMS and EAC practices compliant with internal and external criteria.
• Establishing a program level forecast for revenue, profit and other financial metrics as appropriate.
• Coordinate, prepare, and analyze Quarterly EACs.
• Review, analyze, and understand financial information for Program Management Reviews (PMRs).
• Generate financial information for Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs).
• Generate internal reports and customer reporting deliverables to support Program Managers.
• Report program level metrics to Program Office and FP&A leadership to support strategy development and planning, including development of 5‑Year integrated business plans.
• Anticipate, influence and report on financial dynamics related to program activities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand the business's current state and develop data‑driven insights that can drive organizational‑wide goals and strategies.
• Drive improved contract profitability, cash flows, and higher returns on investments.
• Maintain a working knowledge of applicable regulations (FAR, DFARS) to provide guidance and direction to program teams.
• Ensure proper revenue recognition on contracts.
• Create reporting and analytics to aid in improved predictability of operating results and cash flow requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Proficiency with MS Office:
  Word, Excel and Data warehouse and Adobe.
• Familiarity with FAR and CAS regulations.
• Ability to work under tight time constraints due to Departmental deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changes in workflow.
• Ability to lead and work as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills.

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required; MBA or CPA preferred.

10+ years of experience driving high performing finance teams in a rigorous and complex environment, or equivalent experience, strongly preferred. ERP experience a must (People Soft,…