Director of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

Director of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

STR is seeking an innovative and strategic financial leader to serve as Director of FP&A. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director will be responsible for all aspects of financial planning and analysis, including annual and long-term company-wide budgeting, forecasting, rate development, investment analysis, incentive compensation, and supporting executive-level reporting.

This is a transformative role for an experienced FP&A leader passionate about leveraging technology—particularly AI and advanced analytics—to drive business insight, operational efficiency, and scalable growth. The Director will operate as a key advisor to the CFO and executive team, ensuring STR’s finance function exceeds the requirements typical of highly regulated and rapidly growing organizations.

We are seeking a leader who brings a high degree of financial rigor, governance discipline, and a forward-looking mindset—someone comfortable operating within the robust standards and expectations of highly complex, audit-intensive organizations.

We support flexible work arrangements for this role, including remote work within the U.S.. For candidates located near our Woburn, MA office, a hybrid schedule is preferred to enable effective partnership, relationship building, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Strategic Leadership: Shape the future of the finance function as a member of the Finance Leadership Team by introducing best-in-class processes and tools for automation, efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• AI & Analytics Transformation: Champion adoption of AI and machine learning techniques within FP&A to enhance forecasting, scenario modeling, and data-driven decision making. Evaluate and adopt emerging tools in financial planning, reporting, and analysis that leverage AI or predictive analytics capabilities.
• Planning & Forecasting: Oversee annual operating plans (AOP), monthly forecasts, and long-range (LRP) strategic planning. Ensure tight alignment among operational, financial, and strategic objectives, and develop models explaining key drivers of business performance.
• Rate Strategy & Analysis: Develop and refine indirect rate strategies to ensure competitive, compliant, and forward-looking cost structures consistent with contract requirements and company strategy.
• Investment & Incentive Analysis: Lead financial analysis and tracking for R&D, capital, facility, bid & proposal, and new product development investments. Partner with HR on incentive compensation plans, including performance modeling and target setting. Provide actionable analysis to inform strategic investment decisions.
• KPI Development & Performance Oversight: Lead the design and implementation of enterprise KPIs and financial metrics that provide investor-grade transparency and integrity, supporting executive- and Board-level decision-making with timely insights.
• Executive & Board Communication: Prepare and deliver executive-level presentations and actionable financial insights to the CFO, executive leadership, and Board of Directors, ensuring clarity and accuracy consistent with external stakeholder and boardroom expectations.
• Governance & Financial Controls: Establish and maintain rigorous financial controls, policies, and reporting standards to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and readiness for external audits and Board oversight.
• Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing FP&A team. Build talent pipelines and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate across STR to influence strategic decisions and drive data-driven business outcomes as a trusted advisor to operations and functional leaders.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field required; MBA or Master’s preferred.
• 15 years of progressive accounting/finance experience in the defense contracting industry.
• At least 7 years of FP&A experience and 10 or more years in people management.
• Demonstrated leadership within complex, matrixed, and high-growth organizations.
• Expertise with…