Director of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Position Summary
STR is seeking an innovative and strategic financial leader to serve as Sr. Manager of FP&A. Reporting to the Director of FP&A, the Sr. Manager 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 Sr. Manager will operate as a key advisor to the Director of FP&A and Division Finance Leads, 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.
What you will do:
- Strategic Leadership:
Shape the future of the finance function 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.
Who you are:
- This position requires the ability to obtain a US government security clearance, for which US citizenship is needed by the US Government
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field required; MBA or Master’s preferred.
- Minimum 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience in the defense contracting industry.
- Demonstrated leadership within complex, matrixed, and high-growth organizations.
- Expertise with enterprise planning and financial analytics tools; experience implementing or championing emerging technologies such as AI and automation within finance preferred.
- Experience supporting external audits and government compliance (DCAA/DFARS).
- Familiarity with financial reporting, controls, and processes typical of highly regulated environments (e.g., SOX, SEC reporting, Board governance).
- Proven ability to implement and drive process improvements and innovation within FP&A.
- Advanced communication, collaboration, and executive presentation skills.
- Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving abilities with meticulous attention to detail.
- Ability to obtain a security clearance (U.S. citizenship required by DoD).
Nice to have:
- Change agent mindset; embraces and leads transformation.
- Business partner orientation with a collaborative, positive approach.
- Resilient and adaptable under pressure in a fast-paced and highly regulated business environment.
- Commitment to continuous professional development—self and team.
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $180,000.00 to $230,000.00
The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.
STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston, MA, Arlington, VA, near Dayton, OH, Melbourne, FL, Carlsbad, CA, Atlanta, GA, and Denver, CO. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense, intelligence, and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors, radar, sonar, communications, and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.
STR is committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging, and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.
STR is not just any company. Our people, culture, and attitude along with their unique set of skills, experiences, and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We can't do it alone, though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one, join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us at www.str.us for more info.
STR is an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process, email us at [email protected] and provide your contact info.
Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations, positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field
- 10+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience in the defense contracting industry
- Demonstrated leadership in complex, matrixed, and high-growth organizations
- Expertise with enterprise planning and financial analytics tools
- Experience supporting external audits and government compliance, including DCAA and DFARS
- Familiarity with financial reporting, financial controls, and regulated-environment processes such as SOX, SEC reporting, and Board governance
- Ability to implement and drive FP&A process improvements and innovation
- Advanced communication, collaboration, and executive presentation skills
- Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving abilities with meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to obtain a U.S. government security clearance
- U.S. citizenship required by the U.S. government for clearance eligibility
- MBA or master's degree
- Experience implementing or championing AI, automation, or emerging technologies within finance
- Change agent mindset and commitment to continuous professional development
What the Team is Saying
What We Do
STR makes the world a safer place by developing technology and applying it to solve emerging national security challenges.
Why Work With Us
We believe in a people-first culture. Yes, we are scientists, engineers, and researchers, but first, we are people. Our environment is designed to foster innovation by encouraging our employees to work collaboratively on things they are passionate about. We also really like to have fun. We believe that working hard and playing hard go hand in hand.
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STR Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
