Program Financial Analyst

Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy

Salary: $85k - $93k
Experience: 4+ yrs
Location: Tucson, Arizona, United States
Job type: Full-time

Required skills

SAP
Deltek Costpoint
Oracle
Sage
Excel
Cognos BI
SQL
Business Objects
Access

About the role

The Program Financial Analyst (PFA) reports to the Associate Director of Administration and is a key member of NOIRLab’s Management Support Services (MSS) organization. MSS includes the Portfolio Management Office (PMO), Finance, Document Management, and other shared business services.

NOIRLab is a complex, matrixed organization with an annual budget of approximately $116M, executed across five Programs and four Service areas. The PFA serves as the primary financial partner for assigned Program(s) and/or Service(s), providing end‑to‑end financial planning, analysis, reporting, and compliance support.

This is a mid‑level, high‑impact role for a hands‑on financial analyst who enjoys partnering with leadership, translating technical financial data into insights, and supporting data‑driven decision‑making in a mission‑driven, scientific research environment.

Essential Functions

Financial Management & Business Partnership

Serve as the primary financial partner to Program and/or Service leadership and budget managers.
Provide tailored, end‑to‑end financial planning, analysis, and decision‑support services.
Develop and maintain metrics and dashboards to monitor financial health, trends, and risks.

Budget Development & Planning

Lead financial support for assigned Program(s)/Service(s) during the annual Program Operating Plan (POP) process.
Support preparation of quarterly and annual external financial reports to the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Partner with budget managers and AURA Central Administrative Services (CAS) to develop bottom‑up budgets using appropriate methodologies (e.g., earned value where applicable).

Forecasting & Workforce Planning

Produce recurring in‑year and multi‑year forecasts, rolling budgets, and estimates at completion (EAC).
Maintain workforce plans, hiring assumptions, and detailed staffing changes to support quarterly forecasting and reporting.
Incorporate scope changes, updated cost data, and evolving assumptions into forecasts.

Proposal & New Funding Support

Collaborate with stakeholders to develop compliant, realistic budgets for new funding opportunities and proposals.
Translate technical scope into fully costed labor and non‑labor budgets.
Develop bases of estimate and provide financial guidance through proposal submission.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

Analyze budget vs. actual variances, funding availability, and financial risks.
Identify and recommend corrective actions and mitigation strategies.
Design and implement new financial reports and analyses in response to emerging needs.
Partner with CAS and external experts to develop analytical tools and improve reporting capabilities.

Compliance & Internal Controls

Support NOIRLab’s internal controls and ensure compliance with:
- NOIRLab policies and procedures
- AURA policies
- Contractual and award requirements
Advise managers on applicability of:
- OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
- Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
- Cost Accounting Standards (CAS)
Contribute to continuous improvement of NOIRLab’s financial planning, analysis, and control processes.

Collaboration & Organizational Support

Work closely with other PFAs, the NOIRLab Finance team, PMO, Management Team, and CAS.
Support cross‑functional initiatives and organizational financial coherence.

Requirements

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or equivalent relevant experience.
4+ years of experience in Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) or a similar role.

Technical Skills

Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Deltek Costpoint, Oracle, Sage, or similar).
Advanced Excel skills and experience working with large, complex data sets.

Core Competencies

Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills.
Exceptional attention to detail.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to partner across all levels.
Demonstrated curiosity, adaptability, and interest in improving and streamlining processes.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree (MBA or similar) or professional financial certification.
Experience with:
- Deltek Costpoint and Cognos BI
- Business intelligence and data tools (Access, SQL, Business Objects)
Background in federally sponsored research, non‑profit, or government contract environments.
Familiarity with:
- OMB Uniform Guidance (2 CFR 200)
- FAR and CAS
- Earned Value Management (EVM)
- Indirect rate development and application
Experience training others on financial systems or tools.
Proficiency with collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Confluence, Asana, JIRA).
Experience in international, multicultural, or high‑technology environments.
Working knowledge of Spanish.

Occasional travel within and outside the contiguous United States.

The NSF NOIRLab is the preeminent US national center for ground-based, nighttime optical and infrared astronomy. NOIRLab is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which operates as a matrix organization, providing services across a range of programs: Gemini, Rubin, MSO (CTIO and KPNO), and CSDC; with facilities in three geographic locations: Arizona, Chile and Hawai’i. The mission of NOIRLab is to enable breakthrough discoveries in astrophysics by developing and operating state-of-the-art ground-based observatories and providing data products and services for our community.

Salary Range: $85,000 - $93,000 per year. The final salary will depend on skills, qualifications and experience.

AURA offers an excellent benefits package including paid time off and retirement plan contributions, competitive salary commensurate with experience, and a very attractive work environment. Details on benefits can be found at Benefits by Location - Aura Human Resources

Apply by May 23, 2026, for priority consideration. This position will remain open until it is filled. Please submit a cover letter and a CV or resume, PDF files preferred. Please name any attachments with the following format: LastName DocName.

Individuals needing assistance with the employment process can request assistance here.

About Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy

Operates international astronomical observatories for scientific research and discovery.

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