Hybrid Finance Specialist - Remote Finance Specialist - Remote with verification

The Analytical Solutions Division (ASD) of Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Finance Specialist. The position is Remote but preference to those located either in Huntsville, AL or Arlington, VA. The Finance Specialist will support all or segments of the general finance and accounting functions. Will provide support utilizing an accounting system, preferably CostPoint, and must have experience submitting invoice vouchers for payment, as well as using an accounting system to run reports. Must possess strong organization and listening skills, with a strong attention to detail. Must possess the ability to perform detail-oriented work, manage multiple competing priorities, be a proactive problem solver, critical thinker, and work independently.Anticipated annual salary range: $70,000 to $90,000. Offer may vary depending on experience, skill set, and location.What You’ll Do As a Finance Specialist

• Update reports/financials of internal process reviews (IPR), government reports, fully burdened labor report and any other reports as needed
• Tracking annual fiscal plans and monthly updates, maintenance, and reporting
• Ability to put together financial tracking excel files
• Assist PMs in managing project budgets and expenses
• Ability to perform and report project spending and estimates
• Extract accounting and project cost data from ARA systems
• Assist in providing cost proposal support and pricing estimates
• Assist with annual division budget planning and monthly tracking
• Provide monthly cost updates
• Provide Huntsville, AL office with program forecasting and projections
• Assist and provide labor & budget Report (weekly or monthly)
• Assist as backup to enter AP/PO vouchers and Journal Entries into the CostPoint accounting system
• Provide internal cost center accounting to Program Manager as needed

Must Haves As a Finance Specialist

• Bachelor’s Degree AND 2+ years relevant work experience; OR a H.S. diploma (or equivalent) and 8+ years’ relevant experience
• Must be a US Citizen
• Obtain and maintain a minimum of a SECRET clearance from the US Department of Defense
• Advanced skills in various Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Deltek Costpoint and Cognos experience
• Knowledgeable in Government contracts, FFP, CPFF, T&M, IDIQ
• Familiar with and ability to review government invoices
• Strong problem-solving skills, basic accounting principles knowledge, documentation skills, research and resolution skills, data analysis and multi-tasking skills
• Thorough knowledge of applicable accounts payable/general ledger systems and procedures, financial chart of accounts, journal entries and corporate procedures
• Organized individual, with excellent attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and able to change priorities quickly and work effectively under deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills; with the ability to establish effective working relationships
• Possess strong organizational and time management skills
• Must be a team player, build relationships and work collaboratively with team members

Finance Specialist Wish List/Preferred

• Active / current SECRET Clearance from the US Department of Defense
• Experience with budgets and forecasting
• Experience reviewing government invoices
• Experience with government contracts, FFP, CPFF, T&M, IDIQ

ARA Company InformationApplied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2270 professionals. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns’ greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, and opportunities to take more active roles as owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees are eligible for contributions which not only add to the company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.Please apply at www.careers.ara.com for the Finance Specialist position.