Okay, I've searched for Program Finance Analyst, Lead roles in Huntsville, AL, requiring a Bachelor's degree, 4+ years of experience, full-time schedule, and expertise in financial analysis within government contracting. I have found multiple relevant positions for you to review.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Program Finance Analyst, Lead at Leidos Defense Systems Sector is fundamentally tasked with ensuring the financial health and integrity of multiple defense programs by partnering closely with program managers to define, monitor, and manage financial goals and objectives. This role requires a delicate balance of deep financial acumen, meticulous attention to detail, and strategic foresight to diagnose program risks and opportunities that affect budgets, forecasts, and overall program execution. The candidate will be responsible for creating and maintaining budgets, analyzing progress against baselines, and preparing detailed financial forecasts and reports, which means they must be adept at translating complex financial data into actionable insights. The reference to multiple contract types (FFP, LOE, CPFF, T&M) implies the need for strong knowledge of government contracting and the ability to navigate variable contractual frameworks. Success in this role involves managing both day-to-day financial operations such as general ledger activities and cash flow, as well as contributing to forward-looking tasks like pricing growth proposals and identifying cost-saving measures. The lead designation suggests expected leadership in coordinating cross-functional communication, delivering financial reviews, and influencing decisions that optimize program performance. Autonomy is high, with the analyst expected to independently interpret financial trends, recommend corrective actions, and support flawless execution while maintaining regulatory compliance. Proficiency with relevant finance systems (Costpoint, Fusion, Deltek) and advanced Excel skills underscore the need for robust technical capabilities that facilitate thorough analysis and reporting. The onsite requirement and security clearance indicate a role embedded in a sensitive and structured environment, where collaboration and confidentiality are critical. Within 6–12 months, a successful candidate would likely demonstrate consistent accuracy in financial forecasting, proactive identification of risks/opportunities, and meaningful contributions to the program’s financial stability and growth.

Company Analysis:

Leidos is a prominent Fortune 500 company operating at the intersection of national security and health, known for delivering high-impact, mission-critical technology solutions within heavily regulated government sectors. This positions the Program Finance Analyst, Lead role within a large, resource-rich, yet highly disciplined organization focused on innovation and ethical operations. Leidos’ reputation for meaningful, mission-aligned work and its recognition for diversity and ethics suggests a culture that values integrity, collaboration, and employee development, which could translate into strong support systems and opportunities for career mobility for this role. However, the defense sector and government contracting context inherently demand rigor, precision, and compliance, traits which a finance lead must embrace fully. The onsite nature in Huntsville, a known defense hub, situates the candidate at the core of operations, enhancing their visibility and influence, especially when working directly with program managers and cross-functional stakeholders. Given Leidos’ scale and complexity, this role likely operates at a nexus of program-level execution and enterprise financial governance, requiring the analyst to navigate complexities while aligning with broader company and customer missions. The company’s strategic goals of solving “vexing challenges” through smart technologies mean that the analyst’s work directly supports innovation and mission delivery by ensuring financial discipline and foresight. Therefore, succeeding in this role will demand adaptability to a fast-paced, high-stakes environment that values both strategic financial insight and operational precision.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you identified a financial risk in a program and how you managed to mitigate it before it impacted project performance.
• Behavioral: Describe an instance where you had to collaborate with non-financial stakeholders to achieve a financial objective. How did you ensure clear communication and buy-in?
• Behavioral: Give an example of a situation where your attention to detail prevented a significant error in financial reporting.
• Behavioral: How have you handled a situation where you disagreed with a program manager on financial forecasting or budgeting assumptions?
• Technical: How do you approach developing and maintaining a program’s budget in a multi-contract environment with FFP, LOE, CPFF, and T&M contracts?
• Technical: Explain your experience and approach to preparing an Estimate at Completion (EAC) and how you use it to influence program decision-making.
• Technical: What steps do you take to perform variance and trend analysis during month-end closes, and how do you report these findings to program leadership?
• Technical: Describe your proficiency with financial systems like Costpoint, Fusion, or Deltek. How have these tools improved your ability to manage program finances?
• Situational: Imagine you discover that a subcontractor's costs are consistently exceeding budget projections and impact the overall program financials. What actions would you take?
• Situational: If during a Quarterly Financial Status Review, you observe a trend of decreasing revenue against the forecast, how would you diagnose and address this issue with the program team?
• Situational: How would you handle a scenario where you must prepare financial justifications for on-contract growth proposals under tight deadlines and incomplete data?
• Company Fit: Why are you interested in working at Leidos, particularly within the Defense Systems Sector?
• Company Fit: How do your personal values and work style align with Leidos’ culture of innovation, ethics, and mission-driven work?
• Company Fit: Leidos emphasizes diversity and inclusion, as well as a strong ethical culture. Can you share how you have contributed to such environments in your past roles?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe how the finance team partners with program managers and other functions to ensure program financial success?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the biggest challenges currently facing the Program Finance team in the Defense Systems Sector, and how would this role help address them?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does Leidos support career development and continued learning for financial analysts within its defense programs?