Senior Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

<p><strong>Senior Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)</strong></p> <p><strong>Position Summary</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>What you will do:</strong></p> <ul> <li><strong>Strategic Leadership:</strong><br>Shape the future of the finance function by introducing best-in-class processes and tools for automation, efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.</li> <li><strong>AI & Analytics Transformation:</strong><br>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.</li> <li><strong>Planning & Forecasting:</strong><br>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.</li> <li><strong>Rate Strategy & Analysis:</strong><br>Develop and refine indirect rate strategies to ensure competitive, compliant, and forward-looking cost structures consistent with contract requirements and company strategy.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Investment & Incentive Analysis:</strong><br>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.</li> <li><strong>KPI Development & Performance Oversight:</strong><br>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.</li> <li><strong>Executive & Board Communication:</strong><br>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.</li> <li><strong>Governance & Financial Controls:</strong><br>Establish and maintain rigorous financial controls, policies, and reporting standards to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and readiness for external audits and Board oversight.</li> <li><strong>Team Development:</strong><br>Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing FP&A team. Build talent pipelines and foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous learning.</li> <li><strong>Cross-Functional Partnership:</strong><br>Collaborate across STR to influence strategic decisions and drive data-driven business outcomes as a trusted advisor to operations and functional leaders.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Who you are:</strong></p> <ul> <li>This position requires the ability to obtain a US government security clearance, for which US citizenship is needed by the US Government</li> <li>Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field required; MBA or Master’s preferred.</li> <li>Minimum 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience in the defense contracting industry.</li> <li>Demonstrated leadership within complex, matrixed, and high-growth organizations.</li> <li>Expertise with enterprise planning and financial analytics tools; experience implementing or championing emerging technologies such as AI and automation within finance preferred.</li> <li>Experience supporting external audits and government compliance (DCAA/DFARS).</li> <li>Familiarity with financial reporting, controls, and processes typical of highly regulated environments (e.g., SOX, SEC reporting, Board governance).</li> <li>Proven ability to implement and drive process improvements and innovation within FP&A.</li> <li>Advanced communication, collaboration, and executive presentation skills.</li> <li>Strong analytical and