Operations Analyst Lead - Project Management (Finance)

USAA•Tampa, FL

8d•$127,310 - $243,340•Hybrid

About The Position

The Operations Analyst Lead Project Management (Finance) serves as a strategic partner responsible for leading complex finance and operational initiatives that drive business performance, process optimization, and organizational transformation. Working closely with CFO-aligned stakeholders, business leaders, and cross-functional teams, this individual combines strong analytical capabilities with hands-on project management expertise to deliver measurable business outcomes in fast-paced, highly regulated financial services environments. The ideal candidate brings experience from large banking institutions, management consulting organizations, or transformation-focused teams, with a demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity, assess business challenges quickly, and develop practical solutions that balance strategic objectives with operational realities. This role requires an individual who thrives in gray areas, enjoys solving difficult business puzzles, and can rapidly establish credibility while driving initiatives from planning through execution. Success in this position depends on the ability to manage multiple priorities, identify and mitigate risks to delivery, and influence stakeholders across matrixed organizations. The Operations Analyst will lead cross-functional projects, facilitate governance processes, develop strategic roadmaps, and drive execution against key business objectives while maintaining alignment with financial, operational, and regulatory requirements. Candidates should possess strong business agility, the ability to quickly shift focus as priorities evolve, and a proven track record of delivering results within complex environments. Experience supporting CFO organizations, finance transformation efforts, risk management initiatives, or enterprise programs is highly valued. The ideal professional combines the structured discipline of a Big Four consultant with the resourcefulness and entrepreneurial mindset often developed within boutique consulting firms, bringing intellectual curiosity, a willingness to learn, strong relationship-building skills, and a collaborative sense of humor to every engagement. We offer a flexible work environment that requires an individual to be in the office 4 days per week. This position can be based in one of the following locations: San Antonio, TX, Plano, TX, or Tampa, FL

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree; OR 4 years of related experience (in addition to the minimum years of experience required) may be substituted in lieu of degree.
8+ years of experience in Operations, Project Management, Program Management, Management Consulting, or Business Transformation.
Strong financial services and banking industry experience, including exposure to large-scale enterprise environments.
Experience supporting CFO organizations, Finance Transformation, Finance Operations, Planning & Analysis, Risk, Treasury, or related functions.
Proven ability to thrive in ambiguous situations and solve complex business problems with limited direction.
Demonstrated success leading projects involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and significant organizational impact.
Strong risk management discipline with experience identifying, escalating, and mitigating delivery risks.
Experience developing operating models, business processes, governance frameworks, and strategic roadmaps.
Strong business agility and adaptability, with the ability to shift priorities quickly while maintaining delivery focus.
Demonstrated willingness to learn new business domains, processes, and technologies.

Nice To Haves

US military experience through military service or a military spouse/domestic partner
Highly proficient in Clarity, TIA, and other program/project management tools.
Previous experience with a Big Four consulting firm (KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, EY) or equivalent management consulting background preferred
Proven experience leading large-scale, complex programs across different Functions / LOBs, demonstrating adaptability.
Strong background in developing and executing strategic program roadmaps for complex initiatives, including cross-business integration and implementation
Strong communication and presentation skills with ability to communicate highly complex information concisely and confidently to varying audiences, with appropriate level of detail
Working experience Accounting, Finance, or Risk Management
Creative, out-of-the-box problem solver who enjoys tackling difficult organizational and operational puzzles.
Ability to quickly assimilate information and become effective in new environments within days rather than weeks.
Strong sense of humor and collaborative approach, contributing positively to team culture while maintaining accountability for results.
Experience managing or engaging with external partnerships, including industry groups and government relations.

Responsibilities

Leads the implementation of strategic tasks that align programs with an organization’s business strategy and goals.
Responsible for developing multi-year business plans to deliver business capabilities and define execution approach to achieve business goal while reducing risk and delivering early business value wherever possible.
Works with program sponsors and cross-functional teams, to evaluate, plan and develop scope, milestone road maps, required resources, work plan, budget, anticipated dependencies, and timing for new programs.
Prepares reports that provide stakeholders and management with status updates to include identifying risks or issues.
Ensures all team members understand how to work together, understand interdependencies, and coordinates their efforts to complete program goals.
Assists in the development of performance metrics, dashboards and management tools that clearly articulate the status of key activities ensuring timely and successful execution.
Directs analyses, root cause identification and development and recommendation of key work products.
Identifies potential new program opportunities to deliver integrated solutions that meet multiple business partner needs.
Defines and maintains multiple program strategies based on business demand and ROI expectations.
Negotiates agreements, settles disputes equitably and diffuses high tension situations.
Negotiates program tradeoffs with IT and the business to ensure alignment of demand to capacity.
Mentors Program Managers in identifying benefits and defining alternatives across departmental programs and across USAA programs.
Adheres to EPMO processes, procedures, controls, standards, tools, and templates (as required).
Adheres to governance rigor required for work efforts.
Drives the adoption and sustainment of changes within the organization in compliance with USAA’s Change Management methodology.
Ensures risks associated with business activities are effectively identified, measured, monitored, and controlled in accordance with risk and compliance policies and procedures.