(Coming OCT 1) Sr. Financial Analyst, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL)

Contracting Resources Group

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Financial Analyst (Level IV) supports the mission of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL), which is mandated by Congress to promote and protect human rights, advance the rule of law, and hold governments accountable to their international obligations. DRL works globally to strengthen democratic institutions, combat corruption, and support civil society through strategic partnerships and federal assistance programs. This position directly contributes to the oversight and financial integrity of grants and cooperative agreements awarded to NGOs, nonprofit organizations, and other entities advancing these objectives across multiple regional and thematic portfolios. In this role, the Senior Financial Analyst IV performs advanced financial analysis, reconciliation, and reporting in support of complex, multi-appropriation funding environments, including congressionally earmarked funds. The incumbent applies a strong command of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to manage financial data across systems, support year-end closeout and mid-year reviews, and ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records. Responsibilities include analyzing Federal Financial Reports (FFR-425), reconciling discrepancies within the Payment Management System (PMS), and collaborating with Health and Human Services (HHS) accountants and external partners to resolve out-of-balance accounts. The position requires expertise in federal financial systems such as PMS, GFMS, Ariba, and other platforms, as well as advanced proficiency in Excel for developing complex financial tracking and reporting tools. The analyst must demonstrate strong problem-solving abilities to identify and resolve discrepancies across integrated systems, while managing high-volume workloads with precision and efficiency. Additionally, the role requires maintaining organized financial documentation, tracking grant awards, and supporting audit readiness. Success in this position demands exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills, along with adaptability to evolving financial technologies and processes. The Senior Financial Analyst IV ensures compliance with internal controls, safeguards sensitive financial information, and supports DRL’s global mission across diverse regional bureaus (e.g., AF, SCA, EAP, WHA, NEA, EUR) and thematic programs including Internet Freedom, International Religious Freedom, Labor, Gender, Marginalized Populations, Rapid Response, Security and Human Rights, Global Affairs, and Monitoring and Evaluation.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and experience managing foreign assistance funding.
Demonstrated experience with federal financial systems, including PMS, GFMS, Ariba, and related platforms.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including complex financial tracking and modeling.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex financial discrepancies.
Knowledge of government contracting procedures and federal grant management processes.
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, lead process improvements, and adapt to evolving requirements.
Excellent organizational, communication, and stakeholder coordination skills.
Ability to work in fast-paced environments with high-volume workloads and shifting priorities.
Willingness and ability to travel internationally, including to sensitive or high-risk locations.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field required (or equivalent experience).
Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree, or 7+ years with a master’s degree.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree (e.g., MBA, MPA) or professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CGFM) preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform advanced financial analysis, reconciliation, and reporting across multiple appropriations, including congressionally earmarked funds.
Lead coordination of foreign assistance funding throughout the full grant lifecycle, including pre-award, award, and post-award phases.
Oversee preparation and submission of Form 7600 A & B and ensure compliance with Department financial requirements.
Manage and reconcile financial data across PMS, GFMS, and related systems; resolve discrepancies in coordination with HHS and internal stakeholders.
Analyze Federal Financial Reports (FFR-425) and conduct detailed account reviews to identify and correct variances.
Track grant awards, obligations, and expenditures; maintain accurate financial records and reporting tools.
Lead development and maintenance of complex Excel-based tracking systems and financial models.
Support year-end closeout and mid-year financial reviews across multiple funding streams.
Prepare briefing materials, presentations, and reports for leadership on financial status, audits, and closeout activities.
Serve as a primary point of contact for financial inquiries and escalated issues requiring senior-level expertise.
Liaise with internal and external stakeholders—including DRL leadership, Regional Bureaus, CGFS, and U.S. embassies on financial tracking, reconciliation, and reporting.
Provide oversight and guidance to financial and program staff on payment processing, compliance requirements, and system updates.
Coordinate disbursement approvals and monitor payment activities within PMS and related platforms.
Lead grant documentation review processes to ensure accurate account establishment and compliance.
Support audit readiness efforts and maintain documentation, audit trails, and financial records for organizational continuity.
Develop and deliver training, workshops, and guidance materials on financial systems and best practices.
Provide direct guidance to grantees on financial documentation and payment account structures.
Support DRL leadership in managing foreign assistance programs and coordinating international human rights initiatives.
Participate in stakeholder meetings, trainings, and conferences; provide technical assistance and program monitoring support.
Conduct or support program monitoring visits and prepare analytical reports on findings.
Assist in drafting internal memoranda, evaluations, and communication strategies related to financial policies and procedures.