Job Description Job Description: GDLS is seeking a dynamic Program Finance Area Manager to lead financial management and business strategy across a portfolio of high-visibility programs. This role offers the opportunity to lead a talented team, influence key business decisions, and partner with program and functional leadership to deliver strong financial and operational results.
The Area Manager leads and develops a team of Program Finance professionals and serves as a trusted advisor to program leadership, providing actionable financial insight to support business decisions, manage risk, and achieve program and company objectives.
This position requires a strong understanding of financial management, forecasting, program execution, and performance analysis, along with the ability to operate efficiently in a fast-paced environment supporting complex government programs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Lead Program Finance activities across a portfolio of complex defense programs.
Oversee forecasting, EACs, operating plans, revenue, cash, profitability, and financial performance.
Analyze program financial and performance data to identify risks, trends, and opportunities and provide actionable recommendations.
Ensure program financial reporting and forecasting are accurate, timely, and compliant with company and customer requirements.
Lead and develop a team of 6 Program Finance professionals, establishing priorities, developing talent, and driving accountability.
Support major program milestones, including customer reviews, EAC reviews, and portfolio financial reviews.
Present financial results, risks, opportunities, and recommendations to leadership at multiple levels of the organization.
Support organization initiatives and drive continuous improvement across the Finance organization.
This position reports to the Director of US Operations Finance.
Position Requirements: Bachelor's degree in business, Finance, Accounting, or related field.
10+ years of progressive experience in finance, program finance, or related discipline, preferably within the defense industry.
Demonstrated experience leading and developing finance professionals, with ability to provide direction, coaching, and accountability across a team.
Strong understanding of financial planning, forecasting, budgeting, variance analysis, and financial reporting.
Experience supporting complex programs and business objectives.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate financial data into meaningful business insights and recommendations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with program leadership, finance leadership, customers, and all levels of the organization.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
100% On-site
Preferred: Experience with Oracle, Hyperion, Power BI, or similar financial/ERP systems.
Familiarity with FAR/DFARs and government contract financial requirements.
Experience partnering with Program Management, Contracts, Accounting, and other cross-functional operations.
What We Offer - We offer a Total Rewards package that is Impactful and built for you
- Healthcare including medical, dental, vision, HSA and Flex Spending
- Competitive base pay and incentive pay that rewards individual and team performance, and comprehensive benefits
- 401k match up to (6%)
- Educational assistance
- 9-80 work schedule (This position's standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off)
- On-going learning opportunities rewarding work environment
- (Sterling Heights Facility) Modern office, onsite cafeteria including Coffee Cafe, remodeled fitness center, and outdoor fitness track
GDLS considers factors such as, scope/responsibilities of the position, candidate experience, education/training background, in addition to local market comparable and business considerations when extending an offer.
