Senior Finance Analyst, FP&A

About Performance Drone Works (PDW)

PDW is pioneering next-generation tactical robotic solutions utilized in defense, national security, and public safety sectors. Our engineering center focuses on creating advanced aerial systems that deliver dependable airpower directly to operators. Our ethos is action-driven, emphasizing delivering real capabilities for mission success. We cultivate a culture of operator-centric design, frequent iteration based on field application, and domestic manufacturing supported by core values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, and Win Together.

Role Overview

As a Senior Finance Analyst in FP&A, you will spearhead the planning, forecasting, and monitoring of operating expenses, capital investments, and staffing. Reporting to the FP&A Manager, you will collaborate closely with department heads, Accounting, HR, and various stakeholders to convert business strategies into precise forecasts, insightful performance analyses, and disciplined financial investments. This position emphasizes strategic financial planning and partnership rather than accounting detail, requiring comfort in managing detailed financial models, executive-level reporting, cross-functional engagement, and providing decision-making support within a rapidly scaling hardware and manufacturing firm.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage monthly and quarterly reviews of OpEx and CapEx, analyzing variances compared to budgets, forecasts, and historical trends, highlighting significant drivers, risks, and opportunities.
• Generate recurring variance reports and executive-level commentaries that translate detailed operational data into actionable financial insights and recommended interventions.
• Collaborate with department leaders and budget holders to aid budget adherence, headcount forecasting, expenditure pacing, and responsibility for approved plans.
• Coordinate quarterly updates for OpEx, CapEx, and staffing forecasts, including assumption validation, schedule revision, and integration into company-wide projections.
• Participate in the annual budgeting cycle for operating and capital expenses, transforming business objectives into achievable targets, phased plans, and operational guidelines.
• Maintain and enhance long-term financial models encapsulating OpEx and CapEx elements, encompassing departmental forecasts, investment timing, depreciation, and scenario planning.
• Monitor approved capital projects and investments relative to budget, schedules, and business case assumptions; coordinate with accounting to ensure proper capitalization and forecast precision.
• Support budget control processes by verifying budget availability, correct cost-center and project allocation, and alignment with approved plans.
• Develop and sustain analyses at headcount, vendor, and project levels to increase awareness of spending drivers, cost efficiencies, and emerging financial pressures.
• Partner with accounting during monthly closes to comprehend accruals, reclassifications, and actuals impacting OpEx and CapEx forecasting accuracy.
• Drive continuous improvements in planning tools, reporting packages, data integrity, and finance systems to boost scalability, timeliness, and decision utility of the FP&A process.
• Conduct ad hoc analyses touching on cost optimization, hiring trade-offs, investment prioritization, facility and equipment expenditures, and other operational financial decisions.

Required Qualifications

• Between three to six years of pertinent experience in FP&A, corporate or strategic finance, finance business partnering, or related analytical roles with operational exposure.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, business, engineering, or an equivalent professional background.
• Advanced Excel proficiency and financial modeling capabilities, including constructing driver-based financial schedules and reconciling actual results.
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and monthly reporting within complex, evolving operational settings.
• Adept at liaising with non-financial leaders and translating financial information into practical advice for budget custodians.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for clear, structured financial commentary and presentations.
• Exceptional attention to detail, accountability, and independent work capacity in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• A cooperative, humble demeanor with a readiness to engage deeply in financial details while considering the broader business implications.

Preferred Experience

• Background in hardware, manufacturing, or operations-intensive, growth-focused environments requiring tight financial coordination across teams.
• Proven involvement with headcount planning, capital expenditure monitoring, and project or investment financial analysis.
• Familiarity with ERP, procurement, HRIS, or FP&A software supporting forecasting, budgeting, and reporting functions.
• Experience creating reporting dashboards or packages that enhance transparency into operational and capital spending trends.
• History of supporting leadership through regular business review cycles with prepared variance analyses and actionable insights.

Physical and Working Conditions

This role demands regular physical activity, including sitting, standing, bending, reaching, and moving throughout the day, with the ability to lift objects up to 25 pounds. Dexterity is necessary to operate standard office technology. The role requires transitioning between office and production areas and participating in off-site meetings or events. The work setting combines office and manufacturing environments with possible exposure to outdoor elements, noise, and temperatures lacking climate control. Use of personal protective equipment may be required. Standard office hours run from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional overtime when operational needs arise. Cross-departmental collaboration and both independent and team work are vital.

Employee Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance including medical, dental, and vision, with 80% employer coverage.
• Safe Harbor 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.
• Paid parental leave benefits.
• On-site fitness facilities.
• Employer-provided life insurance coverage.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support.
• Encouraging work culture promoting collaboration and innovation.
• Competitive pay, ample paid time off, and flexible leave policies.

Equal Employment Opportunity

PDW is committed to equal employment opportunities, ensuring non-discriminatory hiring practices without regard to protected characteristics including race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and others in compliance with federal and state laws.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is between 100,000 and 120,000 US dollars annually for remote work.