Chief of Finance

Job Overview

OPEN TO CURRENT DAF CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES ONLY.

This announcement will be accepting candidate submissions until 15 Apr 2026.

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is seeking an experienced, forward‑thinking financial leader to serve as the Chief of Finance for the 711th Human Performance Wing (711 HPW) — a unique organization at the intersection of science, medicine, and national defense.

This DO‑0501‑03 (GS‑14 equivalent) position offers the opportunity to shape financial strategy for one of the Air Force’s most innovative missions: advancing human performance, aerospace medicine, and warfighter readiness.

As the Wing’s senior financial advisor, you will guide strategic decision‑making, lead a high‑performing financial management team, and ensure resources are aligned to deliver cutting‑edge research and medical capabilities for the Department of the Air Force.

Why This Role Matters

The 711 HPW is home to world‑class scientists, clinicians, and engineers. Your leadership will directly influence how the Wing plans, programs, budgets, and executes resources to support mission‑critical research and medical operations. This is a chance to make a measurable impact on the health, safety, and performance of Airmen and Guardians.

Key Responsibilities

You will lead a diverse portfolio of financial management activities, including:

Strategic Leadership & Advisory

• Serve as the Wing Commander’s primary financial advisor and a key member of Integrated Product Teams.
• Provide full life‑cycle decision support across the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process.
• Shape financial strategies that align with AFRL and Department of the Air Force priorities.

Financial Analysis & Execution

• Lead expert financial analysis across the organization to support research, medical operations, and program planning.
• Oversee budget formulation, execution, cost analysis, accounting, governance, and program control.
• Ensure financial actions and recommendations are consistent with mission objectives and strategic initiatives.

Team & Process Leadership

• Direct and mentor financial management professionals, fostering analytical rigor and innovation.
• Develop and implement financial processes, procedures, and metrics to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Guide the creation and revision of documentation supporting FIAR audit requirements.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to assess needs, resolve issues, and communicate financial policies.
• Build strong relationships with customers, mission partners, and coordinating officials to ensure transparency and satisfaction.

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Required Qualifications

• United States Citizenship
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience related to the position at the next lower grade. For DO-03 consideration, applicants must have a minimum of GS-13 equivalent experience.
• This is an APDP position requiring Level/Tier 4 (Advanced) Non-Critical certification in Business-Financial Management (K). This position has been designated as an acquisition position and is covered by the Acquisition Professional Development Program (APDP). The employee must meet, or be capable of meeting, Defense Acquisition Work Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position.
• The selectee will have 24 months to meet APDP requirements or a waiver must be obtained. Applicants for this position must list any acquisition certifications and status as an acquisition corps member in their resume.
• This is a Financial Management Level 3 Certified position IAW the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2012, Public Law 112-81, Subtitle F-Financial Management, Section 1599d.
• The incumbent of this position will be required to file annual financial disclosures to ensure there are no conflicts of interest in the performance of these duties.
• PCS Assistance may be authorized.

Desired Qualifications

• Incumbent should have extensive experience with O&M funds, management, and their execution.
• Desired Master’s/MBA or equivalent advanced degree in finance, business administration, or other relevant meaningful Master’s degree.
• Experience with successfully interfacing/collaborating with business partners across multiple functions outside financial management. ​​​​
• Strong technical and financial management knowledge, including the ability to use financial models and effectively communicate data and results.
• Exceptional leadership skills include setting clear expectations, motivating employees and driving accountability to garner desired results.
• Knowledge/experience of Department of Defense Acquisition requirements; financial management concepts, principles, practices, laws, and regulations.
• Experience in building program plans and budget justification products.
• Experience in providing written and oral communications to senior leaders.
• Experience with solving complex issues which span multiple internal and external organizations.

Additional Information

Req # 03427

Series

0501