Senior Financial Analyst

Why RTI

RTI International is an independent, scientific research institute dedicated to improving the human condition. Our vision is to address the world's most critical problems with technical and science-based solutions in pursuit of a better future. Clients rely on us to answer questions that demand an objective and multidisciplinary approach—one that integrates expertise across social, statistical, data, and laboratory sciences, engineering, and other technical disciplines to solve the world’s most challenging problems.

We believe in the promise of science and technical solutions, and we push ourselves every day to deliver on that promise for the good of people, communities, and businesses in the US and around the world. If you are looking for the opportunity to make a real difference, RTI is the place for you.

The successful incumbent will join RTI International's Finance Business Partner and FP&A team within the CFO Organization.

The Senior Finance Business Partner provides advanced financial leadership and strategic partnership to business unit leadership, project teams, and executive stakeholders. This role blends financial planning & analysis, project financial oversight, proposal support, and financial risk management to drive informed decision-making and strong financial stewardship across a portfolio of complex and high-value programs.

This position operates with significant autonomy, influences business strategy, and serves as a trusted advisor to leadership.

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning processes for assigned unit(s)/division(s).
• Provide financial guidance to business unit leadership to inform short- and long-term strategy, investments, resource allocation, and growth decisions.
• Conduct profitability analysis, cost forecasting, variance analysis, and fee deviation assessments to proactively identify financial risks and opportunities.
• Apply a change management lens by proactively assessing the financial, operational, and people impacts of evolving strategies, funding shifts, and contractual modifications. Translate these changes into clear financial implications and actionable guidance for leadership.

• Oversee financial management of a portfolio of complex and high-dollar value projects.
• Perform ongoing project reviews including validation of cost charging accuracy, journal entry initiation, invoice review, and support of payment approvals.
• Prepare and present monthly progress reports including project forecasts, resource projections, and financial health summaries to project leaders and management.
• Provide proactive guidance regarding scope changes requiring revised budgets or contract modifications.
• Support preparation of continuation applications, carryover budgets, and add-on funding requests.

• Lead financial strategy for proposals, including portfolio and pipeline analysis, bid modeling, pricing strategy, and risk assessment.
• Identify solicitation requirements from a financial perspective to develop responsive, compliant, and competitive business proposals.
• Review initial project authorizations and ensure project setup accuracy, including understanding relevant contractual terms and conditions.
• Lead proposal review meetings to facilitate discussions of bid strategy, financial assumptions, and risk with proposal teams and senior management.
• Ensure proposals adhere to Institute Best Practices and policies.
• Consult with leadership regarding contractual and financial compliance considerations.

• Partner with Corporate FP&A to support financial modeling, reporting, and performance analysis.
• Provide portfolio and pipeline analytics, ad hoc analysis, and executive-level financial insights.
• Support continuous improvement efforts, financial process enhancements, and system optimization initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of relevant experience required, or Master’s degree with 3+ years of relevant experience, or PhD with 0+ years of relevant experience,…