Senior Manager, Finance

Westat is a leader in research, data collection and analysis, technical assistance, evaluation, and communications. Our evidence-based findings help clients in government and the private sector accelerate advancements in health, education, transportation, and social and economic policy. Our dedication to improving lives through research and our approach to projects grounded in investigative curiosity, statistical and data rigor, adaptive methods, and advanced technology are why clients find exceptional value in our work.

Reporting to the CFO, the Senior Manager for Finance and Contracts serves as the lead in managing, shaping, and/or influencing the finance and contracts' team operations, strategic and annual planning, staff/resource management, professional development, and other short to long term key initiatives.

The role requires a broad understanding of the organization and the ability to navigate the environment and complex challenges. The Senior Manager for F&C will maintain positive working relationships with all colleagues and the broader Westat community and serve as a bridge to the CFO, as appropriate. This role will include project/operational management and administrative direct reports.

Join us at our new Bethesda, Maryland headquarters This modern space fosters our collaborative culture with a mix of open areas for teamwork and private offices for focused work. Westat offers a hybrid work model, requiring employees to be on-site at least 2 days per week, ensuring flexibility while supporting connection and engagement.

Job Responsibilities:

Operational Excellence and Continuous improvement:
-    Drive operational excellence among the F&C groups and manage F&C team operations by actively engaging with employees to identify existing issues and offer viable solutions.  
-    Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning, creativity, and quality.
-    Working with Accounting, FP&A and Contracts leadership, identify areas of improvement and make process recommendations to address core issues within the business. 
-    Provide direct support to transform recommendations into actionable initiatives.
-    Drive the development and implementation of policies and procedures in F&C and the wider organization.

Strategic Initiatives and Project Management:
-    Contribute to the development of F&C's strategic goals, objectives, and decision-making as well as the overall management of strategic initiatives.
-    Manage the design, oversee the execution, and outline the process of F&C-wide or cross-functional projects and programs that are outside of the scope of the individual F&C teams.   
-    Connect and link teams and processes to each other and the broader organization to ensure consistency in understanding, performance, and execution. 
-    Assist with and ultimately ensure the completion of other special projects, as needed.

Communication and Administrative Management:
-    Act as liaison between the CFO, F&C, and other stakeholders to ensure consistent communication and involvement or decision making at the proper time.  
-    Consult with the Marketing and Communications department to develop communication protocols for various situations.
-    Provide high-level support to and ensure the CFO is kept informed on operations and issues.
-    When necessary, make judgment calls and decisions on behalf of the CFO and F&C department. 

Basic Qualifications:
-    Requires a bachelor's degree and at least 15 years of progressive experience in Finance and/or Accounting, including leadership roles, across a diverse range of industries
-    Demonstrated effective leadership, communication, project management, and problem-solving skills
-    Experience handling sensitive and confidential material

Preferred Qualifications:
-    Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, or higher training and experience
-    Experience with outsourced service providers including transitions
-    Experience in Fortune 100 companies
-    Demonstrated relationship management and influencing skills

Westat offers a well-rounded and comprehensive benefits program focused on wellness and work/life balance. Subject to plan requirements, employees may participate in:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Parental Leave
• Vacation Leave (20 days per year)
• Sick Leave (9 days per year)
• Holiday Leave (7 government holidays and 2 floating holidays)
• Professional Development
• Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Travel Accident Insurance
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account

Any offer of employment may be contingent upon receipt of acceptable results from a post-offer background screening, if required for the specific position, which may include, for example, identity verification, employment history, motor vehicle driving record history, and criminal or sexual offender records history. Any background screening results will be evaluated through an individualized assessment based on the individual's specific record and the duties and requirements of the position.

This opportunity will be posted for a minimum of 5 days and applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis.

Westat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law. It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.