Position Description

Financial Analyst

Job Category
Fulltime Regular

ExemptOvertimeEligible
Exempt

Benefits Eligible
Benefit Based

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Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

IPAC is seeking a full-time Financial Analyst to join our collaborative finance team. This role requires strong critical thinking skills, intellectual curiosity, initiative, and a passion for solving complex financial challenges. You will play a key role in supporting over 100 grants and projects, contributing directly to mission success through strategic financial oversight, analysis, and reporting. Because we are a small, highly integrated team, cross-training in accounting and proposal support is essential to ensure operational continuity.

Essential Job Duties

As a Financial Analyst on the finance team, you will:

• Perform complex budgeting and financial analysis for IPAC’s 100+ grants and projects
• Design and enhance financial models and reporting to assess operational viability
• Forecast, analyze and prepare complex financial data for programs and provide recommendations to leadership
• Research, analyze and develop internal controls and procedures for financial operations and management
• Develop and analyze management reports and participate in special budgeting projects as needed
• Review budget estimates for completeness, accuracy and regulatory compliance
• Coordinate and implement policies and procedures applicable to the installation of improved financial operating systems
• Prepare Earned Value Management (EVM) reports and variance analysis for major projects (Roman and NEO Surveyor)
• Assist with long-term financial planning, including NASA’s annual PPBE process
• Generate NASA 533 cost reports
• Produce timely monthly financial variance and workforce reports
• Prepare labor coverage forecasting reports and hiring capacity analysis for IPAC management
• Request sponsor approval for procurements as required, review and approve TechMart purchases
• Oversee financial management of IPAC conferences
• Collaborate with JPL to prepare and process research support agreements and service interagency agreements
• Maintain and update contract management funding database
• Proactively identify labor and accounting errors and correct by processing cost transfers, labor distribution adjustments, and suspense corrections
• Document and update procedures in online procedures manual
• Provide backup support for federal grant proposal preparation and submission
• Support special accounting initiatives and ad hoc projects as needed

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial and business operations
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook)

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex financial concepts for scientists and engineers
• Proficiency in organizing online files and working with shared files
• Experience with academic financial systems (Caltech or JPL systems strongly preferred)
• Familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
• Experience with federal grant proposal processing and financial management

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Applications are due by 04/21/2026

Hiring Range

$102,500 - $114,800 Per Year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks.