Senior Policy Advisor - Financial Transformation

Job Description

The Financial Services Department at MIT Lincoln Laboratory is seeking a highly experienced Senior Policy Advisor – Financial Transformation to provide strategic leadership and expertise in financial transformation and modernization initiatives. This position will support and influence organization-wide change, improve operational efficiencies, and ensure financial compliance in a complex, federally regulated environment.

The successful candidate will drive initiatives related to financial policy development, technology implementation (ERP, automation, analytics), and process optimization, while advising senior leadership on fiscal matters, regulatory compliance, and enterprise modernization. The role requires strong leadership, deep technical financial expertise, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder landscapes within a DoD or FFRDC context.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of strategic financial transformation initiatives aligned with Laboratory and federal policy goals.
• Serve as a senior advisor on financial policy, regulatory compliance, cost strategy, and organizational effectiveness.
• Guide modernization efforts including ERP system implementation, automation technologies, and AI-enabled financial tools.
• Oversee change management plans to ensure smooth transition to modernized processes and systems.
• Collaborate with internal departments (Finance, IT, Contracts, Program Management, etc.) to ensure successful integration of transformation projects.
• Provide expert analysis and recommendations on fiscal law, Federal/DoD financial regulations, budgeting, and execution strategies.
• Support leadership in addressing audit, compliance, and oversight concerns including those from DCAA, DCMA, and other federal entities.
• Maintain strong communication with internal finance professionals and external stakeholders including MIT leadership, federal agencies, and consortia.
• Evaluate transformation outcomes and ensure continuous improvement through performance metrics and feedback loops.
• Represent the organization in professional and regulatory settings related to finance and policy.

Qualifications - Required

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in financial management, with at least 10 years focused on financial transformation or policy advisory roles.
• Proven track record leading enterprise-scale financial modernization efforts in a federal or highly regulated setting.
• Deep understanding of government financial operations, including Federal/DoD Financial Management Regulations, Fiscal Law, and the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process.
• Expertise in ERP platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Workday, Momentum) and financial systems development life cycle.
• Experience with financial automation, data analytics, and AI-driven financial tools.
• Knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and supplements.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, change management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Qualifications - Preferred

• Master’s degree (MBA, MPA, or related field).
• Professional certifications (e.g., PMP, CPA, CGFM, Lean Six Sigma).
• Experience in a DoD FFRDC or research institution setting.<