Financial Analyst I
Zone 5 Technologies · San Luis Obispo, CA
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About the Job
At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.
We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.
At Zone 5 Technologies, we're redefining what's possible in unmanned aircraft systems. Our team of engineers and innovators is developing cutting-edge autonomous solutions that push the boundaries of UAS technology - solving complex challenges that matter.
We're building the future of UAS capabilities, and we're looking for exceptional talent to join us. If you're driven by hard problems, energized by rapid innovation, and ready to make an impact on next-generation flight systems, you belong here.
We are seeking an experienced Financial Analyst to join our team. As an unmanned aerial systems (UAS) company, we are looking for an individual with a mastery in Excel, a working knowledge of accounting, and the curiosity to evaluate financial and scientific trend data in detail. The ideal candidate would be the fastest/best person in Excel at their last position or class. Skills will be evaluated in real time during the interview.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build, maintain, and troubleshoot complex Excel models to support project budgeting, forecasting, and financial tracking
- Consolidate and reconcile financial data from multiple sources, ensuring accuracy and consistency
- Create clear, visually compelling charts, dashboards, and reports to communicate financial trends, strategy, and project performance to stakeholders
- Prepare and update PowerPoint presentations summarizing financial findings for leadership and cross-functional teams
- Track project budgets against actuals, flagging variances and identifying discrepancies
- Support month-end and quarter-end close processes, including basic journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations
- Maintain hyper-organized, well-documented spreadsheets and files to support audit readiness and knowledge transfer
- Partner with program managers and finance team members to gather data, validate assumptions, and refine financial models
- Identify opportunities to improve reporting templates, automate recurring tasks, and streamline data workflows
- Perform ad hoc analysis and reporting as requested
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field (or equivalent practical experience)
- Advanced proficiency in Excel required — comfortable with formulas (INDEX/MATCH, XLOOKUP, SUMIFS), pivot tables, and building/auditing complex models
- Working knowledge of PowerPoint for creating polished, professional presentations
- Strong data visualization skills; experience with charting tools or BI platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) a plus
- Basic understanding of accounting principles (debits/credits, accruals, basic financial statements)
- Exceptional attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy in a fast-paced environment
- Genuinely enjoys working deep in the details of spreadsheets and financial data
- Strong organizational and time-management skills; able to juggle multiple deadlines
- Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate numbers into insights
- 1–5 years of relevant experience (internships count); prior exposure to financial analysis or project accounting
- Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to deliver high-quality systems.
- U.S. Citizenship
Benefits
- Competitive total compensation package
- Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
- 401k with company-match
- 4 weeks of paid time off each year
- 12 annual company holidays
Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?
- Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
- Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
- Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.