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Cdfm Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Financial Specialist

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Professional certifications such as CDFM or CDFM-A are a plus Salary Range: $120,000 - $165,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience ...

Financial Specialist

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

DAWIA BUS-FM Practitioner, DoD FM Certification Level III, Certified Defense Financial Manager CDFM, or Equivalent Education Bachelor's degree required, preferably in math, engineering, business, or ...

Financial Specialist

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Professional certifications such as CDFM or CDFMโ€‘A are a plus Salary Range: $120,000 - $165,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience ...

Financial Specialist

El Segundo, CA ยท On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Professional certifications such as CDFM or CDFMA are a plus Salary Range: $120,000 - $165,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience, education ...

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Showing results 1-20

Cdfm information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$154.3K

$203.3K

How much do cdfm jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for cdfm in California is $154,301.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $202,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are typical career advancement opportunities for someone in a CDFM role?

Holding a CDFM certification can open the door to advanced positions in defense financial management, such as senior financial analyst, budget director, or comptroller roles within government agencies or the Department of Defense. Many professionals start by managing specific projects or budget areas before moving into broader leadership positions, often overseeing teams or larger organizational budgets. Additionally, the experience and credibility gained as a CDFM support lateral moves into related specialties such as acquisitions, auditing, or program analysis. Continuous professional development and strong performance can accelerate career progression within this field.

What is a CDFM?

A CDFM (Certified Defense Financial Manager) job involves financial management within the Department of Defense (DoD) or related government agencies. Professionals in this role handle budgeting, accounting, auditing, and financial analysis to ensure compliance with regulations and optimize resource allocation. The CDFM certification, issued by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA), demonstrates expertise in defense financial management principles. These roles are crucial for maintaining fiscal responsibility and supporting mission readiness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the CDFM position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Certified Defense Financial Manager (CDFM), strong analytical skills in financial management, budgeting, and audit practices are essential, supported by a bachelor's degree in finance or related field and the CDFM certification. Familiarity with federal financial management systems, budget software, and compliance tools like DoD FMR is typically required. Attention to detail, ethical judgment, and effective communication are important soft skills that distinguish successful professionals in this field. These skills ensure financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and accurate financial reporting within defense organizations.

Infographic showing various Cdfm job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $154,301 per year, or $74.2 per hour.

Financial Specialist

Credence

El Segundo, CA โ€ข On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

At Credence, we support our clients' mission-critical needs, powered by technology. We provide cutting-edge solutions, including AI/ML, enterprise modernization, and advanced intelligence capabilities, to the largest defense and health federal organizations. Through partnership and trust, we increase mission success for war-fighters and secure our nation for a better future.
We are privately held, are repeatedly recognized as a top place to work, and have been on the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list for the last 12 years. We practice servant leadership and believe that by focusing on the success of our clients, team members, and partners, we all achieve greater success.
We are seeking a highly motivated Financial Specialist to support the Space Systems Integration Office (SSIO) within the S8 (Programming and Financial Management) directorate of Space Systems Command (SSC). This role provides critical financial management and analytical support to one of the U.S. Space Force's most mission-focused organizations, enabling the integration and delivery of complex space capabilities to the warfighter. The Financial Specialist will work closely with government leaders, program managers, and cross-functional teams to support the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial products across classified and unclassified portfolios.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Provide financial management support across the SSC/SSIO portfolio, including budget formulation, justification, execution, and analysis
  • Support PPBE activities such as Program Objective Memorandum (POM) development, Budget Estimate Submissions (BES), Program Budget Reviews (PBR), and President's Budget (PB) exhibits and justifications
  • Develop and maintain financial analyses, spend plans, funding profiles, and execution tracking for assigned programs
  • Analyze financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities; prepare recommendations for senior leadership decision-making
  • Assist in the preparation of briefings, issue papers, and responses to data calls from SSC leadership, the Department of the Air Force, OSD, and Congress
  • Ensure compliance with applicable fiscal law, DoD financial regulations, and Space Force policies
  • Coordinate with program management, contracting, cost, and engineering teams to support acquisition and integration activities
  • Maintain accurate financial documentation and audit-ready records in support of reviews and inspections

Requirements
  • A DoD Top Secret / SCI security clearance is required
  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, or a related field
  • Demonstrated experience supporting federal or DoD financial management, budgeting, or acquisition programs
  • Working knowledge of PPBE processes and financial execution in a government environment
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insights
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word; ability to prepare executive-level briefings

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience supporting Space Systems Command, the U.S. Space Force, or other DoD acquisition organizations
  • Familiarity with classified program financial management
  • Experience with financial systems and tools used in DoD environments
  • Professional certifications such as CDFM or CDFM-A are a plus

Salary Range: $120,000 - $165,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience, education, certifications, skills, and overall qualifications.