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Cdfm Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tecolote Research

Financial Specialist

San Diego, CA · 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 ...

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Cdfm information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$154.3K

$203.3K

How much do cdfm jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 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 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 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 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.

What are popular job titles related to Cdfm jobs in California?

For Cdfm jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cdfm jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cdfm jobs in California are:

Cdfm jobs near you
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 with Security Clearance

Tecolote Research

San Diego, CA • On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Overview We are seeking a highly motivated professional with at least three years of demonstrated experience in DoD Financial Management supporting federal government acquisition programs. Ideal candidates will have experience in space acquisition and hands-on involvement in Commitment, Obligation, and Expenditure (C/O/E) reconciliation activities. Responsibilities * Establish obligation and expenditure plans for active-year appropriations, monitor execution throughout the fiscal year, and provide analysis at the requirement, office, sub-project, project, or appropriation level * Apply knowledge of acquisition management regulations, policies, and procedures, including major system acquisition lifecycle resource planning, PMRs, and Acquisition Program Baseline development * Ensure accuracy and completeness of budget execution documentation; maintain financial records; interact with government stakeholders; prepare financial documents; support audits; and track, forecast, and report spending * Maintain accurate records of financial and programmatic changes across execution years and the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) * Perform Unliquidated Obligations (ULO) management, contract reconciliation, and closeout activities * Develop, train, brief, integrate, correlate, and analyze all phases of the PPBE process across DoD portfolios * Analyze data from USG accounting systems and contractor inputs to support training, documentation, data collection, reconciliation of current/prior/canceling-year budgets, and budget execution * Support all USAF, USSF, and SSC reviews of expiring funds taskers; ensure ULOs are valid, properly recorded, non-dormant, and supported with required documentation per DoD FMR * Compare program office C/O/E records with USG accounting records to identify discrepancies, determine root causes, and recommend corrective actions to update financial databases * Salary range: $80,000 - $125,000 (commensurate with experience, qualifications, and credentials) Skills Required * Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint) * Strong knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, regulations, and best practices related to developing, delivering, and sustaining defense systems * Proficiency in program development, budget analysis, schedule creation, and tracking technical and schedule changes * Thorough understanding of the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process * Experience supporting financial resource execution in accordance with DoD policies and regulations, ensuring proper stewardship and accountability * Hands-on experience using Microsoft tools and USSF/AF financial systems to provide financial support * Ability to obtain a DoD Secret clearance Desirable Certifications: * 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 the sciences.

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