Jake Reardon
What does your job entail?
As the manager of my group's research, development, test, and evaluation financial portfolio, I generate reports of daily commitments and expenditures, run Power BI [Business Intelligence] queries providing insights into the group's overall financial health and specific financial indicators, oversee incoming funding and budgeting for current and upcoming financial years, and analyze variance in my monthly expenditure projections.
During a typical week, I correspond with program managers and financial points of contact in several Department of War agencies. I also facilitate outside procurements, which involves reviewing statements of work written by group leaders and technical staff members and helping draft documentation such as memorandums of justification and technical evaluations. I regularly answer business operations inquiries from across the Laboratory and participate in my group's hiring process by posting employment descriptions, sitting in on intake calls to review those positions, and assisting with the requisition review and interview process.
What inspired you to pursue your chosen field?
I majored in economics because of its high level of diversity and versatility. My coursework ranged from debt capital markets and banking to the economic implications of AI, the latter of which was the topic of my undergraduate capstone research presentation. I like to know why, for example, goods and services are priced the way they are and what actions groups like the Federal Open Market Committee and Federal Reserve take to influence pricing level and inflation. I've always been good with math and numbers, and I I wanted to work in the areas of business, finance, and economics. Previously, I was on the "other side" of the government finance space, working as a finance analyst at Hanscom Air Force Base.
Which aspects of your work are most meaningful?
Being surrounded by world-class innovation and highly skilled and motivated individuals is extremely fulfilling. I've been exposed to a library of technical verbiage, ideas, and projects that I would have never otherwise encountered. Teams work best when all members are on the same wavelength and flowing together, and I'm fortunate to be part of a group that jibes. Innovation comes at a cost, and knowing that I'm helping support such innovation by managing several key components of this well-oiled machine is meaningful.
What's an unexpected skill you've gained at the Laboratory?
Working in a fast-paced environment while efficiently allocating my time is a skill I've acquired. My group leaders and division business managers whom I directly report to have differing yet high expectations that I strive to meet, so I need to tackle deliverables in a timely manner while ensuring the quality of work remains high. There are days when I have many planned duties to complete and am simultaneously juggling various inquiries from across the Laboratory.
Where is one memorable place you've traveled?
Near the end of my senior year of high school, I went to Hawaii for two weeks, exploring the islands of Honolulu and Maui. The highlight of the trip was driving up in a Jeep Wrangler to the summit at Haleakala National Park to watch the sunrise. I have many pictures where I'm standing above cloud level.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Going to the gym is part of my daily morning routine. On the weekends when weather permits, I like to play golf. The Greater Boston area has many courses I haven't yet played. For about two years, I was on an adult recreational hockey team, which allowed me to continue participating in a sport that I grew up playing. I'm an avid Boston sports fan; the New England Patriots are my favorite team. I'm also a big fan of music, particularly 90s rock and alternative, and documentaries and crime movies.