Controller

Position summary

The Controller is a hands-on leader responsible for managing all financial accounting and reporting functions for our mid-sized custom aerospace manufacturing company. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or CEO this role is a key business partner to senior leadership. The Controller is responsible for ensuring the integrity of all financial records leading the cost accounting function for custom projects and driving continuous improvement in financial operations to support profitable growth.

Essential duties and responsibilities

Financial reporting and analysis

• Direct all accounting operations including the general ledger accounts payable accounts receivable and payroll.
• Manage the monthly quarterly and annual closing processes ensuring timely and accurate financial statements in compliance with U.S. GAAP.
• Prepare and present management reports that summarize and forecast business activity and financial position.
• Conduct detailed variance analysis of budgets and forecasts investigating discrepancies and communicating findings to management.

Cost accounting and custom order management

• Lead the development and maintenance of the companys cost accounting system with a specific focus on job costing for custom manufacturing orders.
• Analyze manufacturing variances production costs and operational activities to provide insights into operational performance and identify cost optimization opportunities for custom contracts.
• Oversee the valuation and auditing of all inventories including raw materials work-in-progress (WIP) finished goods and tooling.
• Work with the operations team to analyze Estimates to Complete (ETCs) on long-term government or commercial contracts.

Budgeting forecasting and strategy

• Lead the annual budget process prepare financial forecasts and conduct cash-flow projections.
• Collaborate with senior management to develop financial strategies and set financial and operating benchmarks.
• Provide financial analysis to support strategic decisions including capital expenditure requests and pricing strategies for new custom projects.

Internal controls and compliance

• Develop implement and maintain internal control policies and procedures to safeguard company assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.
• Manage compliance with federal state and local reporting requirements and tax filings.
• Act as the primary liaison for external audits periodic financial reviews and government audits related to defense contracts.
• Ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations such as International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and customer requirements.

Team leadership and cross-functional collaboration

• Supervise mentor and develop the accounting and finance staff.
• Partner with other department heads (Operations Engineering Sales) to provide financial insights and support business growth initiatives.
• Foster a culture of high performance and continuous improvement within the finance function.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in accounting or finance; CPA or CMA certification preferred.
• Minimum of 58 years of progressively responsible professional accounting experience with at least 3 years in a manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrable experience with cost accounting in a manufacturing setting preferably with custom or engineered-to-order products.
• Strong understanding of inventory standard costing and WIP management.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (experience with specific systems like Epicor is a plus) and advanced Excel skills.
• Experience with government contracting and related compliance standards is a plus.
• Strong analytical communication and leadership skills