Controller

Controller Job Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented Controller to lead the accounting function for the group and serve as a senior member of the finance/leadership team. The Controller will be responsible for creating and maintaining accurate financial records, improving our system of financial controls, and providing group-level oversight of accounting, reporting, and compliance across all domestic and international entities. The Controller will work collaboratively with the Treasurer, staff accountant, and AP clerk and will report directly to executive leadership and work closely with other key members of the senior management team. Beyond traditional controllership, this role serves as the senior finance leader for the group, with responsibility for budgeting and forecasting, cash flow and treasury oversight, banking relationships, and financial analysis and reporting for executive leadership and the Board. This is an AI-native finance role. We expect the Controller to be personally fluent with AI tools, to use them in daily work, and to lead the finance organization in adopting AI and automation as the standard way the function operates. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator with experience working with financial data in complex and evolving situations, international operations, and accounting in asset intensive industries. He or she will also be skilled in ensuring seamless financial reporting, compliance, and financial reporting process optimization across multiple domestic and international locations. 

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Leadership and Strategy

• Oversee financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency
• Collaborate with a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement
• Develop and implement financial controls and best practices across all business units
• Collaborate with senior leadership to drive financial strategies that align with business objectives
• Provide group-level oversight of the accounting and finance function across all entities and locations, including consolidation, intercompany accounting, and standardization of policies and procedures
• Lead the annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes, and monitor performance against budget across business units
• Deliver financial analysis, KPIs, and management reporting that give executive leadership and the Board clear visibility into results, trends, and risks
• Prepare and present financial results and analysis to executive leadership and the Board of Directors as requested
• Serve as the senior finance voice in leadership discussions and decision-making, advising the CEO and executive team on financial implications of business decisions
•  Support capital planning and the financial evaluation of major investments, including simulator acquisitions, new training centers, and facility expansions
•  Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team, setting clear expectations and building capability across the group

Accounting and Compliance

• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, adhering to GAAP and international accounting standards
• Manage month end, quarter end, and year end closing processes
• Collaborate with the Treasurer to oversee tax compliance
• Lead annual audits and regulatory filings for domestic and international operations, serving as the primary point of contact for external auditors
• Maintain and strengthen the internal control environment, including segregation of duties, approval authorities, and account reconciliation standards across all entities

Treasury, Cash Management, and Risk

• Oversee cash flow forecasting, working capital management, and liquidity planning for the group in coordination with the Treasurer
• Manage banking, lending, and financing relationships, including covenant monitoring and lender reporting
• Manage foreign currency exposure and intercompany funding across international entities
• Assess financial risk and support insurance, contract, and vendor decisions with sound financial analysis

AI, Systems and Process Optimization

• Leverage Microsoft Dynamics to enhance financial workflows and reporting
• Continuously assess and refine financial processes to improve efficiency and scalability
• Own the AI agenda for finance: set and execute the roadmap for applying AI and automation across close, reconciliations, AP, reporting, forecasting, and data analysis, and be accountable for measurable reductions in manual effort and cycle time
• Evaluate emerging finance technology and AI tools, build the business case for adoption, and lead implementation and change management within the finance team
• Establish standards for responsible AI use in finance, including data governance, review and control expectations for AI-generated output, and documentation sufficient for auditors
• Coach and upskill the accounting team on practical AI use so that AI-assisted work becomes the default operating method, not an individual preference

Operational Accounting

• Support job costing, project accounting, and contract financial management
• Work cross functionally with project managers, procurement, and operations teams to ensure financial alignment

Qualifications:

• CPA required
• 10+ years of progressive financial leadership experience in asset intensive industries
• Aerospace and defense industry experience preferred but not required
• Experience with a Microsoft ERP system would be a plus
• Experience with international operations including foreign exchange, compliance, and reporting
• Experience with companies undergoing transformation
• Prior experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Director of Finance in a multi-entity, multi-location organization, including consolidations
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial analysis for executive decision-making
• Experience presenting financial results to executive leadership and/or a Board of Directors
• Required: demonstrated personal fluency with modern AI tools in day-to-day finance work, including using them for analysis, drafting, reconciliation support, and research
• Required: track record of deploying AI and process automation in close, reporting, or analysis workflows with measurable efficiency gains
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree a plus

Key Competencies

• Detail orientation
• Orientation toward action
• Strong leadership and change management skills
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate financial data into business insight
• Executive presence and sound judgement when advising senior leadership
• AI-native mindset: uses AI daily as a working tool, expects the same of the team, and has the judgement to know where automation ends and professional review begins
• Strong communication and cross functional collaboration skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment