Director of Finance And Accounting

Job Title: Director of Finance And Accounting

Location: On Site - Vista, California, United States

Salary: $190,000-$205,000 + Bonus + Equity

Skills: Aviation, Aerospace, Component Manufacturing, Finance, Government Contracts

About the Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing Company / The Opportunity:

Join an innovative, growth-oriented company in the aviation and aerospace component manufacturing industry, where advanced engineering, disciplined production, and operational excellence support high-impact applications. This leadership opportunity offers the chance to shape financial strategy, strengthen cost accounting and internal controls, and guide capital planning during a period of significant manufacturing expansion. As Director of Finance And Accounting, you will partner with executive leadership, investors, board members, and operations teams while building the financial infrastructure needed for sustainable growth.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and own the financial strategy, multi-year financial model, capital plan, and funding approach for a capital-intensive manufacturing operation.
• Lead finance and accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, monthly close, cost accounting, and GAAP-compliant financial reporting.
• Direct annual budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, treasury activities, banking relationships, credit facilities, and working capital management.
• Partner with Operations, Manufacturing, Sales, and executive leadership to align financial plans with production capacity, customer commitments, and business objectives.
• Establish and maintain strong internal controls, enterprise risk management practices, and compliance with AS9100, FAR, CAS, and applicable government contract requirements.
• Present financial results, performance metrics, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to investors, lenders, the Board of Directors, and senior leadership.
• Lead financial, external, and government-related audits while ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
• Build and scale the finance and accounting organization, including hiring, developing, and managing the Controller, industrial accountants, and future finance professionals.
• Evaluate, select, and implement ERP and financial systems that support cost accounting, reporting accuracy, payroll coordination, and business growth.
• Partner with the CEO and executive team on mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, pricing strategy, capital markets, and other corporate finance initiatives.

Must-Have Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field; MBA or CPA strongly preferred.
• At least 8 years of finance experience and 8 years of aviation and aerospace component manufacturing or defense and space manufacturing experience.
• Progressive finance and accounting leadership experience, including prior experience as a Director of Finance, Controller, or comparable senior finance leader.
• Hands-on cost accounting experience in a manufacturing, aerospace, defense, hardware, or other complex production environment.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and experience overseeing audited financial statements and month-end close processes.
• Experience presenting financial performance and strategic analysis to a Board of Directors, investors, lenders, or executive leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to build financial systems, processes, internal controls, and accounting teams during periods of rapid growth.
• Experience evaluating, selecting, or implementing ERP and financial systems in a manufacturing environment.
• At least 8 years of experience working with government contracts and a strong understanding of applicable cost accounting requirements.
• Working knowledge of California wage-and-hour law and payroll compliance requirements, or the ability to partner effectively with HR on these matters.

Nice-to-Have Skills:

• MBA, CPA, or equivalent advanced professional qualification.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, aviation, battery, energy storage, or other advanced manufacturing sectors.
• Knowledge of FAR and CAS requirements, DoD customers, DCAA-type audits, or other government contracting environments.
• Experience operating in an AS9100- or ISO 9001-certified environment.
• Familiarity with ITAR and export-controlled business environments.
• Experience with mining, mineral exploration, critical materials, or raw material supply chain finance.
• Experience implementing or administering ADP Workforce Now or a comparable HRIS and payroll platform.
• Background in investment management, hedge funds, capital markets, fundraising, or investor relations.
• Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, pricing strategy, or capital raising initiatives.