Financial Controller

Financial ControllerThe Financial Controller is responsible for leading all accounting and financial activities for a small aerospace manufacturing facility. This includes cost accounting, contract accounting, inventory control, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance (e.g., FAR, DFARS, and DCAA requirements where applicable). The role partners closely with plant leadership to ensure accurate product costing, compliance with aerospace standards, and strong financial performance in a highly regulated environment.The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $150,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Management & ReportingPrepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with GAAP.Manage and streamline month-end close for a small, lean finance team.Maintain the general ledger, chart of accounts, and financial controlsAnalyze results and explain variances vs. budget, forecast, and prior periodsAnalyze profitability by program, contract, or product line.Provide financial insights to plant leadership to support decision-making.Cost AccountingMaintain standard costing systems tailored to aerospace manufacturing.Analyze labor, material, and overhead variances and drive corrective actions.Provide margin and profitability analysis to support pricing decisionsPartner with operations to understand production cost driversIdentify cost reduction and efficiency opportunitiesInventory & Production AccountingOversee accounting for raw materials, WIP, and finished goods with high traceability requirements.Ensure accurate inventory valuation and compliance with aerospace quality standards.Optimize inventory levels with operations and purchasingManage cycle counts and physical inventory processes.Operations & Plant SupportAct as a key business partner to plant manager and operations team.Support pricing, quoting, and margin analysis for aerospace contracts.Assist with capital investment analysis for machinery and tooling.Internal Controls & ComplianceEstablish and maintain strong internal controls over financial and operational processes.Ensure compliance with aerospace industry standards and customer requirements.Coordinate financial audits and customer/government audits.Ensure documentation meets strict audit and traceability standards.Cash Flow & Working Capital ManagementMonitor and forecast cash flowOversee accounts receivable and accounts payable functionsSupport banking and lender relationshipsBudgeting & ForecastingLead budgeting and forecasting for a small plant environment.Develop cost estimates and forecasts aligned to production schedules.Provide variance analysis and recommend corrective actions.Systems & Process ImprovementLeverage ERP systems to support manufacturing and compliance needs.Drive improvements in financial processes with limited resources.Support implementation of automation and digital reporting tools where feasible.Leadership & CollaborationLead a small accounting team (or act as a hands-on individual contributor in lean environments).Collaborate cross-functionally with quality, engineering, supply chain, and operations.Communicate financial insights clearly to non-financial stakeholdersProvide financial acumen training for leaders, managers, and supervisors to strengthen their business and financial decision-making capabilities.Promote a culture of accountability, compliance, and continuous improvement.RequirementsEducation & ExperienceBachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field.CPA, CMA, or similar certification preferred.5+ years of progressive accounting experience, with aerospace or defense manufacturing preferred.Technical SkillsStrong knowledge of GAAP and cost accounting.Advanced Excel and solid data analysis capabilities.Hands-on, self-starter with ability to wear multiple hats.Strong attention to detail and compliance discipline.Ability to translate financial data into operational actions.Effective communication across technical and operational teams.Continuous improvement mindset in a regulated environment.