Controller - Defense

SUMMARY OF POSITION The Defense Controller is responsible for leading the financial, compliance, and program control activities for the company’s defense portfolio. This role serves as the internal expert on FAR/DFARS, defense rates and allocations, disclosure statements, and related financial compliance requirements, while also acting as the primary finance partner for defense program execution, quoting, and business growth. The ideal candidate will oversee defense project setup and compliance within the ERP system, support pricing and proposal activity, and provide end‑to‑end financial control of defense programs including invoicing, forecasting, cost control, variance analysis, revenue recognition, and profitability tracking. This position requires a strong, independent leader who can work cross‑functionally, improve processes, and provide disciplined financial oversight in a regulated aerospace and defense environment. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position. Serve as the company’s internal FAR/DFARS subject matter expert for the defense business, providing guidance on compliance requirements, contract applicability, and financial implications. Lead the development, maintenance, and oversight of defense rates, indirect allocations, disclosure statements, and allocation policies to support compliant and effective government contracting practices. Act as the internal expert on FAR/DFARS compliance, ensuring financial, ERP and operational processes align with applicable requirements and internal control standards. Support Sales and the VP of Defense Business Development with proposal pricing, quoting, rate reviews, financial modeling, and ad‑hoc analysis for new and existing defense opportunities. Serve as the program / project controller for defense programs, including invoicing, cost control, forecasting, variance analysis, revenue tracking, and overall financial performance monitoring. Manage the setup of new defense projects in the ERP system, ensuring project structures, billing terms, cost tracking, and reporting elements are established accurately and in compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements. Lead financial oversight of the company’s defense book of business, including profitability, cash flow, backlog, project performance, and financial reporting. Recommend and implement process improvements that strengthen defense program controls, compliance, and overall financial performance. Any additional duties as reasonably assigned by management. REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be: Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Engineering, or a related field. 5–10+ years of experience in project controlling, program finance, project accounting, FP&A, operational finance, or contract/project controls in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other complex project‑based environments. Demonstrated experience supporting large, complex projects or portfolios with responsibility for forecasting, margin analysis, revenue recognition, cash flow, and financial controls. Strong understanding of project financial management, including cost‑to‑complete, estimate‑at‑completion, variance analysis, and profitability tracking. Support compliance with applicable FAR/DFARS requirements across defense programs, including subcontract flowdowns, supplier terms alignment, and coordination of documentation tied to customer and controlled‑information obligations. Experience with US GAAP revenue and cost recognition principles. Working knowledge of Earned Value Management and project performance measurement. Strong ERP and systems experience, preferably SAP, along with advanced Excel and financial reporting skills. Ability to operate independently, manage competing priorities, and drive results with minimal day‑to‑day direction. Strong communication, leadership, and cross‑functional influencing skills. Must possess Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance and Program Clearance and maintain clearance(s) for the duration of employment. This position must meet Export Control Compliance requirements; therefore a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22.C.F.R. is required. This position must meet Export Control Compliance requirements, therefore a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22.C.F.R. is required. For further details as to how a “U.S. Person” is determined, please see SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS below! PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS CPA, CMA, MBA, or equivalent professional credentials are a plus. Experience with Percentage of Completion (POC) or Contract Accounting. Experience in an aerospace tooling, defense manufacturing, engineered‑to‑order, or capital equipment environment. Familiarity with defense contracting milestone billing, claims/variation management, and complex customer contract structures. Experience partnering closely with Project Management, Procurement, Engineering, and Operations teams. Knowledge of internal control frameworks and audit‑ready documentation practices. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY None, supervisory experience is a plus for future segment growth. TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS May be required to travel to other site locations during the workday and would primarily be local during the business day. However, some projects may require overnight stays as well as out‑of‑the‑area travel paid for by the business. Up to ~25% travel required. COMPENSATION $130,000 – $170,000 Per Year WORKING CONDITIONS Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation. May access and work in the manufacturing plant. While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles. The employee may be exposed to vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May be required to travel to other site locations during the work day. May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands. Work with safe manufacturing processes and understand that eyewear is mandatory in the manufacturing area. Knows that safety shoes are recommended in the manufacturing area. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Must be able to see, talk, hear, touch, feel and reach with hands and arms. Must be able to frequently walk and stand for short periods of time. Must be able to lift and move up to 35lbs, occasionally lift and move objects up to 50lbs. BENEFITS Medical Insurance Vision Insurance Short- and Long‑Term Disability Insurance Life Insurance AD&D Insurance PTO 401k Match SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening. This position requires use of information that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. “Green Card Holder”). LEGAL STATEMENTS Ascent Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please call toll‑free View phone number on click.appcast.io. This phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. #J-18808-Ljbffr