Operations Finance Manager

Operations Finance Manager | Strategic Finance Business Partner

Aerospace & Defense | Executive Visibility | High-Impact Leadership
Looking for a role where your analysis actually drives decisions? Join a world-class aerospace and defense organization where you'll partner directly with Operations, Manufacturing, Flight Operations, Sustainment, and Executive Leadership to influence strategy, improve performance, and help shape the future of the business.
This is more than budgeting and reporting. You'll be a trusted advisor, financial strategist, and business partner helping leadership navigate complex operational decisions while leading a team focused on driving efficiency, profitability, and growth.

What You'll Be Driving

Planning & Forecasting

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning activities
• Develop monthly forecasts and quarterly financial outlooks
• Support Estimates-at-Complete (EAC) and strategic planning initiatives

Business Performance & Insights

• Monitor labor utilization, inventory, overhead, and capital expenditures
• Identify financial risks and opportunities within operational budgets
• Deliver meaningful variance analysis and actionable recommendations
• Translate financial data into business insights that support smarter decisions

Strategic Business Partnership

• Partner closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Flight Operations, and Sustainment leaders
• Help drive profitability, operational efficiency, and business performance
• Present financial results and recommendations to executive leadership
• Serve as the finance voice in key operational discussions

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and mentor members of the Operations Finance team
• Improve forecasting methodologies, reporting tools, and financial processes
• Drive automation, efficiency initiatives, and best practices across the organization
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

What We're Looking For

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field
Experience in a government contracting environment
Strong understanding in FP&A, Operations Finance, Manufacturing Finance, or Cost Accounting
Advanced Excel skills and strong financial modeling capabilities
Executive-level PowerPoint and presentation skills
Ability to communicate complex financial concepts to non-finance partners
Understanding of:

• Labor utilization and rate management
• Inventory accounting
• Costing methodologies
• Overhead structures
• Forecasting and planning

Bonus Points For

• SAP experience
• Aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or operational finance experience
• Knowledge of MRP systems, project costing, inventory costing, and cost transfer processes
• Experience supporting executive leadership teams and strategic business reviews

Why Join Us?

Join a globally recognized aerospace and defense innovator
Partner directly with executive and operational leadership
Drive decisions that impact business performance and profitability
Lead a team and help shape the future of Operations Finance
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Poway, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $155000.00 - $155000.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Exposure to senior leadership including Directors and Vice PresidentsOpportunity to lead and develop finance talentDirect impact on multi-million-dollar operational decisionsCareer growth within a highly respected aerospace and defense organizationRelocation assistance availableLong-term stability supporting critical national defense programs
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Poway,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.