Controller- Aerospace Manufacturing #1508

Our client, a well-established small-to-mid-sized aerospace manufacturer, is looking for a Senior Controller to join their Phoenix-based operation.

As a recognized player in pressure, temperature, and liquid flow switches and sensors, the business supports aerospace, defense, and industrial markets and operates with ISO 9001 and AS 9100D certifications. The organization offers a family-owned environment centered on stability, growth, and innovation.

This role is the senior accounting leadership position, accountable for financial reporting, compliance, cost management, and strategic financial support across operations in Phoenix and Mexico. Reporting directly to the Treasurer, the Senior Controller oversees accounting, budgeting and forecasting, tax filings, and financial compliance in support of ongoing growth objectives.

It’s a hands-on, operational leadership role. You will manage a small finance team and help mentor additional accounting resources as the function expands. The ideal candidate brings strong aerospace/defense manufacturing experience, familiarity with government contracting, comfort in a small-to-mid-sized environment, and a proven record of financial leadership within manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage 13-week cash flow forecasting and oversee banking relationships
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, ITAR, EAR, DCAA, and FAR/DFARS requirements
• Support pricing efforts for RFQs and long-term contract work
• Oversee cost accounting and maintain ERP standard costing (BOMs, variances)
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning for multi-site operations
• Drive ERP and broader process improvement initiatives
• Coordinate with external CPAs for tax filings and R&D credit activity
• Oversee physical inventory with a 0.5% variance target
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting cycles, including variance analysis
• Oversee ERP standard cost systems and improve margins through variance analysis
• Manage core accounting activities (daily journal entries/bookkeeping, financial statements, cost accounting, payments, and tax compliance)

Requirements:
Essential Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Eligibility for ITAR compliance required
• Minimum 5 years as a Controller (or similar senior role) within aerospace/defense manufacturing
• 10+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience, including 5 years in aerospace manufacturing
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (required)
• Experience within a mid-sized company environment (100–200 employees / $30–50M revenue)

Technical Expertise:

• Advanced proficiency in financial modeling and Excel (pivot tables, lookup functions)
• Experience with entity consolidation financial reporting
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting best practices
• Advanced ERP user (Syteline, Epicor, Oracle, or similar)
• Deep expertise in standard costing, labor burden, and WIP valuation for machined/assembled parts

Preferred Qualifications

• Power BI experience
• QuickBooks experience
• Hands-on experience with DCAA audits and FAR Part 31 cost allowability
• Familiarity with aerospace certifications and compliance requirements
• Experience with shop-floor data collection systems
• Proven success implementing paperless AP/AR systems
• CPA or MBA strongly preferred

Location & Work Environment

• Location: Phoenix, Arizona
• Work Arrangement: In-office position only (no remote work)
• Travel: Minimal; occasional travel to Mexico operations may be required

Benefits:
• Competitive salary range: $150 - $180K
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

• 401(k)
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave

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Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.