Senior Finance Controller- Aerospace Manufacturing

Our client, a well-established small to mid-sized aerospace manufacturing company, is seeking a Senior Controller to join their Phoenix-based operations.

As a local leader in pressure, temperature, and liquid flow switches and sensors, this ISO 9001 and AS 9100D certified company serves aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. The company maintains a family-owned culture focused on stability, growth, and innovation.

The Senior Controller will serve as the senior accounting leader responsible for all financial reporting, compliance, cost control, and strategic financial support across Phoenix and Mexico operations. Reporting directly to the Treasurer, this role oversees accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, tax filing, and financial compliance while supporting the company's continued growth objectives.

This is a hands-on operational position that requires someone who can execute controller-level responsibilities. You'll directly manage a small finance team while also mentoring additional accounting personnel as the team grows.

The ideal candidate brings deep aerospace/defense manufacturing experience, government contracting knowledge, comfort working in a small to mid-sized company, and a proven track record of financial leadership in a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting and variance analysis
• Oversee cost accounting and maintain ERP standard cost systems (BOMs, variances)
• Support pricing on RFQs and long-term contracts
• Manage 13-week cash flow forecasting and banking relationships
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, ITAR, EAR, DCAA, and FAR/DFARS
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning for multi-site operations
• Manage accounting functions such as making daily journal entries (book keeping), preparing financial statements, cost accounting, processing payments and tax compliance.
• Oversee ERP standard cost system and drive margin improvements through variance analysis
• Coordinate with external CPAs on tax filings and R&D credits
• Oversee physical inventory with <0.5% variance target
• Drive ERP and process improvement initiatives

Requirements:
Essential Qualifications

Education & Experience:

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

Technical Expertise:

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

Preferred Qualifications

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

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.