As a vital member of the executive team, the Financial Controller directs all accounting and fiscal operations within our manufacturing facility. Working under the guidance of the Director of Finance or General Manager, this role delivers strategic oversight, ensures the integrity of financial data, upholds regulatory compliance, and implements controls that bolster our business goals.
This position is responsible for the full spectrum of accounting duties, including financial statements, budgeting, cost accounting, inventory management, payroll, and cash flow analysis. The Controller collaborates extensively with departments such as Operations, HR, and Supply Chain to foster profitable expansion and drive continuous improvement across the manufacturing site.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Team Management
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Direct, mentor, and cultivate the growth of the Finance and Accounting staff.
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Define clear performance metrics to help the team reach their full professional potential.
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Promote a workplace culture centered on financial discipline, collaboration, and ongoing improvement.
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Act as a key strategic partner to plant leadership and executive management.
Financial Reporting & Month-End Close
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Oversee the execution of all monthly, quarterly, and annual closing procedures.
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Guarantee the precise and timely delivery of financial statements in alignment with GAAP or IFRS standards.
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Evaluate financial outcomes to provide actionable insights into trends, risks, and performance.
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Generate comprehensive management reports that summarize current status and future projections.
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Present financial performance data and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning
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Spearhead the annual budgeting cycle and facilitate departmental budget creation.
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Review all budget submissions to ensure assumptions are sound and supported by data.
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Construct rolling forecasts and long-term financial roadmaps.
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Track actual results against the budget to help the organization maintain fiscal health.
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Utilize financial modeling and scenario planning to support long-term strategic initiatives.
Cost Accounting & Manufacturing Finance
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Refine and maintain robust cost accounting systems and methodologies.
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Ensure the integrity of standard costs, inventory valuation, and manufacturing variance reporting.
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Evaluate production expenses, labor efficiency, and overhead to help optimize manufacturing costs.
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Work alongside Operations leadership to uncover cost-saving opportunities and boost margins.
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Evaluate the ROI of continuous improvement projects through detailed financial analysis.
Inventory & Fixed Asset Management
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Organize and execute annual physical inventory counts.
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Verify that inventory valuation remains accurate and adheres to internal policies.
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Identify and resolve discrepancies to maintain accurate financial records.
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Manage the reporting and accounting for all Property, Plant, and Equipment (PP&E).
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Oversee the tracking and management of the capital expenditure budget.
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Review capital investment proposals to provide financial assessments and ROI projections.
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Monitor the lifecycle of fixed assets, including additions, disposals, and depreciation.
Internal Controls & Compliance
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Implement a rigorous system of internal controls to protect company assets.
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Create, document, and enforce standard accounting policies and procedures.
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Ensure adherence to GAAP, IFRS, and all relevant regulatory frameworks.
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Facilitate internal and external audits to ensure findings are addressed promptly.
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Establish financial controls that help the entire organization meet its operational objectives.
Balance Sheet & Reconciliation Management
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Verify the existence, valuation, and proper classification of all balance sheet accounts.
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Supervise the monthly reconciliation process and review all supporting documentation.
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Investigate and resolve unreconciled variances to ensure financial accuracy.
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Maintain strict compliance with all period-end reporting and closing requirements.
Regulatory & Corporate Reporting
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Prepare and file all necessary tax, financial, and regulatory documentation.
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Ensure full compliance with sales and use tax obligations.
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Support financial attestations related to environmental and other compliance areas.
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Coordinate the delivery of corporate financial reporting packages.
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Act as the primary point of contact during all regulatory reviews and audits.
Cash Management & Treasury
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Monitor liquidity, working capital, and overall cash flow performance.
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Manage banking relationships and daily treasury activities.
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Support credit management and accounts receivable efforts to improve cash flow.
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Provide recommendations to enhance the company's overall cash position.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
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Partner with Engineering, Quality, HR, Supply Chain, and Operations teams.
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Deliver financial analysis that informs strategic and operational decision-making.
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Assist leadership in assessing new business ventures and capital investments.
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Support initiatives that improve efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
Required Qualifications
Education
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Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
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Professional certifications such as MBA, CMA, or CPA are preferred.
Experience
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At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in finance and accounting.
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Proven background in leading and managing accounting personnel.
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Direct experience working within the manufacturing sector.
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Background in aerospace manufacturing is highly desirable.
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Proficiency in inventory accounting, cost accounting, and standard costing.
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Experience utilizing ERP systems and integrated financial reporting tools.
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Demonstrated success in supporting operational leadership within a manufacturing setting.
Technical Knowledge
Candidates should possess strong working knowledge of:
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GAAP and/or IFRS accounting standards
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Cost accounting and standard costing
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Inventory valuation and controls
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Budgeting and forecasting
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Financial statement preparation and analysis
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Internal controls and audit practices
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Fixed asset accounting
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Capital expenditure management
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Cash management and treasury functions
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Payroll accounting
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Tax reporting requirements
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ERP systems and financial reporting tools
Core Competencies
Leadership
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Strong people-management and team-development skills.
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Ability to influence and build relationships across all organizational levels.
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Commitment to accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.
Communication
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Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
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Ability to effectively communicate complex financial information to both financial and non-financial audiences.
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Strong partnership and collaboration abilities.
Analytical Skills
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Advanced financial and accounting analysis capabilities.
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Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
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Ability to develop actionable recommendations from complex financial data.
Organizational Skills
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Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
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Strong project management and organizational capabilities.
Working Environment & Compliance-
Maintain a safe, organized, and professional work environment.
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Comply with all company policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety requirements.
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Support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.
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Adhere to all regulatory, ethics, and compliance requirements.
ITAR / Export Compliance Requirement
Employment with the company is subject to compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Access to controlled technology and facilities may be limited to U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or individuals otherwise authorized under applicable U.S. export control regulations. Successful candidates must be eligible to satisfy all export compliance and screening requirements as a condition of employment.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal Financial Controller is a hands-on manufacturing finance leader who combines strong technical accounting expertise with business acumen. This individual will possess deep experience in cost accounting, inventory management, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and financial reporting while serving as a strategic partner to operations leadership. The successful candidate will have a proven ability to improve processes, drive accountability, support operational excellence, and help the organization achieve its financial and growth objectives.