Position Summary
The Aerospace Programs Project Controller is responsible for the financial performance, forecasting, invoicing, and overall program controls of assigned aerospace and defense contracts. This role serves as the primary interface between Program Management, Operations, Finance, Procurement, and Customers to ensure contract execution aligns with financial objectives, revenue targets, and profitability goals.
The Project Controller owns program financial performance from forecasting through invoicing and cash collection while providing actionable insights that support operational decision-making and customer success. This position requires a strong understanding of DoD contracting, financial reporting, Earned Value Management (EVM), and cross-functional leadership within a fast-paced aerospace environment.
Key Responsibilities
Program Financial Management & Budget Control
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Own full program P&L performance, including revenue, cost, and margin targets.
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Develop and manage monthly and quarterly financial forecasts (labor, material, revenue, and indirect costs).
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Track actual performance against budget and forecast plans, identifying variances and implementing corrective actions.
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Ensure alignment between operational execution and financial performance objectives.
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Implement and manage Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and reporting.
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Track Planned Value (PV)
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Track Earned Value (EV)
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Track Actual Cost (AC)
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Develop program financial dashboards and performance metrics.
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Provide monthly Program Performance Reviews (PPRs) and actionable recommendations to leadership.
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Align financial metrics with schedule performance, production throughput, and contract deliverables.
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Support strategic planning, workforce forecasting, and long-range financial planning.
Invoicing & Revenue Execution
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Lead the end-to-end invoicing lifecycle from work completion through customer billing.
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Partner with Accounts Payable (AP) and Accounts Receivable (AR) teams to:
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Validate invoice accuracy
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Track payment status and aging receivables
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Resolve discrepancies with customers and internal stakeholders
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Ensure timely invoice submission in accordance with contract requirements and funding limitations.
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Monitor contract funding burn rates and invoicing ceilings.
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Drive reduction of aged receivables (60/90+ days) and improve cash flow performance.
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Ensure proper charge code utilization and cost allocation compliance.
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Support internal and external audits through accurate, traceable, and auditable financial records.
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Assist with revenue recognition activities and month-end financial close processes.
Operations Integration
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Work directly with Operations Managers, Program Managers, and Site Leads to:
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Align manpower planning with revenue and profitability objectives
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Validate production throughput against billing opportunities
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Ensure material availability and kitting supports schedule execution
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Forecast labor requirements and utilization rates
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Translate operational performance into financial outcomes and revenue forecasts.
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Support schedule recovery planning and financial risk mitigation strategies.
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Participate in weekly production reviews and operational performance meetings.
Procurement & Cost Control
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Oversee material cost tracking and ensure expenditures align with contract funding.
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Coordinate with Procurement and Supply Chain teams to:
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Monitor vendor costs and pricing trends
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Identify cost variances and financial risks
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Mitigate supply chain impacts related to inflation and long-lead items
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Monitor subcontractor expenditures and material utilization.
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Ensure all costs are allowable, allocable, and compliant with FAR and DFARS requirements.
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Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives to improve contract profitability.
Customer & Contract Financial Interface
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Serve as the primary financial point of contact with NAVAIR PMA Offices, CORs, and Government customers.
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Support contract modifications, funding actions, and financial negotiations.
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Manage CLIN/SLIN funding alignment and expenditure tracking.
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Ensure invoicing aligns with contract deliverables, funding ceilings, and contractual requirements.
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Prepare and present financial performance reports to customers and executive leadership.
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Communicate program financial status, risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies professionally and effectively.
Required Qualifications
Education
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Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Project Management, or a related field.
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Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience
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Minimum 10+ years of DoD aerospace, aviation, sustainment, manufacturing, or defense program management experience.
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Strong background in program financial management, budgeting, forecasting, invoicing, and cost controls.
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Hands-on experience with Deltek Costpoint or equivalent ERP system.
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Experience supporting multi-site operations and geographically dispersed teams.
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Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in a high-tempo operational environment.
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Strong contract performance management and financial reporting experience.
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Experience supporting customer-facing financial reviews and executive briefings.
**All candidates must be a U.S. Citizen to apply**
The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.
ACET is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
