Controller

Description:

As Controller one will serve as the strategic architect of the organization’s fiscal health, overseeing all accounting operations from high-level financial reporting to granular cost management. In this onsite hands-on senior leadership role, the Controller is responsible for maintaining rigorous internal controls and ensuring absolute compliance with both GAAP and industry-specific regulatory standards, such as AS9100.

A primary focus for the Controller involves mastering complex cost accounting and Work-in-Process (WIP) tracking, ensuring that job costing accurately reflects the labor and material investments unique to precision aerospace components. Beyond the balance sheet, one acts as a vital business partner to the production team, translating operational data into actionable insights for budgeting, cash flow forecasting, and capital expenditure planning. The ideal candidate brings a blend of technical expertise in manufacturing, ERP systems, and the communication skills necessary to bridge the gap between the shop floor and the management team, ultimately driving profitability and operational efficiency.

The role will require a team orientated individual who embodies the company values of Passion, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and year-end closing processes, ensuring all financial statements are accurate and issued in a timely manner.
• Maintain and refine the standard costing system; perform regular variance analysis (labor, material, and overhead) to identify improvement opportunities in the manufacturing process.
• Develop and implement internal controls, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements.
• Manage accounts receivable and accounts payable while optimizing working capital to support raw material procurement and equipment upgrades.
• Supervise and mentor a small staff, AP/AR,, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Manage the annual audit process, including coordination with external auditors and review of audited financial statements and IRS Forms.
• Develop annual operating budgets and provide monthly rolling forecasts for ownership.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and operations teams to ensure accurate product costing and inventory valuation.
• Provide strategic financial advice, reports, and support to senior management while helping to drive key business decisions.
• Establish and monitor robust internal control policies to safeguard assets and ensure the integrity of financial data.
• Ensure the facility meets all aerospace-specific financial requirements, coordinating with quality teams to align financial records with AS9100 or ISO 9001 audit trails.
• Assist with pricing analysis, cost modelling, and margin analysis to support customer quotations and contracts
• Evaluate the ROI on major capital investments like CNC machinery or specialized testing hardware.
• Foster the development of Phoenix’s core values that align with business objectives while supporting the company through respect, integrity, perseverance, and teamwork.
• Keeping up to date on the latest financial trends, policies, regulations, and best practices for timely implementation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Experience, Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. MBA/CMA is preferred.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3 years in a manufacturing environment (Aerospace or Defense preferred).
• A minimum of 3 years of leadership experience including training and supervising accounting and administrative staff.
• Experience implementing or enhancing business systems such as accounting, ERP, and inventory management.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Manufacturing ERP software (e.g., Globalshop).
• Expert-level Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, Data Modeling).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, presentation skills and high attention to detail.
• Deep understanding of GAAP, cost accounting methodologies, and inventory valuation.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced, changing environment.
• Demonstrated flexibility, agility, adaptability, and ability to multi-task.