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

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. 

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected. 

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location. 

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. 

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable. 

Privacy and Pay Equity: 

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at .

• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available. 

• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws. 

State-Specific Information: 

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants. 

• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation. 

• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed. 

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process. 

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment 

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles. 

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law. 

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate. 

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.