Controller (A&D Manufacturing) #1508

Our client, a respected small to mid-sized aerospace manufacturer, is looking to appoint a Senior Controller to support its operations in Phoenix, Arizona. The organization is a recognized provider of pressure, temperature, and liquid flow switches and sensors, serving aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors. As an ISO 9001 and AS 9100D certified business, the company offers a stable, family-owned environment with a strong emphasis on growth, innovation, and long-term success.

This individual will act as the senior finance leader for the business, overseeing financial reporting, compliance, cost controls, and strategic financial support across both Phoenix and Mexico operations. Reporting directly to the Treasurer, the position will have responsibility for accounting, budgeting, forecasting, tax matters, compliance, and overall financial stewardship in support of continued business growth.

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity suited to someone comfortable operating at both a strategic and day-to-day level. The successful candidate will supervise a small finance team while also helping to develop and mentor additional accounting staff as the function expands. Our client is seeking someone with strong aerospace or defense manufacturing experience, familiarity with government contracting, and a demonstrated background in financial leadership within a manufacturing setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning across multiple sites
• Oversee physical inventory processes with a target variance of less than 0.5%
• Manage 13-week cash flow forecasting and banking relationships
• Support pricing activities for RFQs and longer-term contract opportunities
• Coordinate with outside CPAs on tax filings and R&D credit matters
• Drive ERP and broader process improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, ITAR, EAR, DCAA, and FAR/DFARS requirements
• Direct monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting, including variance analysis
• Supervise accounting operations, including journal entries, financial statement preparation, cost accounting, payment processing, and tax compliance
• Oversee ERP standard cost structures and help improve margins through variance analysis

Requirements

Essential Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years in a Controller or comparable senior-level role within aerospace or defense manufacturing
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline required
• Prior experience working in a mid-sized organization of approximately 100–200 employees and $30M–$50M in revenue
• Must be eligible to work in a role requiring ITAR compliance
• 10+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience, including at least 5 years within aerospace manufacturing

Technical Expertise:

• Strong understanding of GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting best practices
• Advanced ERP systems knowledge, such as Syteline, Epicor, Oracle, or similar platforms
• Experience with consolidated financial reporting across entities
• High-level Excel and financial modeling capability, including pivot tables and lookup functions
• Deep expertise in standard costing, labor burden, and WIP valuation for machined and assembled parts

Preferred Qualifications

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

Location & Work Environment

• Travel is limited, though occasional trips to Mexico operations may be required
• Position is based in Phoenix, Arizona
• This is an on-site role only; remote work is not available

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.