Financial Controller – Defense & Aerospace Manufacturing

About the role

The most senior finance leader on‑site, responsible for the full P&L of the US division and end‑to‑end financial operations at the Chatsworth facility. Reports directly to the global CFO and leads a team of four across AR/AP, legal and FP&A.

Key responsibilities

• Own the monthly financial close (10‑day target), management reporting, variance analysis and executive reporting packages.
• Manage cost accounting functions including standard costing, job costing, labor allocation, overhead absorption and inventory controls.
• Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS and ITAR requirements and support proposal pricing and contract submissions.
• Lead annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting and ad‑hoc financial analysis across operations, pricing and supply chain.
• Maintain SOX‑aligned internal controls and coordinate external and government audits.
• Oversee legal relationships, commercial contracts and shared IT functions.
• Develop, mentor and manage a team of four direct reports.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive finance/accounting experience.
• 3+ years in a Controller or senior finance leadership role.
• Background in defense, aerospace or regulated manufacturing.
• Hands‑on cost accounting experience (standard costing, job costing, inventory).
• Familiarity with FAR, DFARS and ITAR regulations.
• U.S. person status under ITAR and commutable to Chatsworth, CA.
• Strong ERP experience; QAD highly desirable.
• Advanced Excel proficiency; CPA or MBA preferred.

Required skills

• QAD ERP
• Advanced Excel
• Cost accounting
• Standard costing
• Job costing
• Inventory controls
• FAR compliance
• DFARS compliance
• ITAR compliance
• SOX internal controls

What we offer

• Senior, high‑impact role as the top finance leader at a specialist defense manufacturing facility.
• Full P&L ownership with a seat at the local management table.
• Direct collaboration with global executive leadership, including the CFO.
• 9/80 schedule: alternating 5‑ and 4‑day weeks with one work‑from‑home day on 5‑day weeks.