Senior Finance Controller- Aerospace Manufacturing, Phoenix

Senior Controller
Our client, a well-established small to mid-sized aerospace manufacturing company, is seeking a Senior Controller to join their Phoenix-based operations.
As a local leader in pressure, temperature, and liquid flow switches and sensors, this ISO **** and AS ****D certified company serves aerospace, defense, and industrial markets.
The company maintains a family-owned culture focused on stability, growth, and innovation.
The Senior Controller will serve as the senior accounting leader responsible for all financial reporting, compliance, cost control, and strategic financial support across Phoenix and Mexico operations.
Reporting directly to the Treasurer, this role oversees accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, tax filing, and financial compliance while supporting the company's continued growth objectives.
This is a hands-on operational position that requires someone who can execute controller-level responsibilities.
You'll directly manage a small finance team while also mentoring additional accounting personnel as the team grows.
The ideal candidate brings deep aerospace/defense manufacturing experience, government contracting knowledge, comfort working in a small to mid-sized company, and a proven track record of financial leadership in a manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting and variance analysis
Oversee cost accounting and maintain ERP standard cost systems (BOMs, variances)
Support pricing on RFQs and long-term contracts
Manage 13-week cash flow forecasting and banking relationships
Ensure compliance with GAAP, ITAR, EAR, DCAA, and FAR/DFARS
Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning for multi-site operations
Manage accounting functions such as making daily journal entries (book keeping), preparing financial statements, cost accounting, processing payments and tax compliance.
Oversee ERP standard cost system and drive margin improvements through variance analysis
Coordinate with external CPAs on tax filings and R&D credits
Oversee physical inventory with <0.5% variance target
Drive ERP and process improvement initiatives