Financial Controller

Overview

We're partnering with a well-established US defense and aerospace manufacturer to find a Controller for their Chatsworth facility. The company designs rugged embedded computing systems for mission-critical military, aerospace, and space applications, working with leading prime contractors across land, sea, air, and space programs.

The role: The most senior finance leader on-site, with full P&L ownership and end-to-end responsibility for all financial operations at the US division. You'll act as the primary financial business partner to the US leadership team and report directly to the global CFO, leading a team of four across AR/AP, legal, and FP&A.

This is a hands-on senior role for someone equally comfortable managing day-to-day operations and providing strategic financial counsel — someone who can challenge the business, drive change, and operate with a high degree of independence.

Responsibilities

• Own full monthly financial close (target: 10-day close), GL, cost centers, and divisional P&L
• Cost accounting: standard costing, job costing, variance analysis, overhead absorption, inventory
• Government contract compliance: FAR, DFARS, ITAR; contract types including FFP, T&M, CPIF, etc.
• Budgeting, forecasting, and annual financial planning
• Internal controls (SOX-aligned), audit coordination, and compliance reporting
• Oversight of legal activities and shared service IT function

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 7+ years progressive finance/accounting experience; 3+ years at Controller level
• Defense, aerospace, or highly regulated manufacturing background — required
• Hands-on cost accounting experience — required
• FAR/DFARS/ITAR familiarity — required
• US citizenship and commutable to Chatsworth, CA — required
• Strong ERP experience; QAD a plus | Advanced Excel | CPA or MBA preferred

What’s on offer

• Top finance seat at a specialized, mission-critical defense facility
• Full P&L ownership and a place at the local leadership table
• Direct exposure to the global CFO
• 9/80 schedule with 1 WFH day on a 5-day week