Senior Finance Leader - Aerospace Manufacturing Sector #1508
6 days ago
Phoenix
Job Description We are partnering with a premier aerospace manufacturing organization in their search for a Senior Finance Leader to oversee their Phoenix-based financial operations. This ISO 9001 and AS 9100D certified manufacturer is a worldwide authority in pressure, temperature, and liquid flow switches and sensors, supplying aerospace, defense, and industrial sectors globally. Operating with a family-owned ethos, the organization emphasizes stability, continuous growth, and forward-thinking innovation. This Senior Finance Leader position represents the top-tier accounting executive accountable for financial reporting, regulatory compliance, expense management, and strategic fiscal planning spanning both Phoenix and Mexico facilities. With direct accountability to the CFO and Board of Directors, this executive will manage accounting operations, budget development, forecasting activities, financial statement preparation, tax compliance, and financial governance while advancing the organization's expansion goals. This opportunity requires a tactical leader capable of executing controller-level duties while delivering strategic financial counsel. Direct supervision includes a Controller, Senior Cost Accountant, Accounts Payable Clerk, and Accounts Receivable Clerk, with responsibility for developing additional accounting staff as organizational needs expand. The successful candidate will demonstrate extensive aerospace/defense manufacturing expertise, comprehensive government contracting familiarity, and documented success in manufacturing financial leadership. Key Responsibilities: • Manage 13-week cash flow forecasting, working capital, and liquidity, • Lead, mentor, and develop finance team while fostering culture of accountability and continuous improvement, • Prepare GAAP-compliant financial statements with comprehensive operational reporting, • Oversee ERP standard cost system and drive margin improvements through variance analysis, • Maintain DCAA audit readiness and coordinate external customer audits, • Provide pricing support for RFQs and long-term contracts, • Own monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, • Manage relationships with external CPA firms, banks, and insurance providers, • Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning for multi-site operations Requirements Education & Professional Background: • Minimum 4 years as a Controller or similar senior position in aerospace/defense manufacturing, • 10+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience, • Strong working knowledge of GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting best practices, • Deep expertise in standard costing, labor burden, and WIP valuation for machined/assembled parts, • Advanced proficiency in financial modeling and Excel (Pivot tables, lookup functions), • Experience with entity consolidation financial reporting, • Experience managing both local and international operations (Mexico) preferred, • Demonstrated success leading, developing, and retaining finance and accounting teams, • Hands-on approach with ability to execute controller-level tasks while providing strategic oversight, • Proven ability to lead financial strategy and support executive-level decision-making, • Experience with shop-floor data collection systems, • Power BI experience, • Familiarity with aerospace certifications and compliance requirements, • CPA or MBA strongly preferred, • Prior success implementing paperless AP/AR systems, • QuickBooks experience, • Hands-on experience with DCAA audits and FAR Part 31 cost allowabilityLocation & Work Environment, • Travel: Minimal; occasional travel to Mexico operations may be required, • Work Arrangement: In-office position only (no remote work), • Competitive salary range: $180 - $210K, • 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: • 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., • Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants., • Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation. 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.