Assistant Controller - Aerospace & Defense

Overview

COMPENSATION: $175K–$210K base + 20% bonus

Location: can be within the general northeast area, with some flexibility to travel to a few locations. Must be currently located in the northeast US.

Please email your Word document to and reference the subject line — “Northeast US – Assistant Controller Opportunity.”

Company

A private equity–backed aerospace and defense manufacturer looking for a leader to support a complex, multi-site manufacturing environment.

This role sits at the center of controllership, cost accounting, and regulated revenue recognition, supporting multiple manufacturing locations and contract types within a heavily governed environment.

Purpose of Your Position

The Assistant Controller will serve as a key leader within the accounting organization, with direct responsibility for manufacturing accounting, regulated revenue recognition, and close execution across multiple sites. This individual will play a hands-on role in ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong cost discipline, and compliance with stringent government regulatory standards (DCAA, CAS, and FAR), while also supporting integration activities as newly acquired businesses transition from point-in-time to long-term contract accounting models.

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close activities across multiple manufacturing locations, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and adherence to corporate close timelines
• Oversee cost accounting operations, including inventory valuation, standard costing, variance analysis, and manufacturing overhead absorption
• Ensure revenue is recognized in compliance with ASC 606, with a strong emphasis on percentage-of-completion accounting for long-term programs
• Partner with program finance and operations to validate cost inputs, estimates to complete, and revenue forecasts tied to production performance
• Supervise and develop a team of cost accounting professionals, providing technical guidance and driving accountability across sites
• Support the transition of acquired or legacy entities from point-in-time revenue models to contract-based revenue recognition frameworks
• Prepare and review financial reporting packages submitted into consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Own balance sheet integrity through detailed reconciliations, reserve analysis, and root-cause investigation of variances tied to manufacturing activity
• Coordinate external audits and regulatory reviews, acting as a primary accounting liaison and ensuring timely delivery of support schedules
• Maintain strict compliance with government and defense-related regulations, including FAR, CAS, DCAA, and internal control requirements
• Identify opportunities to strengthen policies, procedures, and internal controls within a highly regulated production environment

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or a closely related discipline
• Progressive accounting experience within aerospace and defense manufacturing or similarly regulated industrial environments
• Demonstrated expertise in ASC 606 revenue recognition, specifically within percentage-of-completion / long-term contract models
• Strong background in cost accounting supporting complex manufacturing operations
• Experience working within government-regulated frameworks (FAR, CAS, DCAA)
• Proven ability to lead teams and operate effectively in multi-site, matrixed organizations

Nice to Have:

• Public accounting experience supporting aerospace, defense, or government-contracted manufacturers
• Prior involvement in integrating acquisitions or transitioning accounting models in growth environments