Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
AO Precision Manufacturing, a leading provider of complex precision-machined and assembled components for the Aerospace, Defense, Firearms, Medical, and Industrial sectors, seeks a Controller to lead all financial operations and drive data-driven decision-making across the enterprise.
The Controller will be responsible for cash management, inventory control, forecasting accuracy, and the timely delivery of clear, concise, and actionable financial information to support the company’s strategic and operational objectives. This individual will play a critical role in analyzing financial and operational performance, identifying anomalies or negative trends, and providing proactive recommendations that enhance profitability and cash flow.
This is a hands-on leadership role within a fast-paced, vertically integrated precision manufacturing environment.
Requirements:
Financial Management & Reporting
- Lead all accounting and finance functions, including cost accounting, general ledger, financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
- Ensure accurate, timely, and transparent financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
- Develop and maintain cash flow management tools to monitor liquidity and optimize working capital.
- Provide daily, weekly, and monthly financial visibility dashboards for executive review and analysis.
Operational & Analytical Excellence
- Build and maintain financial and operational models to conduct comparative analysis, detect anomalies, and identify performance trends across departments.
- Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain to align financial data with production metrics for real-time performance tracking.
- Lead excellence utilizing the ERP system (Epicor) to capture real-time data to support the above.
- Oversee inventory valuation, cycle counts, and cost accuracy to ensure the integrity of COGS and margin reporting.
- Drive process improvements through lean financial practices and the automation of reporting tools.
Strategic Leadership & Decision Support
- Provide actionable insights to support pricing strategies, capital investments, and resource allocation decisions.
- Collaborate closely with senior leadership to support annual operating plans, long-range forecasts, and cost-reduction initiatives.
- Maintain strong relationships with banks, auditors, and financial institutions to support growth and risk management.
- Support strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, new product line assessments, and capital investment modeling.
Governance & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal controls, and all applicable regulatory and contractual requirements (including ITAR and Defense-related financial compliance).
- Coordinate and lead external audits and internal financial reviews.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred.
- In lieu of a degree, 10 to 15+ years of progressive experience in a manufacturing environment in finance, with at least 5 years in a machining or defense-related industry.
- Demonstrated expertise in:
- Cash flow and working capital management.
- Cost accounting in a manufacturing environment
- ERP/MRP financial integration (Epicor preferred)
- Budgeting and forecasting accuracy.
- Financial modeling and variance analysis
- Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
- Proven experience building and leading high-performing teams.
Preferred Attributes:
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or government contracting environments.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and cost-reduction methodologies.
- Advanced Excel and data visualization skills (Power BI, Tableau, or similar).
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally and influence operational strategy.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
- Office and manufacturing floor environment; occasional exposure to mechanical equipment, noise, and shop conditions.
- Ability to sit, stand, and move within the facility as required.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
About AO Precision Manufacturing:
AO Precision Manufacturing is an AS9100-, ISO9001-, and ITAR-certified precision manufacturer specializing in high-complexity CNC machining, plating (NADCAP anodize and hard chrome), and electromechanical assembly. With over one hundred machining centers and advanced process capabilities, AO Precision supports leading global OEMs across the defense, aerospace, and industrial sectors.