Controller

Controller

Job Summary

BLUSA Defense Manufacturing is seeking an experienced and hands-on Controller to lead the accounting and financial operations of our growing manufacturing organization. This position is responsible for overseeing financial reporting, job costing, internal controls, cash management, and accounting operations across the primary operating company and several affiliated entities. The Controller will partner closely with executive leadership and operational teams to provide accurate financial information, improve profitability, strengthen processes, and support strategic business growth. The ideal candidate has a strong manufacturing accounting background in a job shop environment, demonstrates exceptional leadership and analytical skills, and thrives in a fast-paced, multi-entity organization.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Oversee financial reporting for the primary operating company and affiliated entities.
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Coordinate annual financial audits and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.

Manufacturing Accounting & Job Costing

• Oversee job costing in a custom manufacturing/job shop environment, ensuring accurate labor, material, and overhead allocation.
• Manage work-in-process (WIP) accounting and ensure timely movement of costs to finished goods.
• Analyze job cost variances and conduct post-job profitability reviews.
• Partner with operations, engineering, and estimating teams to improve costing accuracy and profit margins.

Accounting Operations

• Direct daily accounting functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, commissions, and account reconciliations.
• Resolve complex accounting issues and support internal and external customers on escalated financial matters.
• Manage cash flow, banking relationships, customer credit approvals, working capital, and financial risk.
• Review and reconcile key balance sheet accounts, including insurance, deposits, accruals, and prepaid expenses.

Leadership & Business Partnership

• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff while fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Partner with operations, purchasing, sales, and executive leadership to support business objectives and informed decision-making.
• Collaborate with the CFO on budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and capital investment analysis.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintain the integrity of financial data within ERP and accounting systems.
• Develop and monitor key financial and operational performance metrics.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance reporting accuracy, strengthen internal controls, and improve scalability.
• Utilize advanced Microsoft Excel skills; experience with Power BI and ERP systems such as Global Shop Solutions is preferred.

Special Projects

• Support third-party providers by preparing information for R&D tax credit studies and other financial analyses.
• Participate in ERP enhancements, reporting initiatives, and other finance-related projects that support organizational growth.

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• CPA, CMA, or other professional accounting certification is a plus.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including experience within manufacturing or job shop environments.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on accounting experience in a manufacturing setting required.
• Experience managing accounting functions across multiple companies or entities strongly preferred.
• Experience processing payroll; Paycom experience is preferred.
• Strong experience with ERP systems; Global Shop Solutions experience is preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment.
• Experience supporting defense or aerospace manufacturing is preferred.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, budgeting, and month-end/year-end close processes.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor staff and collaborate effectively across departments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate financial information clearly to all levels of the organization.
• Process-oriented mindset with the ability to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and implement effective solutions.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, accounting software, and advanced Microsoft Excel functions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information with professionalism and integrity.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize competing deadlines and adapt to changing business needs.
• Commitment to accuracy, operational excellence, compliance, and continuous process improvement.