Senior Financial Controller

Description

ABOUT US

Gooch & Housego (G&H) is a global precision photonics manufacturer serving the industrial, aerospace & defense, life sciences, and semiconductor markets. With operations spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, G&H designs and manufactures advanced optical components, systems, and subsystems that enable some of the world's most demanding applications.

JOB PURPOSE 

The Senior Financial Controller serves as the finance leader for the Moorpark site, sitting on the site leadership team to support the site GM. The role is also part of the Optical Systems Leadership team, and reports into the divisional finance organization. The successful candidate will partner closely with the Director of Operations and local team to provide strategic financial leadership, operational decision support, and business performance management.

The role is responsible for ensuring financial integrity, driving profitability and cash, improving operational performance, supporting strategic growth initiatives, and leading all aspects of financial planning, reporting, compliance, and business analysis. The Senior Financial Controller acts as a trusted advisor to operational leadership and plays a critical role in translating business strategy into financial results.

This position is expected to be a highly visible business partner who actively participates in site leadership discussions, influences decision-making, and helps drive operational and financial performance across the business.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Business Partnership & Site Leadership

Serve as the primary financial advisor and business partner to the Director of Operations and site leadership team

Provide financial leadership and strategic guidance to support operational decision-making and business growth.

Participate as an active member of the site leadership team, helping shape site strategy and long-term business objectives.

Partner with operational leaders to identify opportunities for revenue growth, margin improvement, productivity gains, and cost optimization, as well as take a strong lead in managing working capital.

Develop and communicate meaningful financial insights that drive accountability and improved business performance.

Support strategic initiatives, capital investments, organizational changes, and continuous improvement efforts through financial analysis and business case development.

Financial Planning & Analysis

Lead the development of annual budgets, periodic forecasts, and long-range financial plans

Conduct monthly business reviews and provide analysis of financial results, risks, opportunities, and key performance indicators.

Deliver timely and accurate financial reporting to site leadership, divisional leadership, and corporate finance.

Develop actionable recommendations to improve profitability, cash flow, and operational performance.

Monitor financial performance against plan and provide proactive recommendations to address variances.

Support pricing decisions, customer proposals, and profitability analysis to ensure sound commercial decision-making.

Manufacturing Finance & Cost Accounting

Own and maintain standard costing methodologies across the site.

Analyze manufacturing variances, labor efficiency, material utilization, inventory performance, and absorption rates.

Partner with operations leadership to drive improvements in productivity, yield, scrap reduction, inventory management, and working capital.

Ensure accurate inventory valuation and costing practices in accordance with company policies and accounting standards.

Support operational initiatives through detailed cost analysis and financial modeling.

Accounting, Controls & Compliance

Ensure complete, accurate, and timely financial accounting and reporting for the site.

Lead the month-end close process and ensure compliance with all reporting deadlines.

Maintain strong internal controls and ensure adherence to the G&H Financial Control Framework.

Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and applicable company accounting policies.

Support internal and external audits as required.

Coordinate with divisional and corporate finance teams on financial reporting requirements.

Support  tax reporting and other statutory compliance activities as required.

Operational Excellence

Continuously evaluate and improve financial processes, systems, and reporting capabilities.

Identify opportunities to simplify workflows and improve decision-support tools.

Drive a culture of financial accountability across the organization.

Support ERP system enhancements and process improvements that improve business performance and reporting accuracy.

Responsibilities as a G&H Finance Team Member

Collaborate with finance leaders across the Optical Systems Division and broader G&H organization.

Support cross-site initiatives, process improvement projects, and finance transformation efforts.

Share best practices and contribute to the continuous improvement of finance processes across the business.

REQUIREMENTS

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline required.

CPA strongly preferred.

MBA preferred.

Experience

Minimum 10 years of progressive finance experience within a manufacturing environment.

Prior experience as a Financial Controller, Senior Controller, Plant Controller, Finance Manager, or similar leadership role.

Demonstrated success partnering with senior operational leaders and influencing business decisions.

Strong experience supporting manufacturing operations through financial planning, analysis, and cost accounting.

Experience in aerospace, defense, industrial manufacturing, engineered products, or highly regulated environments preferred.

Strong ERP system experience and advanced financial reporting capabilities.

Experience with standard costing, inventory management, and manufacturing variance analysis required.

Technical Knowledge

Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP; IFRS exposure preferred.

Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office proficiency.

Experience with ERP systems in a manufacturing environment.

Strong financial modeling, forecasting, and analytical capabilities.

Core Competencies

Strategic Thinking

Business Partnership

Leadership and Influence

Financial Acumen

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Communication and Collaboration

Accountability and Ownership

Continuous Improvement

Results Orientation

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive but rather to define the fundamental purpose and responsibilities of the role. Employees may be required to perform other reasonable and related duties as assigned by their manager.

G&H is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

This role may involve access to items or technical data subject to U.S. Export Control Laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates may be required to confirm eligibility to access such information in accordance with applicable regulations.