Controller - Defense
Santa Ana, California, United States of America
Full Time
3 weeks ago
$130,000 - $170,000 USD
Key skills
CRAssemblyERPSAPWorkdayLeadershipProject ManagementCommunicationSales
About this role
Ascent Aerospace – Inspiring the next generation of flight!
Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made— making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure it is an efficient and cost-effective solution. As a true, single-source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark-ups, ultimately saving our customers money. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Defense Controller is responsible for leading the financial, compliance, and program control activities for the company’s defense portfolio. This role serves as the internal expert on FAR/DFARS, defense rates and allocations, disclosure statements, and related financial compliance requirements, while also acting as the primary finance partner for defense program execution, quoting, and business growth.
The ideal candidate will oversee defense project setup and compliance within the ERP system, support pricing and proposal activity, and provide end-to-end financial control of defense programs including invoicing, forecasting, cost control, variance analysis, revenue recognition, and profitability tracking. This position requires a strong, independent leader who can work cross-functionally, improve processes, and provide disciplined financial oversight in a regulated aerospace and defense environment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position.
• Serve as the company’s internal FAR/DFARS subject matter expert for the defense business, providing guidance on compliance requirements, contract applicability, and financial implications.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and oversight of defense rates, indirect allocations, disclosure statements, and allocation policies to support compliant and effective government contracting practices.
• Act as the internal expert on FAR/DFARS compliance, ensuring financial, ERP and operational processes align with applicable requirements and internal control standards.
• Support Sales and the VP of Defense Business Development with proposal pricing, quoting, rate reviews, financial modeling, and ad hoc analysis for new and existing defense opportunities.
• Serve as the program / project controller for defense programs, including invoicing, cost control, forecasting, variance analysis, revenue tracking, and overall financial performance monitoring.
• Manage the setup of new defense projects in the ERP system, ensuring project structures, billing terms, cost tracking, and reporting elements are established accurately and in compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Lead financial oversight of the company’s defense book of business, including profitability, cash flow, backlog, project performance, and financial reporting.
• Recommend and implement process improvements that strengthen defense program controls, compliance, and overall financial performance.
• Any additional duties as reasonably assigned by management.
REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be:
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5–10+ years of experience in project controlling, program finance, project accounting, FP&A, operational finance, or contract/project controls in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other complex project-based environments.
• Demonstrated experience supporting large, complex projects or portfolios with responsibility for forecasting, margin analysis, revenue recognition, cash flow, and financial controls.
• Strong understanding of project financial management, including cost-to-complete, estimate-at-completion, variance analysis, and profitability tracking.
• Support compliance with applicable FAR/DFARS requirements across defense programs, including subcontract flowdowns, supplier terms alignment, and coordination of documentation tied to customer, and controlled-information obligations.
• Experience with US GAAP revenue and cost recognition principles.
• Working knowledge of Earned Value Management and project performance measurement.
• Strong ERP and systems experience, preferably SAP, along with advanced Excel and financial reporting skills.
• Ability to operate independently, manage competing priorities, and drive results with minimal day-to-day direction.
• Strong communication, leadership, and cross-functional influencing skills.
• Must possess Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance and Program Clearance and maintain clearance(s) for the duration of employment
• This position must meet Export Control Compliance requirements, therefore a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22.C.F.R. is required. For further details as to how a “U.S. Person” is determined, please see SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS below!
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• CPA, CMA, MBA, or equivalent professional credentials are a plus.
• Experience with Percentage of Completion (POC) or Contract Accounting.
• Experience in an aerospace tooling, defense manufacturing, engineered-to-order, or capital equipment environment.
• Familiarity with defense contracting milestone billing, claims/variation management, and complex customer contract structures.
• Experience partnering closely with Project Management, Procurement, Engineering, and Operations teams.
• Knowledge of internal control frameworks and audit-ready documentation practices.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
• None, supervisory experience is a plus for future segment growth
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
• May be required to travel to other site locations during the workday and would primarily be local during the business day. However, some projects may require overnight stays as well as out-of-the-area travel paid for by the business. Up to ~25% travel required.
COMPENSATION
• $130,000 - $170,000 Per Year
WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions described here are representative of those that may be experienced by an employee on a daily basis while performing the functions of this job.
• Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation
• May access and work in the manufacturing plant
• While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles
• The employee may be exposed to vibration
• The employee is occasionally exposed to caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• May be required to travel to other site locations during the work day
• May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands
• Work with safe manufacturing processes and understand that eyewear is mandatory in the manufacturing area.
• Knows that safety shoes are recommended in the manufacturing area
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Must be able to see, talk, hear, touch, feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to frequently walk and stand for short periods of time
• Must be able to lift and move up to 35lbs, occasionally lift and move objects up to 50lbs.
BENEFITS
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• AD&D Insurance
• PTO
• 401k Match
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening.
This position requires use of information that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder').
Ascent Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please call toll-free +1 586-726-0500. This phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response.
No Unauthorized Referrals from Recruiters & Vendors
Please note that Ascent Aerospace does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or offers from third party recruiters or staffing agencies associated with any published or unpublished employment opportunities. Any unsolicited information sent to Ascent Aerospace will be considered as unencumbered and free from any fee or charge whatsoever. Only members of our Human Resources Team have the authority to engage or authorize recruiting services, which must be agreed upon before the unsolicited resume or offer is received.
Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made— making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure it is an efficient and cost-effective solution. As a true, single-source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark-ups, ultimately saving our customers money. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Defense Controller is responsible for leading the financial, compliance, and program control activities for the company’s defense portfolio. This role serves as the internal expert on FAR/DFARS, defense rates and allocations, disclosure statements, and related financial compliance requirements, while also acting as the primary finance partner for defense program execution, quoting, and business growth.
The ideal candidate will oversee defense project setup and compliance within the ERP system, support pricing and proposal activity, and provide end-to-end financial control of defense programs including invoicing, forecasting, cost control, variance analysis, revenue recognition, and profitability tracking. This position requires a strong, independent leader who can work cross-functionally, improve processes, and provide disciplined financial oversight in a regulated aerospace and defense environment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position.
• Serve as the company’s internal FAR/DFARS subject matter expert for the defense business, providing guidance on compliance requirements, contract applicability, and financial implications.
• Lead the development, maintenance, and oversight of defense rates, indirect allocations, disclosure statements, and allocation policies to support compliant and effective government contracting practices.
• Act as the internal expert on FAR/DFARS compliance, ensuring financial, ERP and operational processes align with applicable requirements and internal control standards.
• Support Sales and the VP of Defense Business Development with proposal pricing, quoting, rate reviews, financial modeling, and ad hoc analysis for new and existing defense opportunities.
• Serve as the program / project controller for defense programs, including invoicing, cost control, forecasting, variance analysis, revenue tracking, and overall financial performance monitoring.
• Manage the setup of new defense projects in the ERP system, ensuring project structures, billing terms, cost tracking, and reporting elements are established accurately and in compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Lead financial oversight of the company’s defense book of business, including profitability, cash flow, backlog, project performance, and financial reporting.
• Recommend and implement process improvements that strengthen defense program controls, compliance, and overall financial performance.
• Any additional duties as reasonably assigned by management.
REQUIRED SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be:
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5–10+ years of experience in project controlling, program finance, project accounting, FP&A, operational finance, or contract/project controls in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or other complex project-based environments.
• Demonstrated experience supporting large, complex projects or portfolios with responsibility for forecasting, margin analysis, revenue recognition, cash flow, and financial controls.
• Strong understanding of project financial management, including cost-to-complete, estimate-at-completion, variance analysis, and profitability tracking.
• Support compliance with applicable FAR/DFARS requirements across defense programs, including subcontract flowdowns, supplier terms alignment, and coordination of documentation tied to customer, and controlled-information obligations.
• Experience with US GAAP revenue and cost recognition principles.
• Working knowledge of Earned Value Management and project performance measurement.
• Strong ERP and systems experience, preferably SAP, along with advanced Excel and financial reporting skills.
• Ability to operate independently, manage competing priorities, and drive results with minimal day-to-day direction.
• Strong communication, leadership, and cross-functional influencing skills.
• Must possess Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance and Program Clearance and maintain clearance(s) for the duration of employment
• This position must meet Export Control Compliance requirements, therefore a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22.C.F.R. is required. For further details as to how a “U.S. Person” is determined, please see SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS below!
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• CPA, CMA, MBA, or equivalent professional credentials are a plus.
• Experience with Percentage of Completion (POC) or Contract Accounting.
• Experience in an aerospace tooling, defense manufacturing, engineered-to-order, or capital equipment environment.
• Familiarity with defense contracting milestone billing, claims/variation management, and complex customer contract structures.
• Experience partnering closely with Project Management, Procurement, Engineering, and Operations teams.
• Knowledge of internal control frameworks and audit-ready documentation practices.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
• None, supervisory experience is a plus for future segment growth
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
• May be required to travel to other site locations during the workday and would primarily be local during the business day. However, some projects may require overnight stays as well as out-of-the-area travel paid for by the business. Up to ~25% travel required.
COMPENSATION
• $130,000 - $170,000 Per Year
WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions described here are representative of those that may be experienced by an employee on a daily basis while performing the functions of this job.
• Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation
• May access and work in the manufacturing plant
• While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles
• The employee may be exposed to vibration
• The employee is occasionally exposed to caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• May be required to travel to other site locations during the work day
• May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands
• Work with safe manufacturing processes and understand that eyewear is mandatory in the manufacturing area.
• Knows that safety shoes are recommended in the manufacturing area
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Must be able to see, talk, hear, touch, feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Must be able to frequently walk and stand for short periods of time
• Must be able to lift and move up to 35lbs, occasionally lift and move objects up to 50lbs.
BENEFITS
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• AD&D Insurance
• PTO
• 401k Match
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening.
This position requires use of information that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder').
Ascent Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please call toll-free +1 586-726-0500. This phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response.
No Unauthorized Referrals from Recruiters & Vendors
Please note that Ascent Aerospace does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or offers from third party recruiters or staffing agencies associated with any published or unpublished employment opportunities. Any unsolicited information sent to Ascent Aerospace will be considered as unencumbered and free from any fee or charge whatsoever. Only members of our Human Resources Team have the authority to engage or authorize recruiting services, which must be agreed upon before the unsolicited resume or offer is received.