Job Title: Controller (Confidential Hire)Job Description
This role leads the finance function for a small but growing precision manufacturing site in a dynamic, private-equity-backed environment. The Controller owns the integrity of financial reporting, strengthens internal controls and compliance, modernizes finance processes, and builds durable standard operating procedures in a post-acquisition setting. This position serves as the site's finance leader and trusted advisor to operations and leadership, balancing strong technical accounting skills with practical, hands-on execution in a lean, change-oriented environment.
Responsibilities
Lead the finance function for a precision manufacturing site and provide hands-on leadership, coaching, and development for the finance team.
Own the month-end close process and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and on-time delivery within a 3-day close, with an eye toward further efficiency improvements.
Strengthen internal controls and build, standardize, and document SOPs to remediate inconsistent or non-compliant legacy processes and ensure ongoing compliance.
Drive continuous improvement across finance processes through automation, technology adoption, and cross-functional cost reduction and value engineering initiatives.
Partner with site and corporate leadership on forecasting, annual operating plans, strategic planning, and financial analytics to support data-driven decision making.
Advise on pricing, proposals, and compliance matters, including government contracting requirements such as FAR, DFAR, TINA, and CAS where applicable.
Oversee core accounting activities including general ledger management, journal entries, account reconciliations, accounts payable, cost accounting, balance sheet integrity, and monthly financial reports.
Own key financial principles and performance metrics for the site, taking responsibility for "owning the numbers" and ensuring financial transparency and accuracy.
Improve month-end closeout efficiency and enhance financial reporting quality, including the use of pivot tables, Global Shop, and other tools to streamline reporting and analysis.
Lead or support financial process improvement initiatives, including reporting modernization and potential data warehouse or business intelligence projects.
Provide clear financial communication and decision support to operations and leadership, translating complex financial data into actionable insights.
Support and lead special projects and broader business needs as they arise in a lean environment, adapting to changing priorities and growth demands.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience with controllership-level scope and responsibilities.
Demonstrated technical accounting strength, including experience with general ledger, journal entries, reconciliations, and balance sheet management.
Proven experience operating under close deadlines, including ownership of month-end close and financial reporting within a compressed timeframe.
Hands-on experience with internal controls, financial compliance, and building or standardizing SOPs.
Strong background in financial reporting, monthly financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
Experience with cost accounting in a manufacturing or similar environment.
Advanced Excel proficiency, including use of pivot tables and other advanced functions for reporting and analysis.
Proficiency in or exposure to ERP or manufacturing systems such as Global Shop.
Strong financial communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to take ownership of financial principles and site-level performance metrics ("owning the numbers").
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Manufacturing controllership experience, with aerospace exposure considered a strong plus.
Experience working in private equity-backed environments or in roles that require building processes and structures from the ground up.
Exposure to Power BI, reporting modernization initiatives, and/or data warehouse projects.
Familiarity with government contracting compliance requirements, including FAR, DFAR, TINA, and CAS.
Professional credentials such as MBA, CPA, CMA, or other advanced certifications.
Demonstrated success driving process automation and continuous improvement within finance.
Experience working in lean team environments where flexibility and hands-on execution are critical.
Comfort operating in a "scrappy" environment with a focus on building structure without excessive bureaucracy.
Work Environment
This position is based on-site at a precision manufacturing facility in the Greater Philadelphia area, with specific site details handled confidentially. Standard working hours align with site operations, typically from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The role operates within a lean team structure, collaborating closely with operations and leadership, and supported by external audit and finance partners where appropriate. The environment combines the feel of a stable, family-oriented business with the dynamism of private equity backing, offering a culture that values ownership, continuous improvement, and practical problem-solving. Free parking is available on site, and the work setting emphasizes close interaction with manufacturing operations and hands-on engagement with financial processes and systems.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Philadelphia, PA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $118000.00/yr.
When you join the 401(k) plan, you will receive matching contributions, a wide range of investment options, access to financial advice and more. You can enroll in the 401(k) plan anytime. If you are a new employee, you will be automatically enrolled in the 401(k) plan at 6% approximately 45 days after your date of hire unless you contact Empower Retirement to opt out. Watch for an enrollment kit from Empower Retirement mailed to your home. Contact Empower Retirement directly at 844-465-4455 or enroll online at empowermyretirement.com (empowermyretirement.com). Each year you can contribute up to the IRS limit. The company will match 50% of the first 4% of pay you contribute (equal to a 2% match). There is also a 4% Annual Retirement Contribution paid in the first quarter of the following calendar year, even if you are not contributing. For employees hired after January 1, 2021, matching contributions are subject to a 5-year graded vesting schedule: 1-year 20%, 2-years 40%, 3-years 60%, 4-years 80% and 5-years 100%.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Philadelphia,PA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 27, 2026.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com (%20astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com) for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
