Operations Finance Manager?? Strategic Finance Business Partner | Aerospace & Defense | Executive Visibility
Looking for a role where you'll do more than forecasting and reporting? We're seeking an Operations Finance Manager to serve as a key business partner to Operations leadership, helping drive financial performance, operational efficiency, and long-term business strategy. This is a highly visible leadership opportunity supporting manufacturing, operations, and executive stakeholders within a complex government contracting environment.
You'll lead forecasting, budgeting, operational finance, and business performance initiatives while partnering closely with Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Finance leadership to influence decision-making and drive results.
What You'll Do?? Financial Planning & Analysis
Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning activities
Develop monthly forecasts, quarterly outlooks, and operational financial plans
Support Estimates-at-Complete (EACs), forward pricing activities, and strategic planning efforts
Analyze performance against budget, forecast, and long-term objectives
?? Strategic Business Partnership
Serve as a trusted advisor to Operations leadership on financial and operational decisions
Partner cross-functionally to drive profitability, efficiency, and operational excellence
Translate complex financial information into actionable recommendations for non-finance stakeholders
Support executive-level decision-making through timely analysis and insightful reporting
?? Operations & Manufacturing Finance
Monitor key operational metrics including labor utilization, overhead, inventory, capital expenditures, and rate management
Identify financial risks and opportunities and recommend corrective actions
Support inventory planning and manufacturing performance initiatives
Evaluate business performance drivers and provide meaningful variance analysis
?? Leadership & Continuous Improvement
Lead and develop members of the Operations Finance team
Drive process improvements, financial controls, and reporting enhancements
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence
Support adoption of new tools, technologies, and best practices
What We're Looking For
? Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related discipline
? 11+ years of progressive Finance, FP&A, Accounting, or Operations Finance experience
? Experience in a government contracting environment
? Strong background supporting manufacturing or operational organizations
? Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills
? Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and variance analysis
? Strong understanding of:
Cost accounting
Labor utilization and rate management
Inventory accounting
Overhead structures
Cost elements and cost objects
Operational financial planning
? Proven leadership experience and ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
? Strong communication, presentation, and analytical skills
Preferred Qualifications
? SAP experience
? Aerospace, defense, or manufacturing industry experience
? Knowledge of MRP and manufacturing planning environments
? Experience with inventory costing, cost transfers, and project costing methodologies
? Understanding of government cost accounting principles and practices
Why Join Us?
?? High-impact role supporting executive leadership and critical operational functions
?? Direct influence on profitability, forecasting, and business strategy
?? Strong partnership with Operations, Manufacturing, and Finance leadership
?? Leadership opportunity with team development responsibilities
?? Exposure to complex manufacturing, government contracting, and operational finance challenges
?? Stable organization with strong long-term career growth potential
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Poway, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $155000.00 - $155000.00/yr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Exposure to senior leadership including Directors and Vice Presidents Opportunity to lead and develop finance talent Direct impact on multi-million-dollar operational decisions Career growth within a highly respected aerospace and defense organization Relocation assistance available Long-term stability supporting critical national defense programs
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Poway,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 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® Platinum Award 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.
