Controller - high tech aerospace, automotive and defense

Controller - high tech aerospace, automotive & defense - CT

Windsor, CT

Purpose

Provide hands-on accounting and administrative leadership for a private, closely-held technology firm utilizing generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Oversee administration, human resources, facilities maintenance, and staff event planning. Support the company's continued evolution from regional projects to low-volume products as well as large, multi-system projects serving emerging technologies in aerospace, automotive and defense.

Requirements

• BS in accounting or finance with 15 years of related experience. MBA/CMA is preferred
• 5 or more years of leadership experience including training and supervising accounting and administrative staff
• Experience with project cost accounting principles including percent of completion and other revenue recognition methodologies
• Experience implementing or enhancing business systems such as accounting, ERP, and inventory management. Resourceful and effective at utilizing technology.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Energetic, personable, dedicated, responsive, and responsible.

Helpful Skills

• Experience with 2 or more different business types, such as professional services as well as manufacturing
• Experience with human resources including legal compliances, definition of roles and accountabilities, performance appraisals, benefits administration, recruiting and employee alignment and engagement
• Experience with implementing, migrating and/or upgrading middle-market ERP systems such as Deltek Vision and NetSuite
• Experience with government contracting, accounting, security and export control rules, regulations and associated documentation, such as FAR/DFAR, representations and certifications, conflict minerals/RoHS, EAR and ITAR
• Experience maintaining office technology, such as computers, Internet service, VOIP phone and conference technology, copiers, alarm and surveillance systems
• Experience authoring, improving, streamlining, documenting and automating various operational work flows and SOPs. Exposure to employee handbook development.
• Experience reviewing, administering and executing a variety of legal contract documents such as employment agreements, nondisclosure agreements, leases, purchase orders, service agreements, and terms and conditions.

Responsibilities

Provide hands-on accounting and administrative leadership utilizing generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) as the company's top financial lead. Oversee backoffice functions including administration, human resources, facilities maintenance, and staff event planning. Liaise with third parties for reviewed financial statements, tax filings, ERP, benefits administration, human resources, IT and facilities maintenance. Support the company's continued evolution from regional projects to low-volume products as well as large, multi-system projects serving emerging technologies in aerospace, automotive and defense. Report directly to the company President with regular interactions with the COO.

• Accounting

• Oversee all accounting functions including A/P, A/R, payroll, monthly and annual accruals, journal entries, period closes, sales and income taxes. Ensure GAAP compliance

• Maintain prudent internal controls, checks and balances, and best practices for security and fraud prevention

• Liaise with 3rd party CPA on financial review or audit, statements, tax filings, R&D and other tax credits.

• Financial Management

• Perform as a Trustee for the company 401k, and as a registered company officer with signature authority (Treasurer)

• Extend the implementation of NetSuite ERP system to support both projects as well as products including multiple revenue recognition methods

• Maintain positive lender and creditor relationships. Ensure all reporting requirements and covenants are satisfied

• Help protect company assets against physical/virtual/cyber threats. Help oversee and administer disaster prevention and recovery procedures. Maintain proper business insurances and coverages.

• Finance and Administrative Team Leadership

• Hire, train, supervise and develop finance and administrative staff. Provide clear definition of roles and accountabilities and maintain job descriptions

• Develop skills, document standard work flows and operating procedures, and provide cross training for each function. Manage workload and priorities

• Respond to occasional customer, supplier, creditor and partner inquiries and requests

• Help manage contractors, equipment, supplies, and furnishings in order to help maintain the upkeep of the facilities.

• Executive leadership team support

• Facilitate financial statement and cashflow reviews during biweekly and monthly leadership team meetings with timely reports

• Contribute to annual business planning process with financial projections. Help establish and monitor budgets, targets and/or KPIs

• Provide occasional adhoc reports.

• Human Resources

• Liaise with professional employment organization (PEO) for human resources, benefits administration and management. Help utilize the PEO's resources, team of experts and tools for management best practices, employee retention, legal compliances, training and risk mitigation

• Oversee the proper documentation and archival of employment agreements, contractor agreements, and new hire onboarding. Maintain employee records including reviews, training, certifications, and promotions

• Oversee the company's HR standards, policies and procedures with an emphasis on simplicity, expediency and trust

• Liaise with PEO as needed to maintain state, federal, and regulatory compliances such as DOL, ERISA, ITAR, and OSHA

• Liaise with immigration attorney to administer VISA applications and proper work status of foreign citizens

• Help foster employee professional and social engagement throughout the company. Promote the company's values of integrity, innovation, dedication and teamwork.

• Contract reviews

• Contribute to new customer and supplier onboarding including the review and negotiation of nondisclosure agreements (NDAs), purchase orders, payment milestones, terms and conditions, representations and certifications, master service agreements, FAR/DFARs and export documentation.

• Review and maintain facility leases. Liaise with legal counsel, freight forwarders, and/or other 3rd party specialists as needed.

Location

Company headquarters in Windsor, CT.

How to Apply

Send resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Due to ITAR restrictions, candidates must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.