TITLE:
Business Unit Controller

LOCATION:
North Seattle, WA

CLIENT:
Multi-Billion Dollar Aerospace Manufacturer

DESCRIPTION:
The Controller is responsible for leading, directing, coordinating, maintaining, and controlling financial systems that properly reflect the financial position of the business.  The individual will oversee the manufacturing and business operations.  He/she will participate in establishing and implementing strategies, goals, and objectives, and will serve as a resource/consultant in all aspects of financial matters.  This position oversees all aspects of accounting and ensures that finance activities are in accordance with established tax, legal, regulatory, and company procedures. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Finance Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership and vision, and act as a business partner at the most senior level in the group to drive the company to a new level of success
  • Integrate financial strategies and develop and implement a strategic plan for sales growth and margin expansion
  • Assist business VP / General Manager in presenting operating results to senior management
  • Review proposed organizational changes and recruit the appropriate talent and skill sets necessary to grow the business
  • Manage a team of finance professionals, providing leadership and direction through effective goal setting, delegation, and communication. Ensure appropriate skills and resources are in place to provide a world class financial service to the senior management
  • Ensure financial budgets are met and investigate and resolve variances from budgets.  Suggest recommendations to reduce future variances resulting from cost overage
  • Ensure all locations are SOX compliant and testing and documentation are performed timely
  • Facilitates preparation of financial analysis information including financial flash reports, MD&A, day 5 financial reviews, quarterly corporate business reviews,  annual operating plan, 3-year strategic financial plan, and other analysis as required by business, segment and corporate management
  • In a dynamic delivery environment assess multiple programs of varying size and complexity to determine appropriate accounting treatment utilizing GAAP (accounting for long term programs) and corporate finance policy
  • Responsible for the accurate and timely preparation of financial statements and analysis in accordance with US GAAP requirements, assisting in the development, installation and monitoring of accounting systems, procedures and controls
  • Facilitates SOX Compliance, Internal,  Financial and Government Audits - identifies internal control deficiencies, analyzes root causes, implements corrective actions, and audits to ensure remediation effectiveness

Accounting, Tax and Financial Reporting Responsibilities:

  • Provide the financial and administrative oversight to ensure that accounting, and financial reporting systems meet the needs of senior management, outside auditors, and other appropriate constituents
  • Lead the effective preparation, maintenance, and reporting of internal and external financial information and analysis.
  • Researching complex accounting issues. Provide advice to senior management as required
  • Prepare and disseminate accurate and timely financial reports to management to aid corporate decision-making
  • Meet with external auditors to review the segment’s accounting records and financial statements.  Supervise the preparation of financial statements
  • Lead in the development and implementation of financial information and control systems

Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervise finance professionals in three locations on a daily basis with management / statutory accounting, financial reporting & analysis, and internal controls (US Sarbanes Oxley compliance).

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS
A minimum of 10 years experience within an accounting/finance function, including experience working within a comparable manufacturing business as a Divisional CFO or Controller – Aerospace Industry experience highly preferred.  The candidate must have experience working in a publicly reporting company, as well as be knowledgeable about lean manufacturing and cost management principles. 

The executive must have the ability to effectively interface with senior management and add value to the strategic planning process. The candidate should possess extensive and current knowledge of cutting-edge principles and practices associated with accounting, cost management, percentage of completion accounting, foreign exchange, finance, systems, and lean manufacturing initiatives and related systems.

The ideal candidate will have experience and knowledge of the accounting and financial reporting requirements associated with contract accounting and foreign exchange.  He/she should have experience with using Lean and Six Sigma principles.  Ideally, the executive will have experience in directing continuous process improvement and quality improvement initiatives.

Candidates for this position will have a hands-on orientation, be comfortable working within a matrix organization and willing to travel at least 15% - 25%.  Finally, this executive should possess excellent computer skills. Experience with JD Edwards or comparable ERP systems and Hyperion is a plus.

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and / or Finance required; Masters of Business Administration or advanced degree in accounting / finance is highly preferred; CPA and / or CMA is highly preferred

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