Director of Finance- Aerospace Manufacturing

Our client, a well-established aerospace manufacturing company, is seeking a Director of Finance to join their Phoenix-based operations.

As a global leader in pressure, temperature, and liquid flow switches and sensors, this ISO 9001 and AS 9100D certified company serves aerospace, defense, and industrial markets worldwide. The company maintains a family-owned culture focused on stability, growth, and innovation.

The Director of Finance will serve as the senior accounting leader responsible for all financial reporting, compliance, cost control, and strategic financial support across Phoenix and Mexico operations. Reporting directly to the CFO and Board of Directors, this role oversees accounting, budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, tax filing, and financial compliance while supporting the company's continued growth objectives.

This is a hands-on leadership position that requires someone who can both execute controller-level responsibilities and provide strategic financial guidance. You'll directly manage a team including a Controller, Senior Cost Accountant, Accounts Payable Clerk, and Accounts Receivable Clerk, while also mentoring additional accounting personnel as the team grows.

The ideal candidate brings deep aerospace/defense manufacturing experience, government contracting knowledge, and a proven track record of financial leadership in a manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
• Prepare GAAP-compliant financial statements with comprehensive operational reporting
• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning for multi-site operations
• Manage 13-week cash flow forecasting, working capital, and liquidity
• Oversee ERP standard cost system and drive margin improvements through variance analysis
• Provide pricing support for RFQs and long-term contracts
• Maintain DCAA audit readiness and coordinate external customer audits
• Manage relationships with external CPA firms, banks, and insurance providers
• Lead, mentor, and develop finance team while fostering culture of accountability and continuous improvement

Requirements

Essential Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• 10+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience
• Minimum 4 years as a Controller or similar senior position in aerospace/defense manufacturing

Technical Expertise:

• Deep expertise in standard costing, labor burden, and WIP valuation for machined/assembled parts
• Advanced user of ERP systems (Syteline, Epicor, Oracle, or equivalent)
• Advanced proficiency in financial modeling and Excel (Pivot tables, lookup functions)
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting best practices
• Experience with entity consolidation financial reporting

Core Competencies:

• Proven ability to lead financial strategy and support executive-level decision-making
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with ability to influence and collaborate across departments
• Demonstrated success leading, developing, and retaining finance and accounting teams
• Hands-on approach with ability to execute controller-level tasks while providing strategic oversight
• Experience managing both local and international operations (Mexico) preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or MBA strongly preferred
• Hands-on experience with DCAA audits and FAR Part 31 cost allowability
• QuickBooks experience
• Power BI experience
• Prior success implementing paperless AP/AR systems
• Experience with shop-floor data collection systems
• Familiarity with aerospace certifications and compliance requirements

Location & Work Environment

• Location: Phoenix, Arizona
• Work Arrangement: In-office position only (no remote work)
• Travel: Minimal; occasional travel to Mexico operations may be required

Benefits

• Competitive salary range: $180 - $210K
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

• 401(k)
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.