Assistant Controller

Applied Aerospace & Defense; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Aerospace and Defense seeks an Assistant Controller in Long Beach, CA to support the Finance Director in accounting operations, financial reporting, and government contracting compliance. The role emphasizes accurate reporting and adherence to industry standards in a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.

You will oversee cost accounting, project finance, and generalLedger activities, ensuring timely close, accurate reconciliations, and strong internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting from an accredited institution.
• Extensive knowledge and practical experience in project accounting, particularly revenue recognition.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including at least three (3) years in a managerial or supervisory role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee inventory accounting processes, including valuation, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Maintain and analyze costs, variances, and manufacturing overhead allocations.
• Partner with Operations and Supply Chain teams to ensure accurate inventory tracking and cost control.
• Develop and manage project finance reporting, including EAC, billing, and revenue recognition timing.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Strengthen internal controls and support SOX compliance.
• Supervise accounting staff, mentoring and developing team members.

Skills

Project accounting

Revenue recognition

Managerial experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA designation preferred

Job description

About the Organization Applied Aerospace & Defense (Applied) is a premier provider of advanced design, engineering, and vertically integrated manufacturing solutions for leading and next-generation space and defense technology companies. Applied builds complex hardware for extreme operating environments and is focused on three core markets: Space and Launch Systems, Defense Aviation and Airborne Systems, and C5ISR and Precision Strike Systems. With decades of space and defense manufacturing heritage, Applied combines deep material science and IP-enabled process expertise with the ability to enable rapid prototyping, enhance new product development, and responsively scale production. Across its nationwide infrastructure of advanced manufacturing facilities, Applied continuously supports a balanced mix of next-generation technology and platform development, large scale production programs, and aftermarket sustainment for enduring platforms.

EOE Statement Applied Aerospace and Defense is an equal opportunity employer.

Assistant Controller

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

The Assistant Controller plays a critical role in supporting the Finance Director in managing accounting operations, financial reporting, and government contracting compliance for the Long Beach location. This position focuses on ensuring accurate financial reporting, SOX compliance, and adherence to industry standards. The role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following is not intended to be a comprehensive list but rather a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbents may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be assigned additional position-specific responsibilities.

Inventory & Cost Accounting

Oversee inventory accounting processes, including valuation, reconciliation, and reporting.

Maintain and analyze costs, variances, and manufacturing overhead allocations.

Partner with Operations and Supply Chain teams to ensure accurate inventory tracking and cost control.

Program Finance & Estimate at Completion (EAC) Management

Work closely with Business Development and Program Managers to ensure accurate and consistent financial reporting, revenue recognition timing, and project billing.

Develop a thorough understanding of each project's overall schedule, phases, and timelines.

Partner with Operations and Supply Chain teams to ensure accurate inventory tracking and project cost management.

Review Estimate at Completion (EAC) reports to ensure accuracy and alignment with program budgets.

Proactively monitor program financial performance, address concerns with Project Managers, and elevate significant issues to the Finance Director.

Review reconciliations of cost data between project cost ledgers and accounting systems.

Identify outstanding accounts receivable (AR) issues and communicate them to the appropriate Project Manager.

Collaborate with Project Managers and Accounts Receivable teams to resolve outstanding invoices and support collection efforts.

Participate in project reviews throughout the project lifecycle.

Generate and analyze project financial reports, including billing worksheets, labor detail reports, unbilled detail reports, and other financial data used for project reviews and analysis.

Financial Reporting & Compliance

Manage monthly and year-end closing processes, including journal entries and account reconciliation reviews.

Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll functions as needed.

Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Maintain and enhance internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial policies to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

Support internal and external audits by providing documentation, responding to inquiries, and assisting with audit resolution.

Ensure compliance with applicable financial reporting standards, internal policies, and SOX requirements.

Process Improvement & Systems

Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and improve operational efficiency.

Support ERP system enhancements, automation initiatives, and process improvement projects.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve financial reporting accuracy and system effectiveness.

Team Leadership

Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Provide guidance and support to ensure timely and accurate completion of accounting activities.

Promote collaboration and effective communication across Finance and other departments.

Required Skills and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Accounting from an accredited institution.

Extensive knowledge and practical experience in project accounting, particularly revenue recognition.

Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible accounting experience, including at least three (3) years in a managerial or supervisory role.

Desired Qualifications

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation preferred.

Working knowledge of government contracting regulations, including Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) audit requirements.

Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to meet reporting deadlines.

Demonstrated project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, to diverse audiences.

Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to navigate ambiguity, investigate complex issues, and develop sound conclusions.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Applied Aerospace and Defense will only employ individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this position. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (Green Card) is required. The company will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this position.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation and drug screening. Candidates must also successfully complete a basic visual acuity examination.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, talk, and hear. The employee frequently uses hands and fingers to handle, manipulate, or feel objects. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Applied Aerospace and Defense is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

E-Verify Participation

Applied Aerospace and Defense participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For additional information, visit https://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees.