Controller

Alliance Resource Group; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Alliance Resource Group is partnered with a high-growth defense company to recruit their first Controller. You will design and build the accounting function from the ground up, spanning close, cost accounting, inventory, and ERP infrastructure.

This is a greenfield opportunity in a scaling organization with significant leadership exposure. You will own government-contract accounting, CLIN tracking, and prepare for audits while driving controls and process improvements across finance, operations,

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience with growth in leadership roles.
• CPA strongly preferred; experience in manufacturing or defense accounting is essential.
• Hands-on in cost accounting, inventory, WIP, and government-contract accounting.
• Experience building or scaling an accounting function from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly close, GAAP reporting, general ledger, and reconciliations.
• Develop cost accounting for manufacturing, including inventory, WIP, and overhead.
• Lead ERP enhancements and maintain the accounting systems environment.
• Establish government-contract accounting processes, CLIN tracking, and cost segregation.
• Prepare for audits and build scalable AP, payroll, and accounting operations.
• Hire and mentor the accounting team as the company scales.

Skills

8+ years accounting experience

Controller leadership

Hands-on cost accounting

Government-contract accounting

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

Alliance Resource Group is partnered with a high-growth defense company in the search for their first Controller. This is a true build opportunity. The company is moving from an engineering- and development-heavy environment into scaled manufacturing, larger government programs, and a more sophisticated finance infrastructure. The Controller will be responsible for building the accounting function from the ground up, including the close process, cost accounting, inventory and WIP, ERP infrastructure, government-contract accounting, controls, and audit readiness. This is not a role for someone looking to inherit a mature accounting organization. The right person will be comfortable both designing the playbook and doing the work.

What You’ll Own

• Own the monthly close, GAAP financial reporting, general ledger, and account reconciliations
• Build manufacturing cost accounting, including inventory, WIP, standard costs, overhead allocation, and variance analysis
• Partner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Program teams
• Own and improve the ERP and broader accounting systems environment
• Establish government-contract accounting processes, including CLIN tracking and cost segregation
• Build toward DCAA audit readiness, including compliant timekeeping and indirect-rate structures
• Develop scalable AP, expense, payroll, and accounting operations
• Design internal controls that can grow with the organization
• Prepare for and manage the company’s first financial‑statement audits
• Build the accounting team as the business continues to scale
• Provide accurate, timely actuals and financial insight to leadership and FP&A

What We’re Looking For

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience
• At least 2 years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting leadership role
• CPA strongly preferred
• Strong manufacturing, hardware, aerospace, or defense accounting experience
• Hands‑on inventory and cost‑accounting experience
• Experience operating in a smaller or high‑growth environment where processes were still being built
• ERP ownership or implementation experience; NetSuite is highly desirable
• Exposure to government‑contract accounting strongly preferred
• Familiarity with FAR, DFARS, DCAA, CLINs, and cost‑type and fixed‑price contracts is a significant plus
• Ability to operate strategically while remaining highly hands‑on

Why This Opportunity

This is an opportunity to become the accounting leader at a company entering a major stage of growth. Rather than stepping into an established system, you will have the opportunity to determine how the accounting organization is built, from the close and cost‑accounting structure to government‑contract compliance, systems, controls, audit readiness, and ultimately the team beneath you. The role works directly with senior leadership and operational teams and will have significant visibility and influence across the business.

Why This Opportunity

This is an opportunity to become the accounting leader at a company entering a major stage of growth. Rather than stepping into an established system, you will have the opportunity to determine how the accounting organization is built, from the close and cost‑accounting structure to government‑contract compliance, systems, controls, audit readiness, and ultimately the team beneath you. The role works directly with senior leadership and operational teams and will have significant visibility and influence across the business.

Alliance Resource Group is partnered with a high-growth defense company in the search for their first Controller. This is a true build opportunity. The company is moving from an engineering- and development-heavy environment into scaled manufacturing, larger government programs, and a more sophisticated finance infrastructure. The Controller will be responsible for building the accounting function from the ground up, including the close process, cost accounting, inventory and WIP, ERP infrastructure, government‑contract accounting, controls, and audit readiness. This is not a role for someone looking to inherit a mature accounting organization. The right person will be comfortable both designing the playbook and doing the work.