Controller

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense; Simsbury (CT); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Ensign‑Bickford Aerospace & Defense is seeking a Controller to lead the core accounting function for a growing, manufacturing-focused business in Connecticut. You will report to the VP of Finance and shape the accounting organization to support scalable growth.

This role requires strong US GAAP expertise, a track record building high-performing teams, and hands-on experience with month-end closes, controls, and integration readiness during acquisitions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting is required.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience with leadership.
• Experience leading accounting operations and month-end close in manufacturing or project-based environment preferred.
• CPA and/or CMA preferred.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience with ERP implementations or finance systems improvements preferred.
• Strong Excel and accounting systems capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the accounting function across general accounting, AP, AR, cash application, payroll, fixed assets, leases, inventory accounting support and other controlled balances.
• Own the monthly close process to ensure accurate, complete and timely financial results.
• Review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, balance-sheet reviews and close deliverables with strong attention to quality and control.
• Provide clear accounting guidance on complex US GAAP matters and reserves, accruals, capitalization and inter‑company activity.
• Partner with the VP of Finance, segment finance leaders and business leaders to ensure results are understood and actions are closed.
• Lead external audit support and ensure taxes, filings and compliance activities are completed accurately and on time.

Skills

Leadership

Financial controls

US GAAP

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Finance degree considered with strong accounting experience

CPA

CMA

Tools

ERP implementations

Excel

Accounting systems

Job description

Opportunity within Ensign‑Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company (EBAD) – a global leader in precision energetic systems.

We are seeking an accomplished professional for the position of Controller, reporting to the VP of Finance. This leader will oversee the core accounting function, ensure strong financial controls and close discipline, develop talent, and help build a scalable accounting organization to support the continued growth of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• People Leader – Talent Expectations
  • Creating a safe, inclusive environment where people can do their best work.
  • Hiring, developing, and retaining strong talent; addressing performance issues directly.
  • Coaching through regular 1:1s and clear feedback.
  • Setting expectations, aligning goals, and delivering strong performance management.
• People Leader – EBOS Expectations
  • Operating with a Kaizen mindset and a bias for action.
  • Driving a consistent operating cadence with clear accountability.
  • Using data, visual management, and problem solving to close gaps (SAGS: Standard, Actual, Gap, Scope).
  • Leading and sustaining continuous improvement that delivers measurable results.
• Accounting Leadership & Close
  • Lead the accounting function across general accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash application, payroll accounting, fixed assets, leases, inventory accounting support, and other controlled balances.
  • Own the monthly close process to ensure accurate, complete and timely financial results.
  • Review and approve journal entries, account reconciliations, balance‑sheet reviews, and close deliverables with strong attention to quality, evidence and control.
  • Provide clear accounting guidance on complex or judgemental items, including revenue recognition, reserves, accruals, capitalisation, inter‑company activity, and other US GAAP matters.
  • Partner with the VP of Finance, segment finance leaders and business leaders to ensure accounting results are understood, issues are escalated quickly and corrective actions are closed.
• Controls, Compliance & Audit
  • Maintain and strengthen accounting controls, policies, procedures and standard work across the function.
  • Identify control gaps and process risks and implement practical countermeasures to improve compliance, accuracy and efficiency.
  • Lead external audit support, including schedules, PBC coordination, issue resolution, management responses and follow‑up actions.
  • Ensure taxes, filings and other compliance‑related accounting activities are completed accurately and on time, as applicable.
  • Maintain disciplined controls over cash, banking, fixed assets, inventory‑related accounting and other high‑risk balance‑sheet areas.
• Acquisition Readiness & Integration Support
  • Partner on accounting due diligence, quality of earnings inputs, working capital review, opening balance‑sheet readiness and integration planning.
  • Lead or coordinate post‑close accounting integration activities: close calendar alignment, chart of accounts mapping, accounting policy harmonisation, control implementation, reporting requirements, bank and cash controls, audit support.
  • Coordinate technical accounting support for purchase accounting, including working with external advisors on opening balance sheet, valuation, intangible assets, goodwill, inventory step‑up, deferred taxes and related documentation.
  • Build scalable acquisition integration playbooks and standard work to bring acquired businesses into EBAD accounting cadence without sacrificing control, speed or financial statement quality.
• Cash, Working Capital & Transactional Oversight
  • Review and approve cash disbursements, wires and related banking activity in line with authorisation controls.
  • Oversee payables and cash application processes with a focus on accuracy, timeliness and working‑capital discipline.
  • Support working capital monitoring and reporting, including visibility into AR, AP and cash conversion drivers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting required; finance degree considered with strong accounting experience.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and/or finance experience, including leadership responsibility.
• Prior experience leading accounting operations and month‑end close in a manufacturing or project‑based environment strongly preferred.
• CPA and/or CMA preferred.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP, internal controls and core accounting processes.
• Demonstrated experience leading, developing and improving the performance of others.
• Proven ability to drive process improvement and strengthen operating discipline.
• Experience supporting ERP implementations, upgrades or finance systems improvements preferred.
• Strong Excel and accounting systems capability.
• Strong problem‑solving, organisational and follow‑through skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively across all levels of the organisation.
• High attention to detail, accuracy and ownership.
• Self‑starter who can work independently, make sound decisions and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Ensign‑Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, colour, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin or veteran status.