Senior Operational Finance Analyst

Elevate Ventures; Stockton (CA); On-site; USD 96,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Aerospace & Defense is a Stockton-based employer seeking a Senior Operational Finance Analyst to provide expert analysis of manufacturing costs, inventory valuations, and profitability to guide strategic decisions and drive efficiency.

Work with production, procurement, operations, and finance to ensure accurate reporting, month-end close, and cost-control initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. ITAR eligibility is required; CPA/CMA is preferred but not mandatory.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. CPA or CMA certification is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar finance, cost accounting, or operational finance role within a manufacturing setting.
• Proven experience in POC accounting and government accounting preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles, manufacturing finance, financial analysis, and ERP systems. Visibility experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools is required.
• Strong skills in PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, and advanced Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, including the ability to communicate financial insights to operational and non-financial stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of work.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate needs and provide proactive support.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with executives, operational leaders, and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement in financial processes and enhance efficiency, accuracy, and business performance.

Responsibilities

• Cost & Operational Analysis: Prepare, analyze, and report on manufacturing costs and operational performance, identifying variances, trends, and opportunities for improvement. Evaluate material, labor, production overhead, and other factors impacting profitability.
• Inventory Management: Conduct regular analysis of inventory, ensuring accurate valuation, proper costing methods, and compliance with company policies. Partner with supply chain and operations teams to support inventory control and optimize stock levels.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Provide insights on cost trends, operational drivers, and potential financial impacts.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare month-end close entries and analysis related to manufacturing operations, including reconciliation of cost of goods sold, inventory valuation adjustments, and variances. Contribute to financial statement accuracy and ensure compliance with accounting principles.
• Business Partnership & Cost Control: Partner with operations and management to identify and execute cost-control, productivity, and profitability initiatives. Translate financial and operational data into actionable insights that support business decisions.
• Project Support: Participate in cross-functional projects to improve financial controls, process efficiency, reporting, and data accuracy. Support ad hoc financial and operational analysis as business needs arise.
• Audit & Compliance: Support internal and external audits by providing financial and cost accounting records, documentation, and analysis as required.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA or CMA certification preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Word

ERP systems

Job description

• Location 3437 S Airport Way, Stockton, CA, 95206, United States
• Base Pay $95,900.00 - $135,000.00 / Year
• Employee Type FT Exempt

ABOUT APPLIED AEROSPACE:

Join the team that builds for the best. At Applied Aerospace, we design, fabricate, and test mission-critical aerospace components for leading innovators like SpaceX, NASA, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing. Every part we create reflects our relentless commitment to quality, reliability, and performance. Through precision engineering and purpose-driven innovation, we’re helping take aerospace technology to new heights — and we’re looking for talented individuals who want to be part of that journey.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

The Senior Operational Finance Analyst will provide expert analysis and insights into manufacturing costs, inventory valuations, operational performance, and profitability to support strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. This role will work closely with cross-functional teams, including production, procurement, operations, and finance, to ensure accurate financial reporting and drive continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Cost & Operational Analysis: Prepare, analyze, and report on manufacturing costs and operational performance, identifying variances, trends, and opportunities for improvement. Evaluate material, labor, production overhead, and other factors impacting profitability.
• Inventory Management: Conduct regular analysis of inventory, ensuring accurate valuation, proper costing methods, and compliance with company policies. Partner with supply chain and operations teams to support inventory control and optimize stock levels.
• Budgeting & Forecasting: Provide insights on cost trends, operational drivers, and potential financial impacts.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare month-end close entries and analysis related to manufacturing operations, including reconciliation of cost of goods sold, inventory valuation adjustments, and variances. Contribute to financial statement accuracy and ensure compliance with accounting principles.
• Business Partnership & Cost Control: Partner with operations and management to identify and execute cost-control, productivity, and profitability initiatives. Translate financial and operational data into actionable insights that support business decisions.
• Project Support: Participate in cross-functional projects to improve financial controls, process efficiency, reporting, and data accuracy. Support ad hoc financial and operational analysis as business needs arise.
• Audit & Compliance: Support internal and external audits by providing financial and cost accounting records, documentation, and analysis as required.

SKILLS EXPERIENCE EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. CPA or CMA certification is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar finance, cost accounting, or operational finance role within a manufacturing setting.
• Proven experience in POC accounting and government accounting preferred.
• Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles, manufacturing finance, financial analysis, and ERP systems. Visibility experience is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools is required.
• Strong skills in PowerPoint, Outlook, Word, and advanced Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, including the ability to communicate financial insights to operational and non-financial stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of work.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate needs and provide proactive support.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with executives, operational leaders, and staff.
• Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement in financial processes and enhance efficiency, accuracy, and business performance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned, consistent with business needs and applicable law.

Due to the nature of our work and applicable U.S. export control laws, this position requires International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) eligibility. Only individuals who qualify as a “U.S. person” as defined by ITAR (U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, refugees, or asylees), unless specified otherwise within job description, are eligible for employment.

Applied Aerospace & Defense (“AA&D”) is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants who require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to disability, medical condition, or other protected reason may contact the Human Resources Department. Requests will be reviewed in accordance with applicable law.

Where required by law, the applicable pay range and a summary of benefits and other compensation for this position will be provided.