Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller

Accounting Manager-Assistant Controller  
Job Summary: 

We are seeking an accomplished Accounting Manager/ Assistant Controller to join our high-performing Corporate Accounting team. Reporting to the Controller, this position will support accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, and process improvement initiatives within a fast-paced aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. 

The ideal candidate will possess strong technical accounting expertise, operational leadership capabilities, and experience operating within a publicly traded company environment. This individual will partner cross-functionally with Finance, Operations, Program Management, Supply Chain, IT, and executive leadership to support scalable growth, operational excellence, and financial integrity across the organization. 

Responsibilities and Duties:  

• Support the Controller in overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, and month-end close activities to ensure timely and accurate financial results. 

• Support the planning, execution, and optimization of Oracle NetSuite ERP implementation initiatives with a focus on accounting, finance, and reporting processes. 

• Development and maintenance of program financial plans including budgets and Estimate-At-Completes (EACs) to meet contractual/project requirements for assigned programs 

• Support technical accounting activities, including ASC 606 revenue recognition. 

• Partner with cross-functional leadership teams to drive process improvements, strengthen internal controls, and enhance financial systems integration across the organization. 

• Collaborate with finance, accounting, and operational stakeholders to gather business requirements and translate them into functional specifications for Oracle NetSuite and related financial reporting applications. 

• Assist in managing month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, including account reconciliations, consolidations, variance analysis, and financial statement preparation. 

• Support internal and external audit activities by maintaining documentation, coordinating audit requests, and ensuring compliance with established controls and accounting standards. 

• Lead post-implementation evaluations and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance system scalability, operational efficiency, and financial reporting capabilities. 

• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow analysis, and management reporting initiatives as needed. 

• Support post-merger and acquisition integration efforts, including financial consolidation, systems integration, accounting policy alignment, and internal control standardization. 

• Mentor and support accounting staff while fostering a culture of accountability, process improvement, and operational excellence. 

• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned. 

Required Qualifications and Skills:  

• 12+ years of progressive corporate accounting and ERP implementation experience. 

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field is required. 

• CPA designation or MBA preferred. 

• Strong technical knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SOX, and government contract accounting (FAR/CAS). 

• Significant experience with Oracle NetSuite or similar ERP platforms. 

• Strong understanding of core finance and accounting processes. 

• Experience in SEC publicly traded company environment. 

• Proven project management skills. 

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Knowledge of industry best practices and regulatory requirements. 

Desired Qualifications and Skills:  

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Strong analytical, time management and organizational skills. 

• Strong computer skills and proficiency with office software and productivity tools. 

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel). 

• Works well with little or no supervision and exercises independent judgement on a regular basis. 

• Strong ability to gain cooperation of others, conducting presentations of technical information concerning specific projects or schedules. 

Physical Demands: 

• Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, etc.  Hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer 

Environmental Conditions Critical to Performance: 

• Work is in an office environment, climate controlled through central air conditioning/heating 

Special Requirements: 

• Must meet ITAR requirements: U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), or protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). 

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks:  

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families.  

• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.  

• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.  

• Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.  

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.  

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.  

• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.  

• Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.  

• Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play!  

Company Overview:  

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.  

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel 

the aerospace industry forward. 

**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA** 

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ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.   
E-Verify participation required for employment.   
All ESAero positions require US citizenship or US resident status.        
Must be able to pass background check and drug test.  

Hiring Range: $100k-$130k Salary/Exempt