Assistant Controller

About Canopy Aerospace & Defense

Canopy A&D is built to accelerate the future of advanced materials for space, defense, and maritime systems. Canopy delivers specialized materials and components that carry customers from concept through sustainment. Canopy A&D’s advanced signal attenuation technologies and production-scale manufacturing accelerate the fielding of platforms that are faster, cooler, and quieter. Our adaptive approach ensures solutions evolve at the pace of shifting challenges, keeping our customers ahead of the curve.

Role Summary:

The Assistant Controller is a key member of the Finance organization responsible for supporting the CFO in managing the Company’s accounting and financial reporting functions. This role will initially have a strong project focus, with responsibility for leading and executing critical finance and accounting initiatives in a fast-paced aerospace environment. Key priorities will include supporting the implementation and optimization of the Company’s ERP system, managing fast-follow improvements, shortening the month-end close process, and strengthening the preparation and delivery of monthly financial statements and reporting.

The successful candidate will be a hands-on, highly organized accounting professional with strong project management skills and the ability to work effectively across Finance, Accounting, Operations, and other functional teams. Experience with financial statement consolidation, ERP implementations, and process improvement is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage accounting and finance projects in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment, ensuring initiatives are delivered on time and to a high standard.
• Support the implementation, optimization, and ongoing development of the Company’s ERP system, with preference for experience with Epicor.
• Lead ERP fast-follow initiatives and identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting, controls, and system functionality following implementation.
• Drive initiatives to shorten the month-end close process, including identifying process bottlenecks, improving workflows, and implementing automation and standardization.
• Lead the preparation of monthly financial statements and management reporting, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely delivery.
• Support the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, including accruals, account reconciliations, intercompany transactions, and financial analysis.
• Support the preparation and review of consolidated financial statements, including intercompany eliminations and consolidation activities, as applicable.
• Develop, implement, and enhance accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Partner with Finance, Operations, Program Management, and other cross-functional teams to improve financial processes and reporting.
• Support external audit activities and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely completion of audit requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve the efficiency, scalability, and accuracy of accounting processes as the Company grows.
• Utilize accounting systems and MS Excel to perform financial analysis, reporting, reconciliations, and other accounting activities.
• Serve as a key accounting resource for complex transactions and accounting matters.
• Provide guidance and support to accounting team members and contribute to the development of a high-performing Finance organization.
• Perform other accounting and finance-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree).
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Demonstrated experience managing and executing projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with month-end close, financial statement preparation, journal entries, and account reconciliations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong proficiency with accounting software and MS Excel.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across functions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in a changing, high-growth environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.
• Experience with Epicor or a similar ERP system.
• Experience leading or supporting an ERP implementation.
• Experience with financial statement consolidation and intercompany accounting.
• Aerospace or manufacturing industry experience.
• Public accounting or public company experience.
• Experience improving and shortening month-end close processes.
• Experience with financial reporting and other accounting activities.

Additional Requirements

• Must have professional working proficiency reading, writing, and speaking English
• Ability to work in office, lab, and manufacturing environments with occasional exposure to noise, chemicals, dust, industrial equipment, and temperature variations
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while working at a computer workstation
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for data entry, keyboarding, and mouse use
• Ability to view computer screens for prolonged periods
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via email
• Ability to use a computer to complete assignments 
• Willingness to work long hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
• Willingness to travel to other Canopy A&D sites as needed

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Management may modify or assign additional duties as needed

Job Details

Type: Full Time, Exempt (Salaried)

Base Salary Range: $140,000 to $170,000

Business Hours: Core Business Hours

Base Location: Irvine, CA — Full Time, On-Site

Travel: As needed to various company facilities

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance. 401K company match (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.

EXPORT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) US Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (aka green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Canopy A&D is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with Canopy A&D is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.