Description & Requirements

Controller

Aperture Optical Sciences, Inc. (AOS) is a growing advanced-technology manufacturer providing high-performance optical components and systems for space, aerospace, optical communications, high-energy laser, fusion-energy, and scientific markets. We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Financial Controller to lead our finance function and support our continued growth.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, hands-on financial leader with strong expertise in accounting, financial controls, cost accounting, forecasting, and project analysis. This role requires a collaborative professional who can move seamlessly between detailed accounting, project-level analysis, system and process design, staff supervision, and executive-level discussions while turning financial data into actionable business insight. Working closely with the President/CEO and cross-functional teams across Program Management, Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, People Operations, and Administration, the Controller will help drive sound financial decisions, operational efficiency, and successful project execution.

To succeed as the Controller you should have:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field, with at least 8 years of progressively responsible accounting and finance experience, including financial reporting, close, controls, planning, and management decision support
• Strong command of U.S. GAAP, with the ability to research, document, explain, and enforce appropriate accounting treatment, along with experience leading disciplined month-end and year-end close processes
• Substantial cost-accounting experience in a manufacturing, engineering, project-based, or similarly complex operating environment, including inventory, WIP, overhead absorption, standard costing, and project accounting
• Proven ability to develop budgets, cash forecasts, rolling forecasts, scenario models, and executive-level financial analyses, with the ability to translate financial information into actionable business insights
• Experience developing project-level budgets and forecasts, analyzing cost-to-complete and margin-at-completion, and partnering with Project/Program Managers to support successful execution
• Demonstrated experience supervising accounting staff, coordinating with external audit/tax professionals, and maintaining audit-ready schedules, reconciliations, and financial records
• Strong systems capability, including advanced spreadsheet modeling and effective use of accounting, ERP/MRP, project-accounting, and reporting systems
• High professional integrity, sound judgment, analytical rigor, executive presence, and the ability to communicate financial information clearly while constructively challenging assumptions and escalating concerns
• CPA, CMA, MBA, or master's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration; prior Controller or senior finance leadership experience; experience in aerospace, defense, space systems, precision optics, advanced manufacturing, or government contracting strongly preferred
• Experience with earned-value management, percentage-of-completion/over-time revenue recognition, scaling finance systems during growth, banking relationships, capital planning, insurance, and contractual financial risk strongly preferred

Key Responsibilities of the Controller:

Financial Strategy, Planning & Leadership

• Serve as the primary financial advisor to the CEO and executive team.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and financial modeling.
• Deliver actionable insights on revenue, profitability, growth, investments, and risk.
• Build scalable financial processes, systems, and reporting capabilities.
• Lead and develop the finance function while fostering accountability and continuous improvement.

Accounting, Reporting & Compliance

• Oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, and month-end close.
• Ensure GAAP compliance and the accuracy of financial statements and records.
• Maintain internal controls, finance policies, and audit readiness.
• Coordinate external audits, tax compliance, and relationships with accounting advisors.

Cost Accounting & Operational Finance

• Lead cost accounting, inventory valuation, and manufacturing financial analysis.
• Monitor labor, material, overhead, and project costs to improve profitability.
• Analyze margins, production performance, variances, and operational efficiency.
• Partner with Operations, Engineering, and Supply Chain to support pricing and business decisions.

Project & Program Financial Management

• Partner with project leaders to establish budgets, forecasts, and performance metrics.
• Monitor project costs, margins, cash flow, and earned value performance.
• Identify financial risks and recommend corrective actions.
• Support customer reporting, contract compliance, audits, and change management.

Treasury & Working Capital Management

• Manage cash forecasting, liquidity, banking relationships, and working capital.
• Oversee billing, collections, payables, capital spending, and financing activities.
• Drive improvements in cash flow, inventory management, and operational efficiency.
• Maintain strong controls over cash management and payment processes.

Risk Management & Business Support

• Ensure compliance with regulatory, contractual, insurance, and tax requirements.
• Assess financial, operational, and business risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Support strategic initiatives, capital investments, acquisitions, and growth planning.
• Provide financial leadership across all departments to support informed decision-making.

Lead the Numbers. Shape the Future. If you're ready to bring strategic financial leadership to a company at the forefront of advanced optics and precision technology, AOS wants to hear from you. Bring your expertise, insight, and vision to a role where your decisions will directly influence growth, innovation, and long-term success. Apply today and take the next step in your leadership journey!