Aerospace Controller

Woodward L'Orange•Fort Collins, CO

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Aerospace Controller serves as the senior finance and accounting leader for Woodward’s Aerospace operating segment, providing financial oversight, accounting governance, reporting accuracy, internal control compliance, and business partnership. The role has ownership of the segment’s financial statements, close processes, and accounting controls, and partners with segment leadership to safeguard company assets, improve accounting processes and controls, and contribute to profitability and cash flow. The Controller supports strategic decision-making and operational performance by delivering timely, accurate, and actionable financial information, and works closely with segment leadership, operations, corporate finance, FP&A, tax, treasury, and external auditors. The position leads segment accounting and financial activities, including financial reporting, close processes, revenue and inventory accounting, cost accounting, statutory and tax compliance, and government accounting requirements. It also supports business initiatives, digital transformation, SAP S/4HANA implementations, audit coordination, SOX compliance, and the development of accounting and finance personnel. The role is based in Fort Collins, Colorado, or Rockford, Illinois, and is hybrid or office-based, with occasional travel to Woodward sites, plants, or project locations potentially required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
10+ years of progressive accounting experience.
Experience leading accounting functions within a manufacturing, industrial, aerospace, technology, or multi-site operating environment.
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting.
Experience working with executive leadership teams.
Proven people leadership and team development experience.
Experience supporting a publicly traded company.
Strong background in revenue accounting, cost accounting, and inventory accounting.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-support, and business-partnering skills.
Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Executive presence and business acumen.
Applicants must be U.S. Persons under ITAR/EAR or eligible to obtain all required authorizations.

Nice To Haves

CPA, CMA, MBA, or equivalent advanced certification.
Strong knowledge of enterprise ERP systems, specifically SAP S/4HANA.

Responsibilities

Lead all segment accounting activities and ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, local GAAP, company policies, and internal controls.
Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including review of journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statements.
Ensure accurate revenue recognition, inventory accounting, cost accounting, reserves, accruals, and other key accounting judgments.
Partner with Aerospace Operations Finance to review and analyze segment results, identify trends, and communicate performance drivers to leadership.
Coordinate with corporate accounting on consolidated financial reporting and quarterly and annual SEC reporting requirements.
Ensure local, statutory, and tax requirements are met accurately and on time, including compliance with new guidance and regulations.
Partner with Government Accounting to meet government accounting and reporting requirements and optimize recovery of costs from government contracts.
Partner with the Aerospace Operations Finance team as a cohesive finance partner to the Segment President and leadership team.
Provide insight into business performance, profitability, working capital, cash flow, and operational metrics.
Support strategic initiatives, capital investments, acquisitions, restructurings, and growth opportunities by advising on potential accounting implications.
Translate financial data into actionable recommendations for business leaders.
Evaluate, implement, and optimize technologies to improve operational efficiency and processes.
Standardize workflows, eliminate redundant manual processes, and identify AI process optimization opportunities.
Support SAP S/4HANA implementations at Aerospace segment locations.
Ensure SOX compliance and maintain a strong internal control environment.
Lead remediation of control deficiencies and audit findings.
Coordinate internal and external audits and serve as the primary segment contact.
Ensure adherence to corporate accounting policies and regulatory requirements.
Identify opportunities to streamline and enhance controls and documentation, reduce risk of deficiencies, and optimize time spent on documentation.
Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and finance personnel within the segment.
Foster accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence, and build organizational capabilities for current and future business needs.
Develop leadership capabilities throughout the Aerospace accounting organization.

Benefits

Annual cash bonus opportunity for all members.
401(k) match of 4.5%.
Annual Woodward stock contribution of 5%.
Tuition reimbursement.
Training and professional development opportunities.
12 paid holidays.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance upon date of hire.
Vacation and sick time.
Vacation buy-up.
Short-term disability.
Bereavement leave.
Paid parental leave.
Adoption assistance.
Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
Member Life and AD&D insurance.
Long-term disability.
Member optional life insurance.
Member referral bonus.
Spouse and child optional life insurance.
Optional AD&D insurance.
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Voluntary benefits, including whole life, home and auto insurance discounts, critical illness insurance, legal assistance, and military leave.