Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Job Overview
At Bowden Manufacturing, we’re a fast-growing aerospace and defense manufacturer based in Lake County, Ohio. We’re looking for a Controller to take charge of our finance team and lead all accounting operations. This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional with strong manufacturing experience who’s ready to own the company’s financial processes, collaborate with leadership, and drive accuracy, efficiency, and results. With plenty of room for growth, this role is a clear path toward a future CFO position.

The Controller will be responsible for managing the full accounting cycle, ensuring compliance, improving systems and processes, and delivering financial insights that support strategic decision-making. This position is highly visible within the organization and plays a critical role in strengthening overall business performance.

What You’ll Do:

• Oversee all accounting operations, including A/P, A/R, payroll, cash management, and general ledger
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes; deliver accurate and timely financial statements
• Prepare and analyze balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports
• Drive cost accounting, margin analysis, and inventory control; collaborate with Production and Engineering on scrap, cycle counts, and ERP data integrity
• Manage weekly borrowing base certificates, cash flow forecasting, and banking relationships
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis to support company planning and growth
• Coordinate and manage external audit processes; ensure compliance with GAAP, ITAR and other regulatory requirements
• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to streamline accounting and ERP workflows
• Build, develop and mentor a strong, growth-focused finance team
• Monitor key financial metrics and provide proactive recommendations to leadership
• Oversee tax planning, compliance, and coordination with external accountants
• Support strategic initiatives, including capital investments, pricing strategies, and long-term growth planning
• Serve as the financial liaison to executive leadership, preparing and presenting reports and insights that drive decision-making

Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship required (due to aerospace/defense compliance).
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, CPA a plus.
• 6–10 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Manufacturing background required
• Deep knowledge of GAAP, cost accounting, inventory control, and compliance.
• ERP system experience ( Acumatica , NetSuite, SAP, Infor, etc.); advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide actionable insights.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Hands-on leader with initiative, ownership, and drive to improve processes and results.

Why Join Us?

At Bowden Manufacturing, you won’t be stuck in a back-office role. As our Controller, you’ll play a key part in shaping financial performance, improving processes, and helping drive company growth. You’ll work directly with leadership and across departments in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. If you’re ready to take full ownership of finance in a growing aerospace/defense company and lead with both strategy and execution, we’d love to connect.