Assistant Controller

Summary of Position

The Assistant Controller serves as a key financial leader and strategic partner to the Plant Controller, playing an integral role in the overall financial management and reporting functions of the plant. This position carries direct responsibility for the integrity and timeliness of the month-end close process, daily and weekly financial reporting, and the accuracy of the general ledger — ensuring all financial data meets the highest standards of compliance and precision.

Beyond core accounting functions, the Assistant Controller takes ownership of critical financial areas including fixed asset management, intercompany accounting, cost accounting, inventory monitoring and reporting, and standard cost revisions. This role also actively contributes to the development of financial plans, forecasts, and budgets, while providing meaningful analysis of operational results that drives informed business decisions.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting professional with strong technical skills and a continuous improvement mindset, capable of supervising day-to-day accounting operations while simultaneously supporting strategic financial initiatives. This on-site position requires someone who can effectively bridge the gap between transactional accounting and forward-looking financial analysis in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Essential Functions: 

The Assistant Controller position includes accounting, finance and operational duties with an emphasis on compliance, continuous improvement, and integrity in reporting.  Examples of various responsibilities may include but are not limited to: 

• Assist in financial, internal and governmental audits, maintaining compliance in all operational aspects.

• Assist with General Accounting functions such as financial reporting, fixed assets management, inter-company accounting, and daily expense analysis.

• Perform a monthly testing of internal controls including SOX controls using Audit and self-assessed tools (ASAT) to ensure compliance with corporate standards and document observations or control gaps identified.

• Assist in the preparation of the monthly operations package, monthly business review and business unit staff meeting packages, as well as other ad hoc packages.

• Assist with month end closing including preparing and posting of journal entries and reconciling monthly ledger accounts, establishing accounting policies, work instructions and procedures when necessary. 

• Review/Perform monthly account reconciliations before established due date.

• Assist establishing and monitoring standard cost for each product and monitor MRP reports including Inventory, cost absorptions and variances. Manage and analyze standard costs, BOM and routers.

• Participate/back-up for payroll processing, Non-Financial Indicators and the checkbook.

• Where applicable, manage and respond to misc segment/corporate requests.

• Support management financial requests for information through detailed analysis and reporting.

• Drive the operating budget process, assisting controller in the monthly/quarterly forecasting/budget finalization.

• Provide budget and project analysis for capital expenditure. Assist controller with financial payback and ROI analysis on capital projects as well as post-implementation project review on completed projects.

• Participate in company or segment wide continuous improvement projects to assist in identifying opportunities and implement cost-saving objectives.

Essential Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Accounting — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial controls, analysis and reporting of financial data. 

• Technology Skills — Accounting and Finance software (i.e., Hyperion, Oracle E-Business Suite, or similar systems); Office Suite software: Microsoft Office, including advance knowledge of Microsoft Excel; creating and updating spreadsheets and formulas, VLOOKUP’s, Pivot Tables, etc.

• Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills with strong written and verbal communication.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution, with an emphasis in Accounting or Finance.

• 3-5 years’ experience in a standard cost environment as an account or cost accountant. 

• Self-motivated and capable of working independently to manage and complete all areas of responsibility.

• Strong attention to detail and follow up. Ability to prioritize, organize multiple tasks and work well under pressure. 

• Logical thinker, strong analytical, problem-solving abilities. 

• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

• This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five (5) years or more experience in a manufacturing environment with directly related experience. Standard costing system in aerospace manufacturing, highly desirable. 

• JD Edwards, HFM, Power BI, Advanced Excel experience

• Accounting license/certification

• Self-motivated with a strong desire to learn; capable of working independently to manage and complete all areas of responsibility.

Benefits/Salary:

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location. The salary range for this position is $119,000- $146,000.