Controller

COMPANY OVERVIEW: Founded in 1990, Bright Lights USA, Inc. (dba BLUSA Defense Manufacturing) is a growing U.S.-based manufacturing company operating in a job shop environment producing mechanical and electromechanical parts, with a workforce of over 100 employees. We support customers in the defense and aerospace industries, including U.S. government agencies, prime manufacturers, and international clients. Known for precision, quality, and long-term customer relationships, the company continues to invest in people, systems, and processes to support sustainable growth. In addition to the primary operating company, the organization includes several smaller affiliated entities that require coordinated financial management and reporting. POSITION SUMMARY: We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to lead the accounting function for a growing manufacturing organization. This role is responsible for financial reporting, job costing, internal controls, and cash management across the primary operating company and several smaller affiliated entities. The Controller will partner closely with operations and executive leadership to improve profitability, reporting accuracy, and scalability. The ideal candidate brings strong manufacturing accounting experience in a job shop environment and is comfortable balancing strategic leadership with day-to-day execution in a fast-paced, multi-entity setting. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Financial Reporting & Compliance Prepare and deliver accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP. Oversee financial reporting for the primary operating company and several smaller affiliated entities. Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Coordinate and manage annual audits, serving as the primary liaison with external auditors. Job Costing & Manufacturing Finance Oversee job costing in a custom manufacturing/job shop environment, ensuring accurate labor, material, and overhead capture. Manage work-in-process (WIP) accounting and ensure timely and accurate movement of costs to finished goods. Analyze job cost variances and perform post-job margin reviews. Partner with operations, engineering, and estimating to improve costing accuracy and quoted margins. Accounting Operations Lead daily accounting activities including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll, commissions, and account reconciliations. Troubleshoot complex accounting issues and escalated A/P, A/R, customer, and vendor matters. Oversee cash management, credit reviews, customer credit approvals, and working capital controls across multiple entities. Review and maintain key balance sheet accounts, including deposits, insurance, and expense controls. Leadership & Collaboration Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff; oversee shipping department responsibilities as assigned. Work cross-functionally with operations, purchasing, sales, and leadership to support business objectives. Serve as a financial business partner to the CFO on cash flow management, forecasting, and capital investment analysis. Systems, Reporting & Process Improvement Own financial integrity within ERP and accounting systems, ensuring accurate data and disciplined processes. Develop, monitor, and report KPIs related to job margins, operational efficiency, and financial performance. Lead process improvements to strengthen controls, reporting accuracy, and scalability across entities. Utilize advanced Excel capabilities; Power BI experience is a plus. Special Projects Support third-party providers by gathering data for R&D tax credit calculations. Participate in system enhancements, reporting improvements, and other finance-related initiatives. QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration. 7–10+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including manufacturing job shop environments. Minimum 5 years of hands-on accounting experience in manufacturing. Strong ERP experience (Global Shop Solutions preferred); familiarity with QuickBooks a plus. Advanced Excel skills. Experience processing payroll (Paycom experience preferred) Proven ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced, multi-entity environment. Strong leadership, analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Process-oriented mindset with the ability to identify and