Assistant Corporate Controller

Worker Type

Job Description
 

The Opportunity

AeroVironment Inc. (NASDAQ:  AVAV) is an industry-leading technology solutions provider in the field of autonomous systems and space and directed energy, with business areas including unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), loitering munitions, advanced robotics, and cyber & mission systems.  Our innovative technologies deliver critical solutions for defense and commercial customers worldwide.  

We are seeking an accomplished Assistant Corporate Controller to join our high-performing Corporate Accounting team.  Reporting to the Corporate Controller, this position is responsible for managing accounting operations, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, and supporting SEC reporting, Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) and government compliance requirements.  The Assistant Controller will work closely with executive management, internal and external auditors, and other cross-functional leaders across the organization.

This position offers high visibility across the organization and requires both strong technical accounting expertise and proven team leadership in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Corporate Accounting team, ensuring effective execution of responsibilities and compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the monthly and quarterly close process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to GAAP, SOX and FAR/CAS government requirements.  This includes reviewing and approving monthly journal entries and general ledger reconciliations.
• Support SEC reporting, including the preparation of financial information for forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and Proxy Statements.
• Support consolidation of domestic and international subsidiaries, including foreign currency considerations.
• Oversee accounting for inventory and fixed assets, cost accounting, equity-based compensation, overhead rates, and project accounting, with specific application to government contract requirements (CAS).
• Support post M&A integration activities, including consolidation of financial results, alignment of accounting policies, and integration of systems and controls.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external auditors, supporting quarterly reviews and annual audits.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls and coordinate with IT to ensure effective operation of ERP and reporting systems.
• Support audits from government agencies and tax authorities, including DCAA, Department of State, IRS, and state-level agencies.
• Monitor developments in accounting and regulatory standards to ensure continued compliance.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of progressive corporate accounting experience, or 7+ years with combination of corporate and public accounting experience (Big 4 preferred).
• 5+ years in accounting leadership roles, successfully leading teams in complex organizations.
• Experience in supporting SEC reporting required; proven track record supporting filings for a publicly traded company.
• Strong technical knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SOX, and government contract accounting (FAR/CAS).
• Experience with consolidation of foreign entity with local functional currency
• Experience supporting M&A transactions, including purchase accounting and post-close integrations.
• Knowledge of income tax accounting and equity-based compensation.
• Experience with Oracle Fusion Cloud (Oracle EPM, FCCS, ARCS a plus).

Education

• Bachelor’s  degree in Accounting or related field is required.
• CPA designation or MBA strongly preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Effective leader and people manager with demonstrated ability to mentor and build teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of engaging across all organizational levels and with external stakeholders.
• Self-directed with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
• Advanced Excel and strong ERP/financial systems proficiency.
• Excellent accounting research and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to work independently.

What We Offer

• A mission-driven culture where your work directly supports U.S. national security and global defense.
• Competitive compensation, annual bonus opportunities, and comprehensive benefits.
• Professional growth and mentorship in a highly visible leadership role.
• Hybrid/remote flexibility with periodic commute to our office in Simi Valley, CA.
• The ability to make a significant impact within a fast-growing, publicly traded aerospace leader.

Additional Requirements

• Must meet ITAR requirements: U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), or protected status under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
• Unquestionable integrity, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

The salary range for this role is:

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.  Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR