Aero Industries, Inc. (Aero or the “Company”), is a leader in the manufacturing of tarp systems and other heavy-duty truck and trailer accessories. With a long track record of success, a reputation for superior products, and long-standing customer relationships, Aero represents a compelling platform for growth. 

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Aero also serves customers through satellite locations in Nebraska and Ohio and a nationwide network of independent dealers. This 80+-year-old business has succeeded through a dedicated workforce and a commitment to support its customers and employees.

The CEO is focused on building a high performing, collaborative team to implement change and position the Company for transformative growth, and expansion into new products and new markets. This is an opportunity for the right proactive leader to make their mark, and be a part of a rapidly changing, dynamic organization.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the CEO, this position will play a key role in leading Aero’s finance/accounting transformation and IT functions while working closely with operations and leadership.

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Controller to join our manufacturing company. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in finance and accounting within the manufacturing sector. This will be an opportunity for someone that is tech-savvy that offers a path to career advancement, with the potential to develop into the Vice President of Finance depending on the growth of the organization.

 The Role

Financial Management and Reporting:

• Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.

• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of financial statements in compliance with GAAP.

• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual closing processes.

• Prepare annual budgets that quantify key contributors to growth; report and explain monthly variances to actual performance and go-forward forecast impact

Cost Management: 

• Analyze manufacturing costs and variances, implementing cost control measures.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive financial performance.
• Provide ongoing evaluation of operating costs and profit margins and collaborating with management on opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability
• Prepare monthly reporting that evaluates profitability by customer and product
• Develop an updated scorecard and cost intelligence for product / job pricing
• Support sales operations by providing costing  and pricing information

Internal Controls and Compliance:

• Establish and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and corporate policies. 
• Partner with the Vice President of Operations, to manage and develop a team to improve manufacturing process capabilities, drive down cost, and improve ease of manufacturing.
• Develop controls for administrative functions including bill payment, cash / check reconciliations, A/R management, insurance, and payroll
• Develop, implement, and manage accounting procedures to guide financial decisions
• Establish, maintain, and monitor appropriate internal control safeguards; and identify problem areas and develop corrective actions

Strategic Planning: 

• Partner with senior management to develop long-term financial strategies.
• Analyze financial statements and management reports to identify business trends and potential      risks/opportunities versus the forecasts
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to support business growth and operational efficiency.

Team Leadership: 

• Lead and develop the finance team, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Foster collaboration and professional growth within the department.

System and Process Improvement: 

• Evaluate and enhance financial systems, processes, and reporting tools.
• Implement best practices to streamline operations and improve accuracy.

Capability & Behavior Requirements

• Accountability for Results: Holds self-accountable for ensuring that results are achieved; Seizes opportunities to produce results without direct supervision; Acts on items beyond formal job responsibility; Sets high expectations for self and others.
• Communications: Strong communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, both oral and written, and ability to create as well as deliver effective presentations.
• Creating Quality Deliverables: Establishes deliverable structure and content; Reviews deliverables of self and team to ensure that they meet internal/ external customer expectations; Implements and enforces high standards for quality deliverables.
• Developing thought leadership / innovative ideas: Generates innovative ideas that are sound and progressive; Challenges the status quo; Fosters creativity throughout Finance and Accounting.
• Problem Solving: Ability to work in a dynamic environment that requires critical thinking and strong analytical skills.
• Providing Exceptional Client Service: Manages self to provide exceptional service by responding with a sense of urgency, practicality, accountability, and integrity.
• Attitude: Exhibits enthusiasm, positive professional attitude, integrity, reliability, and leadership.
• Curiosity and Improvement  – Looking for ways to improve processes, especially through automation. Has understanding of ERP system concepts, databases and potential for AI.
• Ability to Understand Beyond the Numbers - Do things pass the “smell test”?
• Building Rapport: Leads by example; actively listens; Respects the opinions and perspectives of others; Demonstrates strong personal commitment to others; clearly states thoughts, ideas, and expectations.
• Decision-making: Decision making skills, and ability to challenge, negotiate, and influence.

• Defines the short- and long-term roadmap for Aero’s financial strategy.
• Develops and leads a team of experienced finance professionals, including coaching, training, and building bench strength at all levels.
• Collaborates with executive leadership to develop and meet company goals while supplying expertise and guidance on projects and systems.
• Collaborates with other functional areas to develop and achieve the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Ensures that departmental decisions and project plans are in line with the organization’s business plan and vision.
• Establishes, communicates, and implements financial-related policies, practices, standards, and security measures to ensure effective and consistent support and execution.
• Reviews and approves cost-control reports, cost estimates, and staffing requirements.
• Presents periodic performance reports and metrics to the leadership team.
• Maintains knowledge of industry emerging technologies and trends.
• Works with Human Resources to identify training needs and ensure proper training is developed and provided.
• Analyzes product, productivity and other data to look at trends and discover opportunities for improvement.
• Works through various teams – such as Operations, Sales, and Purchasing to optimize business workflows and create a culture of Continuous Improvement.
• Works closely with the Purchasing team to identify and qualify key suppliers to create a sustainable, efficient supply chain.
• Establishes systems and coach managers to monitor employee production and satisfaction.
• Works with key team members to set collaborative team and individual goals.
• Develops and manages companywide budget.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in finance and accounting, with at least 5 years in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of managing financial operations and leading a finance team.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems, database reporting and advanced Excel skills.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven business and management principles capability, including strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, and Lean methodology.
• Experience building and developing teams, fostering collaboration and cross-functional problem solving, and providing clarity around roles and responsibilities.
• Highly collaborative; able to effectively interact at all levels across the organization.
• Builds a culture of trust and strong relationships.
• Possesses a change-agent mindset with the courage to propose new directions to help the Company transform and grow. 
• Strong work ethic.  Takes full ownership of all responsibilities and objectives and is personally committed to making sure that all such objectives are reached on time, and with the appropriate level of diligence and accuracy.
• Process, project management, and continuous improvement orientation.
• Hands-on leader and coach.
• Metrics driven, execution-orientated, strong sense of urgency, with a people-centric skillset.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to meet deadlines and maintain composure under stress
• Occasional travel to satellite locations (<5%)