Controller

About the role

Fairbanks Morse Defense is a leading marine defense contractor with a 150‑year legacy, providing reliable power systems, parts, and aftermarket services to the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. Federal Equipment Company, now part of Fairbanks Morse Defense, specializes in marine deck machinery and specialized weapons and material handling systems. The company is seeking a Controller based in its Cincinnati, OH facility. Reporting to the Finance Director, the Controller will play a pivotal role in financial reporting, accounting, and consolidations, leading key financial initiatives, collaborating with cross‑functional teams, and contributing to the company’s growth objectives. (Position posted July 2026)

Responsibilities

• Establish and continuously improve financial reports and metrics, driving process improvement.
• Collaborate with leadership to explain results, manage projects, and identify operational improvements.
• Coordinate and manage annual budget and forecasting processes.
• Oversee analyses of acquisitions, investments, and real estate considerations.
• Support policy‑making decisions to enhance sales, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Manage capital acquisition approval process and monitor spending versus approved project budgets.
• Maintain and develop financial team members through recruitment, training, and coaching.
• Oversee financial transactions, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Provide financial analysis tools for programs, capital expenditures, and special projects.
• Lead internal and external audits and coordinate audit requirements.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly reporting to Corporate, including financial statements and metrics.
• Exercise tight control and reporting of working capital and cash to ensure adherence to budgeted targets.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance; CPA desirable.
• Minimum five years of experience in finance/accounting in a manufacturing environment.
• Previous successful leadership and supervisory experience required.
• Experience in Government Accounting standards and regulations is a plus.
• Ability to qualify as a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident, or political asylee) for ITAR/EAR compliance; acceptable proof includes US Passport, Permanent Resident Card, US birth certificate, or Naturalization Certificate; maintenance of licensing authorization is a condition of employment.

Skills

• Strong expertise in GAAP and recent changes.
• ERP systems implementation experience.
• Project Management experience beneficial.
• Microsoft Office guru, especially Excel.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances.
• 401k retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.