Accounting-Financial Reporting Lead

Position Summary The Accounting-Financial Reporting Lead serves as the primary lead of the accounting and financial reporting function for the U.S. entity. This role partners closely with the Financial Controller to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial reporting across local, group, and global structures within a regulated defense manufacturing environment. The position is highly hands-on and responsible for supporting the monthly close, preparing group and global reporting packages, supporting audit and regulatory compliance requirements, and strengthening internal controls. This role also supports financial analysis, budgeting, and cost performance monitoring. This is a high-impact role with significant visibility to local leadership and international finance teams and is positioned for growth. Reporting Structure * Reports to: Financial Controller * Direct Reports: None initially (may evolve) * Works closely with: Local Leadership, Department Leads Group Finance, Global Finance (Germany), External Auditors, Government Agencies Core Responsibilities 1. Financial Close & Accounting Operations * Supports the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process * Prepare and review journal entries, accruals, and account reconciliations * Maintain general ledger accuracy and integrity * Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll accounting processes * Support inventory and cost accounting in a manufacturing environment * Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP and alignment with IFRS reporting requirements * Strengthen and maintain internal controls in accordance with group and regulatory standards 2. Global & Group Reporting * Support, preparation and submission of monthly financial reporting packages to Group and Global Finance * Manage reporting through Visual ERP and Tagetik consolidation system * Coordinate and reconcile intercompany transactions * Provide variance analysis and detailed commentary for group-level review * Support quarterly reforecast and annual budget submissions * Assist with consolidation requirements and global reporting deadlines * Support day-to-day liaison with international finance peers. 3. Audit & Regulatory Compliance * Coordinate external financial statement audits * Support government and defense-related audit requirements * Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation * Maintain documentation supporting compliance and internal control standards * Assist with state and federal reporting obligations 4. Financial Analysis & Business Support * Maintain financial alignment of management & personnel costs. * Support product cost analysis and margin performance monitoring * Assist in working capital and cash flow analysis * Support the annual budget and quarterly forecasting processes * Provide ad hoc financial analysis to support operational decision-making * Support annual departmental budgeting process & administer monthly department budget tracking 5. Systems & Process Improvement * Drive as a key financial systems resource for Visual ERP and Tagetik * Identify and implement process improvements to enhance reporting efficiency * Improve close timelines, automation, and documentation standards * Support system upgrades and reporting enhancements Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required * CPA strongly preferred * 6-10 years of progressive accounting experience * Manufacturing experience required * Experience in multi-entity and international reporting environments required * Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP; working knowledge of IFRS required * Experience with ERP systems required; Visual and/or Tagetik experience preferred * Experience in defense, aerospace, or government contracting preferred Skills & Competencies * Strong technical accounting and financial reporting expertise * Ability to manage multiple reporting calendars and tight deadlines * High attention to detail and strong analytical capability * Effective communicators across cultures and time zones * Hands-on, solutions-oriented mindset * Ability to operate both strategically and tactically * Leadership capability with succession potential