Controller

Description

  Lifesaving Systems is the global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of Helicopter and Marine Rescue Equipment.  We specialize in providing rescue, safety, and survival equipment not only for search and rescue responders, but also for industry professionals and operators working in the maritime and aviation environments. We serve our customers in the US Military, foreign militaries, police and fire departments worldwide, as well as international and domestic civilian helicopter operators & rescue agencies. 

Lifesaving Systems is a part of Signia Aerospace, a global, integrated provider of high-performance systems and specialized components for the aerospace industry. Signia currently operates two complementary business segments: Thermal Management (key brands include ACE Thermal Systems and Mezzo Technologies) and Mission Systems (key brands include Onboard Systems, Lifesaving Systems, and Meeker Aviation). The Signia brands are leaders in their respective markets and provide a compelling value proposition to both aerospace and defense OEMs and end-users.

SCOPE OF POSITION:

Reporting to the General Manager, the Controller is a key leadership role responsible for the full cycle of accounting and finance operations, including financial reporting, GAAP compliance, inventory management, cost accounting, budgeting/forecasting, and internal controls.

The Controller partners closely with operations and executive leadership to drive financial integrity and support strategic decision-making.

This is an onsite role in Apollo Beach, FL. Lifesaving Systems is the global leader in the design, development, and manufacture of Helicopter and Marine Rescue Equipment.

  PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES:

To achieve the mission for this position, the Controller must produce the following critical actions and results: 

• To achieve the mission for this position, the Controller must produce the following critical actions and results:
• Lead and manage the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Oversee all accounting functions, including:
• Accounts Receivable (AR)
• Accounts Payable (AP)
• Payroll
• Invoicing
• Cost accounting
• Capital equipment and fixed asset accounting
• Vendor management (as related to AP)
• Financial reporting
• Maintain GAAP compliance and develop/strengthen internal controls.
• Manage inventory accounting, including physical inventory processes.
• Manage the month-end reconciliations.
• Develop and lead budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Prepare and present financial statements, KPIs, and variance analysis to executive leadership.
• Prepare and manage the month-end corporate reporting requirements and deadlines.
• Support financial audits and lead coordination with external auditors.
• Drive continuous improvement of financial processes and ERP system usage.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Engineering, and Sales teams to ensure financial integration into broader company objectives.
• Provide leadership, coach, and develop a team of 3.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA preferred).
• 8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including 3+ years in a Controller or similar senior finance role.
• Strong manufacturing accounting experience, including cost accounting and inventory management.
• Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP and internal controls best practices.
• Experience working with ERP systems, Paylocity (or similar), and advanced Excel skills.
• Proven ability to manage and develop high-performing accounting teams.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across departments.
• Experience supporting external audits and preparing financial packages for executive teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• ERP system optimization or transition experience.
• Exposure to international operations and multi-currency environments.

In addition to offering competitive wages and benefits, Lifesaving Systems also offers the opportunity to increase your future earnings tied to growth in company performance. We recognize employee contributions toward growing the business through our unique Growth Participation Unit program (GPU). GPUs are tied directly to company growth and rewards all eligible employees with cash when the business grows over time.