Company Background:
West Star Aviation is an independent provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to the business aviation industry. The company specializes in airframe repair and maintenance, engine repair and maintenance, major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, paint, parts sales, component repair, and accessory services. As of December 31, 2023, West Star had approximately 2,600 employees. The Company operates twelve MRO locations and supports nearly 200 mobile repair technicians across the United States, generating more than $800 million in annual revenues.
Position Overview:
Reporting to the CFO, the Controller leads the Company’s accounting function and maintains a strong internal control structure in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment. Areas of responsibility include accounting operations, tax and treasury operations, billing, GAAP compliance, internal & external reporting, forecasting certain aspects of the operations, cost elimination/mitigation project leadership, ad hoc financial analysis and internal controls.
Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities:
• Serve as a strong leader and mentor for the accounting organization
• Manage accounting operations including AR, AP, Credit, Fixed Assets, lease accounting and GL
• Manage all monthly, quarterly, and year-end closings and the preparation of multi-location consolidated internal and external financial statements
• Responsible for all technical accounting by maintaining up-to-date knowledge of current accounting pronouncements, GAAP, and other compliance issues to ensure Company policies are appropriately in line with GAAP and supportive of business activity
• Oversee and execute all accounting activities including accurate and timely reporting of financials in accordance with GAAP standards and in line with all external reporting requirements
• Refine, monitor and enforce appropriate internal controls, policies, and procedures
• Manage and lead the annual audit and tax return preparation as the primary liaison between external CPA firm(s) and the Company
• Provide support for daily treasury activities related to cash flow, borrowings, debt and capital management
• Partner closely with IT to continuously improve reporting and system capabilities and utilization including participation in system improvements or implementation teams as needed
• Serve as a resource for the operational and leadership teams for a variety of ad hoc financial requests
• Support the CFO and the VP – Finance with a variety of financial related analysis and projects, including due diligence work for potential acquisitions
• Lead and develop a team of 4-5 direct reports (~50 indirect reports) located both remotely and on-premise in East Alton, IL
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Requirements/Characteristics:
• BS or BA in Accounting or Finance with heavy accounting emphasis
• CPA is required
• Minimum of 8 years in financial leadership roles with progressing responsibility
• Experience in a production/job shop manufacturing environment (or similar) with multiple operating units is required
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite experience, specifically Word, Outlook and a heavy focus on Excel
• Public accounting experience in a Big 4 or large regional firm is preferred
• Experience with private equity-backed portfolio companies will be an advantage
• Intellectually curious and a strong desire to understand business operations and the industry the Company operates in
• Experience with both corporation and flow-through entity accounting and taxation is preferred
• Able to operate in a dynamic environment with an ability to lead with clarity and vision for the future
• Service minded approach to work; interested in collaborating closely with various business leaders to drive initiatives
• Professionalism: Strong time management skills and delivers on commitments. Treats others with respect and collaborates with peers to achieve objectives.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact verbally and electronically with West Star team members, third party consultants, taxing authorities, and others to clearly articulate issues, resolutions and questions
