Financial Controller - Defense Industry

Leonid Group is proud to be retained on an executive search for one of our clients, a Financial Controller in the Defense Industry, based in Houston. 

Financial Controller - Defense Industry
Job Title: Financial Controller
Location: Houston, TX
Industry: Defense & Aerospace
Reports to: CFO
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to oversee financial reporting, compliance, and
strategic financial 
planning for our defense and aerospace operations. Based in Houston, TX, this role will be
responsible for ensuring 
accurate financial reporting, budget oversight, cost controls, and regulatory compliance in a highly
regulated industry.
The ideal candidate will have strong experience in defense contracting, government compliance
(FAR/DFARS, ITAR, CAS), 
and cost accounting standards (CAS). This position requires expertise in financial controls, risk
management, and audit 
readiness, as well as the ability to partner with cross-functional teams to drive financial performance.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting in compliance with GAAP, IFRS, and
defense industry regulations.
- Ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS).
- Oversee DCAA audits and government contract reporting requirements, ensuring accuracy and
transparency.
- Implement internal controls and SOX compliance measures to mitigate financial risks.
- Prepare financial statements, regulatory filings, and reports for executive leadership and
government agencies.
- Develop and manage the annual budget, forecasts, and financial planning for defense programs
and contracts.
- Analyze program cost structures, indirect rates, and cost pools to optimize profitability.
- Maintain compliance with Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) and Cost Accounting Standards
(CAS) requirements.
- Work closely with program managers, procurement teams, and operations to align financial goals
with business strategy.
- Oversee internal and external audits, ensuring financial statements are audit-ready.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business Administration (required).
- CPA, CMA, or MBA (preferred).
- 10+ years of experience in financial reporting, defense finance, or government contracting.
- Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and DCAA compliance.
- Experience with Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and indirect rate calculations.
- Background in government contract pricing, cost proposals, and financial analysis.
- Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP, Deltek Costpoint, Oracle), BI tools (Power BI, Tableau), and
audit software.
Why Join Us?
- Industry Leader - Work with a top-tier defense contractor supporting national security initiatives.
- Strategic Impact - Play a key role in financial oversight, compliance, and defense contract
management.
- Career Growth - Competitive compensation, leadership exposure, and opportunities for
advancement in defense finance.
Compensation: Competitive base salary + performance-based bonus + comprehensive benefits
package.

Leonid Group Corporate Governance is a talent acquisition consultancy that specialises in the placement of Legal, Compliance, Risk, ESG and Sustainability and Audit professionals on an international scale across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC.These are global disciplines with teams worldwide, and our network reflects this. We work with multinational corporations to help structure their departments with the best people, from the Global Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel to the Compliance Analyst and Trade Compliance Specialist.