Job Information
AeroVironment Business Unit Controller in Wilmington, Massachusetts
Worker Type
Regular
Job Description
Summary
We’re seeking a proactive, experienced Business Unit Controller to lead the end-to-end accounting, financial reporting, and internal control environment for the Unmanned Underwater Vehicles line of business. You will oversee the monthly close and reporting cycles, ensure SOX-compliant control execution, support corporate consolidation requirements, and drive continuous improvement as the segment integrates systems, policies, and processes.
This is an ideal opportunity for a hands-on, detail-oriented leader who thrives in a dynamic, mission-driven environment and is committed to building a scalable, well-controlled accounting function for a high-impact business segment.
Position Responsibilities
Own all accounting and financial reporting for the UUV segment, including close, reporting packages, and quarterly SOX sub-certifications.
Lead, coach, and develop the segment accounting team to ensure high-quality execution and strong control adherence.
Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close; review and approve journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analyses.
Deliver accurate segment reporting for corporate consolidation, ensuring proper ASC 606 revenue recognition and application of cost accounting principles.
Maintain a SOX-compliant control environment with timely execution, complete documentation, and audit readiness.
Partner with FP&A, Operations, Program Finance, and Corporate Accounting to resolve issues, support forecasting, and provide business insights.
Support internal, external, and government audits with strong documentation and timely responses.
Lead process improvement and automation initiatives to strengthen controls and enhance scalability.
Support ERP enhancements, integrations, testing, and data validation.
Provide ad hoc analysis to segment leadership and corporate stakeholders; contribute to cross-functional projects as needed.
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
CPA or equivalent certification
10–15 years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years of supervisory or team-lead experience
Strong technical accounting knowledge, including U.S. GAAP, ASC 606, and cost accounting principles
Experience leading monthly close processes and delivering financial reporting
Hands-on experience with large ERP systems
Experience supporting SOX or internal control environments at public-company scale
Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Ability to partner effectively with cross-functional stakeholders
U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain a security clearance (ITAR)
Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies
Familiarity with Deltek Costpoint and Oracle ERP systems.
Public accounting experience (Big 4 or regional)
Experience in the aerospace, defense, or government contracting industries (FAR, CAS, etc.)
Experience with ERP implementations, migrations, or finance transformation initiatives
Strong leadership, communication (both written and verbal), and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and manage a team in a deadline and change driven environment.
Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
Physical Demands
Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, etc. Hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer.
May require travel to sites/program and special functions.
Special Requirements
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) required.
Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required.
Clearance Level
No Clearance
The salary range for this role is:
$141,000 - $200,025
AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.
ITAR Requirement:
This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.
Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits .
We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.
Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.
About AV:
AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.
We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.
Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.
If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.
ITAR
U.S. Citizenship required
About AV:
AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.
We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.
Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.
If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.
Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)