Corporate Controller

Corporate Controller Aviation Industry

Latitude 33 Aviation provides the ultimate in private aviation services. Managing one of the newest and largest fleets of light, midsize, and super-midsize jets in the U.S., Latitude 33 Aviation's mission is to be the absolute best at what we do.

Founded in 2006 and led by two ambitious pilots looking to redefine the private aviation experience, Latitude 33 Aviation is the premier private jet charter, executive jet management, and aircraft sales and acquisitions company that serves a wide variety of travelers and destinations around the world.

Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, we operate a fleet of approximately 30 Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer, Gulfstream, and Falcon aircraft and have been recognized as San Diego's best air charter company. Overseen by a highly-motivated leadership team, Latitude 33 Aviation delivers excellence in all that it does.

Position Summary

The Accounting Controller is responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, regulatory compliance, internal controls, and financial planning activities for an aviation organization. This role ensures the timeliness and accuracy of financial records while supporting business decisions through timely reporting and analysis. The Controller manages accounting staff, maintains compliance with aviation industry regulations, and collaborates with operational departments including Maintenance, Flight Operations, Charter Services, Marketing, and Aircraft Management.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management

• Direct all accounting functions including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and cash management.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes ensuring timely and quality reports.
• Develop and monitor annual budgets and financial forecasts including departmental levels.
• Analyze financial performance and provide recommendations to executive leadership.

Aviation Industry Accounting

• Aircraft owner statement review monthly to ensure billable items are invoiced.
• Monitor business and aircraft account accruals.
• Track flight operations revenue, charter income, fuel sales, hangar rentals, and maintenance service revenue.
• Trip profitability report twice monthly.
• Annual individual aircraft owner account profit and loss statements.
• Manage inventory accounting for aircraft parts, and maintenance supplies.
• Ensure accurate cost allocation across aircraft, and departments.

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Maintain compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, with support from an external accounting company.
• Coordinate external audits, tax filings, and regulatory reporting.
• Develop and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard company assets.
• Ensure compliance with company accounting policies and procedures.

Leadership & Administration

• Supervise and mentor accounting personnel including performance reviews and disciplinary actions.
• Establish departmental goals, performance metrics, and training initiatives.
• Collaborate with operations management on financial planning and cost management.
• Support financing activities, and strategic initiatives when applicable.

Financial Analysis

• Monitor cash flow and liquidity.
• Perform variance analysis and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Develop financial dashboards and KPIs for executive management.
• Respond to ad hoc requests for information and analyses from Aircraft Owners related to their Airplane account.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA preferred.
• 710 years of progressive accounting experience.
• 35 years of management experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with aviation accounting software and ERP systems.
• Knowledge of FAA regulations affecting financial operations.
• Experience in aviation, aerospace, transportation, or a similarly regulated industry preferred.
• Experience with aircraft leasing, charter operations, maintenance accounting, or FBO accounting.
• Public accounting background is a plus.

Technical Skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems - Excel advanced knowledge, Quickbooks, Bill.com, etc.
• Financial modeling and forecasting.
• Budget development and variance analysis.
• Internal controls and audit management.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timely and accurate monthly financial close
• Budget vs. actual performance
• Cash flow management
• Financial reporting accuracy
• Internal control effectiveness
• Department productivity and staff development

Benefits and Perks

• Compensation: $125,000 - $180,000
• Located in beautiful sunny San Diego
• Unique opportunity to work inside the world of private aviation with San Diego's largest private jet charter, management and sales/acquisitions company
• Ability to hop on empty private jet flights from/to Carlsbad
• Full-time benefits include wide variety of Health and Wellness Benefits, 401(k) Safe Harbor Employer matching, life insurance, PTO package, etc.

Work Environment

• Office-based position with occasional remote work opportunities.
• May require additional hours during month-end, year-end close, audits, or major financial projects.
• Frequent collaboration with executive leadership and operational teams.