Central controlling Principal, Bordeaux

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo– and potentially humans in the longer run.

Position Overview Reporting to the Head of Controlling, the Central Controller acts as a key transversal finance partner supporting both development and manufacturing activities within a high‑technology industrial environment.

The role is critical in structuring analytical processes, ensuring financial data reliability, and supporting operational performance management.

Key Responsibilities 1. Time Booking&Labor Cost Management

Lead implementation and continuous improvement of the time booking system

Define time recording rules and ensure compliance

Monitor timesheet data quality and consistency

Provide workforce allocation and productivity analysis

2. Cost Rates&Analytical Master Data

Define and maintain internal hourly rates (actuals vs budget, over and under absorption to project, hourly rate analysis)

Manage analytical master data (cost centers, cost objects, allocations)

Ensure consistency across financial systems

3. Industrial Financial Processes

Design and maintain financial processes related to manufacturing orders

Ensure alignment between operational, analytical, and accounting data

Support costing methodologies and production valuation rules

Provide financial guidance to operational teams

4. Monthly Closing Activities

Oversee analytical closing processes:

timesheet validation

cost allocation controls

manufacturing order closure

Analyze standard vs actual cost variances

Ensure accuracy and traceability of management data

5. SG&A Budget Ownership

Lead SG&A budgeting process at central level

Monitor actual vs budget performance

Deliver variance analysis and reporting

Support department heads in cost management

6. Financial Planning Support

Contribute to budgeting and business planning cycles

Support forecasting exercises

Provide profitability and investment analysis

7. Cross‑Functional Finance Leadership

Support transversal finance topics in coordination with accounting

Drive continuous improvement initiatives

Participate in ERP and finance transformation projects

Act as a best‑practice reference for industrial controlling

Candidate Profile

Master’s degree in Finance or Controlling

8–10+ years in industrial controlling

Mandatory experience in aerospace or aeronautics industry

Audit experience would be a plus, but not mandatory

Strong experience in complex, multi‑entity environments

Key Skills

Strong industrial costing expertise

Deep understanding of analytical accounting

Process structuring capability

ERP and data analytics proficiency

Strong analytical mindset and cross‑functional leadership

Why you should join us! What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:

We’re Agile – we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind

We’re Open and Collaborative – we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them

We have a lot of Fun– we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?

We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.

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