Controller | Manufacturer | Western Suburbs, Chicago

Controller

A rapidly growing organization is seeking a Controller to lead and elevate its accounting and financial operations during an exciting period of expansion and transformation. This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for an ambitious accounting professional who enjoys building processes, solving complex problems, and creating scalable financial infrastructure. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves to tackle accounting challenges as they are partnering with executive leadership on strategic initiatives. This role offers significant influence across the business and a clear path for continued leadership growth.

Job Description

• Lead the organization's accounting function and ensure the timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage all aspects of the financial close process while continuously improving accuracy, efficiency, and reporting quality.
• Maintain oversight of general ledger activity, account analysis, reconciliations, and financial reporting integrity.
• Drive resolution of historical accounting issues, unreconciled balances, and process inconsistencies.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management activities, and multi-entity accounting operations.
• Ensure adherence to U.S. GAAP and maintain strong accounting policies, procedures, and documentation standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison for external auditors and coordinate annual audit activities.
• Design, implement, and strengthen internal controls to support organizational growth and reduce risk exposure.
• Evaluate financial processes and identify opportunities to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Partner with operational leaders and executive management to provide financial insights that support strategic decision-making.
• Support system implementations, process automation projects, and overall finance transformation initiatives.
• Coordinate tax compliance activities and collaborate with external advisors on planning and reporting requirements.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop accounting team members while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Assist with acquisitions, integrations, due diligence efforts, and other strategic business initiatives as needed.

The Successful Applicant

• CPA designation required; active or inactive status acceptable.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Progressive accounting leadership experience with responsibility for financial reporting, month-end close, and accounting operations.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and comprehensive understanding of GAAP.
• Experience managing complex accounting environments, including multiple entities or business units.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and financial analysis tools.
• Demonstrated ability to improve processes, implement controls, and drive operational efficiencies.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Public accounting experience, manufacturing or industrial industry experience, and M&A exposure are strongly preferred.

What's on Offer

• Industry leading benefits options
• Base salary & Bonus Eligible (10-20%)
• Growth plan to Executive Leadership

Job summary