Controller (CFO Succession Track)- 3613687

Location Chicago, IL 60606 Salary/Payrate $300K Depending on experience, bonus and AWESOME benefits!!! Work Environment Hybrid (2 days WFH) Term Permanent / Fulltime Bachelor's degree required Yes Referral Fee AMS will pay $1,000 should the person you refer gets hired About the Opportunity Our client is seeking an experienced Controller to join its executive leadership team. This is a strategic succession-planning hire designed for an individual who aspires to advance into the Chief Financial Officer role within approximately three years. The ideal candidate will bring strong financial leadership experience within the RIA, wealth management, investment advisory, or financial services sector, along with a proven track record of building, managing, and optimizing accounting operations. In addition to leading the accounting function, this individual will oversee Office Administration and play a key role in driving operational efficiencies, cost reductions, automation initiatives, and overall profitability. Key Responsibilities Lead all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance functions. Manage and develop an accounting team of at least five professionals. Direct performance management activities, including hiring, coaching, succession planning, and employee terminations when necessary. Partner closely with executive leadership to support strategic business objectives and long-term growth initiatives. Oversee Office Administration and related operational functions. Evaluate accounting processes and implement improvements to increase efficiency, scalability, and controls. Drive automation initiatives, including modernization of complex Excel-based commission calculation processes. Partner with leadership to optimize workflow allocation between U.S. and India-based teams. Develop and monitor KPIs, financial metrics, and profitability initiatives. Prepare the organization for a successful transition into future CFO leadership. Qualifications Active CPA designation required. Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field from a nationally recognized university. 10 years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience. Prior Controller experience within a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA), wealth management firm, investment advisory firm, or similar financial services organization is required. Proven experience managing accounting teams of five or more employees. Demonstrated experience hiring, developing, and terminating staff. Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and operational finance. Experience leading process improvement, automation, and offshore/shared-services initiatives preferred. Advanced Excel and financial systems expertise. Strong executive presence with the ability to influence senior leadership and board-level stakeholders. Why This Opportunity? Clearly defined path to CFO within approximately three years. Significant executive visibility and strategic influence. Opportunity to modernize and transform the finance organization. Competitive compensation package with substantial bonus potential. Join a successful and growing financial services organization committed to operational excellence. #J-18808-Ljbffr AMS Staffing, Inc.