Controller

Our client is a well-established distribution company with a strong reputation in the Chicagoland market. As part of a planned leadership transition, the organization is seeking a hands-on Controller to serve as its senior financial leader and trusted business partner to ownership and management. This is a highly visible opportunity for someone who enjoys being both strategic and involved in the day-to-day details of the business. The Controller will oversee the accounting and finance function while helping strengthen financial reporting, processes, controls, systems, and overall financial visibility across the organization. Location: North/Northwest Chicago Suburbs Key Responsibilities Lead accounting, financial reporting, and month-end close activities Prepare and analyze financial statements and management reporting Manage budgeting, forecasting, cash flow planning, and financial analysis Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and related accounting operations Maintain and strengthen internal controls, policies, and financial processes Partner directly with ownership and operational leadership on business decisions Provide financial insight related to profitability, pricing, investments, and operational initiatives Identify opportunities to improve processes, reporting, systems, and workflow efficiencies Manage relationships with external CPA firms and financial advisors Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and administrative team members Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar accounting leadership experience Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and internal controls Experience partnering directly with business owners, executives, or operational leadership Experience within a privately held, family-owned, distribution, wholesale, manufacturing, food & beverage, or similar operating environment preferred CPA strongly preferred Strong Excel and financial systems capabilities #J-18808-Ljbffr Brilliant®