Controller

A growing, privately held manufacturing and distribution company in the Chicago area is seeking a Corporate Controller to lead its accounting function and serve as a key financial partner to senior leadership and operations. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for an accounting professional who enjoys working close to the business. The Controller will oversee the day-to-day accounting organization while strengthening financial reporting, controls, processes, and operational visibility as the company continues to grow. The ideal candidate brings a strong foundation in accounting and controllership along with experience in a manufacturing, distribution, or similarly operational environment . This individual should be comfortable moving between detailed accounting work, team leadership, and partnership with operations. Key Responsibilities Lead the company's accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, cost accounting, inventory accounting, and revenue recognition. Own the monthly and year-end close processes and ensure accurate and timely financial reporting. Prepare monthly financial statements, management reporting, account reconciliations, and variance analysis. Analyze operating results, revenues, costs, margins, and other key financial metrics. Oversee standard costing, inventory valuation, cost analysis, and related manufacturing accounting activities . Partner closely with operations and other business leaders to understand financial performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Coordinate the annual budgeting and forecasting processes and monitor actual performance against plan. Develop and improve financial reporting that provides leadership with greater visibility into business performance. Review existing accounting processes and implement improvements that increase accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures. Oversee payroll-related accounting and reporting activities. Coordinate annual financial statement audits and preparation of supporting schedules and workpapers. Support tax compliance and other regulatory reporting requirements. Manage, mentor, and develop members of the accounting team. Support senior leadership with financial analysis and special projects. Identify and lead continuous improvement initiatives across the accounting and finance function. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required. CPA and/or MBA is a plus. Progressive accounting experience with previous experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar accounting leadership role . Strong understanding of GAAP, month-end close, financial reporting, reconciliations, and internal controls. Experience within a manufacturing, distribution, industrial, or other inventory-intensive environment strongly preferred. Hands-on experience with cost accounting, standard costing, inventory valuation, and COGS highly desirable. Previous experience leading or supervising accounting professionals. Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables, complex formulas, and financial analysis. Experience with an ERP system; SAP or similar platforms is a plus. Ability to communicate financial information effectively to both accounting and non-accounting leaders. Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Comfortable working in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment where priorities can evolve as the business grows. #J-18808-Ljbffr