Controller

Industry: Distribution/Industrials (Private Equity-backed)

Role: Controller

Salary: $115,000 - $130,000/annually

Location: Chicago, IL (Cook County) - On-site 5 days a week

About the Role: Our client, a private-equity backed distribution business, is seeking a Controller to lead accounting operations for a growing business. This individual will be responsible for overseeing financial reporting, month-end close activities, cash management, and overall accounting processes while partnering closely with business leadership to support financial planning and operational decision-making.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting professional who enjoys owning the accounting function, improving processes, developing team members, and providing meaningful financial insights to help drive business performance.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger activities, and account reconciliations
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting
• Prepare and review financial statements, supporting schedules, and management reporting packages
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records while maintaining strong internal controls
• Monitor balance sheet and income statement activity, investigating and resolving discrepancies as needed

• Partner with business leaders to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities
• Analyze operating results and key business metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Provide financial insights and recommendations that support strategic and operational decision-making
• Assist with ad hoc analyses, business cases, and performance reviews

• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital performance
• Oversee receivables, payables, and cash management activities
• Support efforts to improve cash conversion, operational efficiency, and financial performance
• Provide visibility into cash requirements and business funding needs

• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting team members
• Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, strengthen controls, and improve reporting capabilities
• Support implementation and optimization of financial systems and workflows

• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and other professional service providers
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting, tax, and regulatory requirements
• Assist with audit, tax, and reporting deliverables as needed
• Support company-wide finance initiatives and process standardization efforts

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 5 years of progressive accounting experience with responsibility for financial reporting and month-end close
• Experience managing accounting operations in a small to mid-sized business environment
• Mix of public accounting and private company experience
• Experience in distribution, manufacturing, wholesale, e-commerce, or product-based businesses
• Exposure to system implementations, business integrations, or process improvement initiatives
• CPA or other relevant professional certification is a plus
• Experience supporting high-growth organizations preferred
• Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis activities

• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting
• Experience with ERP systems, accounting platforms, and financial reporting tools

By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions.


EEO Notice


Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.


Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io .


Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal .

Representation Notice


By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

For residents of Ontario, Canada: Based on Highspring's discussions with its Client, Highspring's understanding is that this position for employment is a current vacancy (either through Highspring as a contractor or with the client directly).

Privacy Notice


Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

• California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here .
• Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here .
• Residents of all other states may access our policies here .
• Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here .
• Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here .

Additionally, submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. More details about Vaco by Highspring's use of AI can be found here ( ). Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco by Highspring does not know and cannot opine on if its client's use of AI products in hiring.

Pay Transparency Notice


Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:

• the individual's skill sets, experience and training;
• licensure and certification requirements;
• office location and other geographic considerations;
• other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.