Financial Controller (Chicago)

Job Title: Financial Controller

Reporting to: Chief Financial Officer

Location: Chicago, IL

Company Overview:

Beneficial Reuse Management (BRM), based in Chicago, is a leading environmental services company focused on marketing industrial by-products and producing value-added products from high-volume, non-hazardous, reusable waste streams from utilities, municipalities and industrial companies. The Company offers innovative, sustainability-focused resource recovery solutions focused on agricultural, industrial, and infrastructure end markets.

In May 2023, BRM acquired USA Gypsum, a Pennsylvania-based company specializing in the recycling of drywall waste. Through its proprietary process, USA Gypsum converts drywall waste into a valuable resource for agriculture and industry, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and helping to create a more sustainable future.

Position Summary:

The Financial Controller is responsible for overseeing the company’s accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls to ensure accuracy and compliance with financial regulations. This role will support the CFO in managing financial processes across multiple manufacturing facilities while providing timely financial insights to support strategic decision-making. The Controller will play a key role in strengthening financial systems and processes as the company continues to grow and may supervise accounting staff as the finance team expands.

This role requires the ability to work independently in a distributed environment while supporting employees across multiple locations.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations

• Manage day-to-day accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and month-end close.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Ensure accuracy of financial records and maintain strong internal accounting controls.
• Oversee reconciliation of balance sheet accounts and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain accounting policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.

Financial Planning & Analysis Support

• Assist the CFO & FP&A Analyst with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Monitor financial performance and provide variance analysis against budget and prior periods.
• Provide insights into operational performance across manufacturing facilities.
• Support financial modeling and decision-making related to company growth initiatives and capital investments.

Compliance & Regulatory Reporting

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local financial regulations.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and other financial partners.
• Support preparation of tax documentation and filings in collaboration with outside tax professionals.
• Maintain documentation required for audits and regulatory reviews.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Evaluate and improve accounting processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Assist with implementation or optimization of financial systems and reporting tools.
• Develop standardized reporting across all company facilities.

Team Leadership (Future Growth)

• Potentially supervise and mentor accounting staff, including a Staff Accountant.
• Assist in developing finance department processes and procedures as the organization scales.

Required Skills / Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• 5–8+ years of progressive accounting or financial management experience.
• Experience in manufacturing, agriculture, or industrial environments preferred.
• Experience with multi-location operations is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards.
• Experience managing the month-end close process.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and accounting software/ERP systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, attention to detail, and ownership.
• CPA certification is preferred but not required.
• Experience working in growing or entrepreneurial organizations.
• Experience implementing accounting systems or process improvements.

Mobility and Working Requirements:

• In-office presence required.
• This position requires some intermittent travel to various manufacturing and processing facilities.
• Must be able to use personal protective equipment (PPE) as required by company policy and safety regulations.

We Offer:

• Competitive salary proportionate with experience.
• Annual bonus opportunity.
• Benefits package includes health, dental, life, disability, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Professional development opportunities.

BRM is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our workforce. In accordance with applicable, law, we prohibit discrimination against any applicant or employee based on any legally-recognized basis, including, but not limited to: race, color, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, uniformed service member status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.