Financial Controller (Chicago)

The Financial Controller will oversee global accounting and financial operations for a multi-national manufacturing and services organization. This role ensures compliance with international accounting standards, public company reporting requirements, and internal controls. The Controller will manage all aspects of SEC financial filings, coordinate with auditors and regulators, and ensure timely, accurate, and transparent financial reporting to support the company’s strategic and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Lead the preparation, consolidation, and analysis of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, IFRS, and relevant local regulations.

• Oversee all SEC filings including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, and related disclosures, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.

• Manage compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements by maintaining robust internal controls and documentation across all entities.

• Coordinate with external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audits, ensuring smooth communication and timely resolution of issues.

• Ensure adherence to company policies, corporate governance standards, and evolving accounting regulations.

Accounting Operations

• Direct all global accounting functions, including general ledger, fixed assets, cost accounting, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll.

• Oversee the cost accounting processes for manufacturing operations, including standard costing, variance analysis, and inventory valuation.

• Manage the global consolidation of financial results across subsidiaries, ensuring accuracy in intercompany eliminations and currency translations.

• Maintain compliance with tax regulations and coordinate with tax advisors to optimize reporting and planning.

• Evaluate and implement process improvements, automation, and ERP system enhancements to drive efficiency and control.

Strategic Finance & Leadership

• Collaborate with the CFO and executive team to develop financial strategies that support operational performance and long-term growth.

• Support the development and monitoring of annual budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses.

• Provide financial insights to manufacturing and service division leaders to improve profitability and operational decision-making.

• Build and mentor a high-performing finance team across multiple geographies.

• Partner with supply chain, operations, and regional finance teams to ensure consistent application of accounting policies and accurate cost tracking.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA REQUIRED , CA, or ACCA required.

• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including 3–5 years in a Controller role within a publicly traded manufacturing and/or services company.

• In-depth knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance.

• Strong background in cost accounting, inventory management, and manufacturing finance operations.

• Demonstrated experience managing multi-entity, multi-currency consolidations and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.

• Proven ability to manage deadlines in a complex, global environment.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience with M&A accounting, integration, or divestitures in a manufacturing context.

• Background in services-based cost allocation and contract accounting (ASC 606 familiarity preferred).

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across functions and cultures.

• Commitment to continuous improvement, accuracy, and transparency in financial management.