Assistant Controller | Greater Chicago Area Only

An exciting work opportunity to be a part of a new Finance organization for a Business Unit within a global publicly traded company. We are seeking a highly motivated and forward‑thinking Assistant Controller to join our finance team. This role is ideal for an ambitious accounting/finance professional who is ready to take the next step in their career. This position is designed for an accounting leader with strong technical expertise and the capacity to take on increasing ownership and leadership responsibility over time.

The Assistant Controller will be accountable for all aspects of financial operations, including month‑end close, reporting, tax and audit support, and process improvement initiatives. This individual will serve as a key business partner across departments and play an instrumental role in strengthening financial controls, scaling our financial infrastructure, and developing and implementing key priorities for the Controllership team.

Success in this role will be measured not only by operational excellence, but also by the ability to expand leadership impact, influence decision-making, and help ensure depth and continuity within the accounting organization.

Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting & Month-End Close

• Lead and execute components of the monthly, half-year, and year‑end close processes
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and variance analyses
• Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant financial reporting under IFRS

Accounting Operations

• Oversee A/P, A/R, treasury, and general ledger activities, including working capital management and liquidity monitoring
• Maintain internal controls and support enhancements to accounting policies and procedures
• Bring a mindset of continuous improvement to the organization to develop more efficient and better ways to achieve objectives

• Support annual budgeting and forecasting
• Assist in preparation of management reports, dashboards, and KPI tracking
• Provide guidance to Senior Leadership on Finance and Accounting related matters to support decision-making

Audit & Compliance

• Coordinate external audits and tax filings, including preparing schedules and documentation
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, tax, and corporate policy requirements
• Lead technical accounting assessments, including research, documentation, and accounting memos.

Leadership & Future Controller Responsibilities

• Create development opportunities and mentor the accounting team, including hiring, performance management, and succession planning
• Provide data accessibility, accuracy, and quality for the Finance team by partnering with our Technology and other functional areas
• Gradually assume ownership of full controllership responsibilities, including oversight of accounting operations, financial close, financial reporting, and compliance
• Lead monthly balance sheet reviews ensuring account integrity, appropriate reserves and financial risk review
• Own the complete Financial Statement package including supporting schedules

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or progress toward CPA strongly preferred)
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, ideally in corporate accounting or public accounting
• Strong understanding of GAAP/IFRS and internal controls
• Proven ability to lead, prioritize, and work independently in a fast‑paced environment
• Take ownership and be adaptive to the fast-paced nature of the business to manage priorities and pivot as those priorities or scope changes
• Power BI or other business intelligence tool experience (preferred)
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced proficiency in Excel
• Some managerial experience is required

What We’re Looking For

• A proactive leader with a growth mindset and ambition to step into the Controller role
• Someone who thrives in a collaborative and evolving organization
• An individual ready to take on increasing responsibility and drive continuous improvement

Compensation: Salary Range $135K - $145K annual depending upon education and experience with up to a 20% bonus opportunity.

The perks of being a Bunzl team member don’t stop being part of a great team or being valued as our #1 asset. We offer a full range of benefits to help our employees take care of themselves and their families today, tomorrow and for the future.

• Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits first of the month following 30 days
• Flex Care and Health Care Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off - Vacation, Sick, Holidays and Personal Time
• Parental Leave
• 401K with generous company match
• Tuition Reimbursement program

Bunzl is a global leader in the Cleaning & Hygiene, Food Processing, Grocery, Health Care, Non‑Food Retail, and Safety industries. We have grown both organically and through acquisitions to exceed $10 billion in sales. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Bunzl North America operates more than 100 warehouses and serves all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean and Mexico. With more than 10,000 team members and over 400,000 supplies, Bunzl is recognized as a leading supplier across North America—and proudly certified as a Great Place to Work®. At Bunzl, you’ll find Unlimited Potential… your career, our future.

Bunzl Distribution offers competitive salaries, a comfortable work environment, and a full range of benefits including a 401k with a company match.

Bunzl Distribution has a tradition of commitment to equal employment opportunity. It is the established policy to attract and retain the best qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex/gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status as provided by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the notice from the Department of Labor.