Controller

Lee Hecht Harrison

Chicago, IL

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$120,000–$150,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Accounting, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Analysis Skills, Automation, Banking Services, Bill of Materials (BOM), Budget Management, Budget Reporting, Business Analysis, Business Case, Business Skills, Business Strategy, Capital Analysis, Capital Project, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Cost Accounting, Cost Allocation, Cost Analysis, Cost Forecasting, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), External Audit, Finance, Financial Control, Financial Modeling, Financial Operations, Financial Planning, Financial Policies, Financial Reporting, Financial Risk Management, Forecasting, General Ledger Accounting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Internet Security, Inventory Costing, Inventory Management, Investment Analysis, Investment Strategy, Leadership, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Analysis, Manufacturing Cost, Operational Improvement, Performance Analysis, Performance Metrics, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Profit & Loss, Regulatory Compliance, Standard Costing, Strategic Planning, Tax Regulations, Team Player, Technical Operations, Time Management, Treasury
LOCATION
Chicago, IL
POSTED
2 days ago

Our client is a growing industrial manufacturing organization seeking a hands-on Controller to serve as the senior financial leader for a multi-entity operation. This role will oversee all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, internal controls, and strategic financial planning activities while partnering closely with executive leadership to drive operational and financial performance.

This position offers a unique opportunity to influence business strategy, support growth initiatives, and help scale financial processes within a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead all accounting and finance functions across multiple business entities.

  • Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting in accordance with GAAP.

  • Oversee general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, treasury, and compliance activities.

  • Maintain and strengthen internal controls, financial policies, and risk management processes.

  • Coordinate external audits, tax compliance, and banking relationships.

  • Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial plans.

  • Partner with operational leadership to improve profitability, margins, and working capital performance.

  • Oversee standard costing, inventory valuation, BOM accuracy, labor allocation, and manufacturing cost analysis.

  • Analyze plant performance, production variances, and operational KPIs.

  • Prepare financial models, capital investment analyses, and business case evaluations.

  • Support expansion initiatives, capital projects, and strategic growth opportunities.

  • Provide executive oversight of technology investments, ERP strategy, automation initiatives, and cybersecurity governance.

  • Lead process improvements that enhance scalability, reporting accuracy, and business efficiency.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.

  • CPA strongly preferred.

  • 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience.

  • Prior experience within a manufacturing environment is required.

  • Strong cost accounting and inventory management expertise.

  • Experience supporting capital projects and operational decision-making.

  • Manufacturing ERP experience required.

  • Advanced Excel and financial modeling capabilities.

  • Deep understanding of GAAP, financial controls, and regulatory compliance.

Preferred Leadership Traits

  • Strategic yet hands-on leadership style.

  • Strong business partnering skills with operations and executive leadership.

  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.

  • Process-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.

  • Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

  • Visible leadership role reporting directly to executive management.

  • Broad responsibility across accounting, finance, operations, and technology initiatives.

  • Opportunity to help shape the future of a growing manufacturing organization.

  • Collaborative leadership team with significant influence on business strategy and performance.

Pay Details: $120,000.00 to $150,000.00 per year

Search managed by: Kayla Miller

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Military connected talent encouraged to apply

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacy

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

About the Company

L

Lee Hecht Harrison