Controller

Controller

Accounting Manager candidates with a path to Controller will also be considered

Location: Elgin, IL
Work Environment: On-site preferred, with some flexibility
Employment Type: Full-Time
Compensation: $100,000–$180,000 base salary, depending on experience and level
Industry: Industrial and Janitorial Supply Distribution

The Opportunity

Elevate Studio + Partners is recruiting a Controller for a fast-growing industrial and janitorial supply distributor located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

This is a hands-on financial leadership role for someone who wants direct access to ownership and the opportunity to shape, modernize, and strengthen the finance function of a scaling company.

The company is also open to considering a high-potential Accounting Manager who is ready to grow into a Controller role within approximately three to five years.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Own the monthly financial close, reporting, and overall accuracy of the financial statements.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements, operating results, and key performance metrics.
• Improve visibility into margins, profitability, product costs, and business performance.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow planning, and management reporting.
• Oversee accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing, and related workflows.
• Work directly with a large and active sales team to address commission questions, disputes, and sales-related financial matters.
• Improve internal accounting processes, controls, accountability, and reporting standards.
• Optimize the company’s ERP system and related financial workflows.
• Support the transition to cloud-based systems and updated accounting processes.
• Lead the implementation of practical automation and AI tools across the finance function.
• Assist ownership with financial analysis, special projects, and operational decision-making.
• Build stronger structure across the accounting, AP, and AR teams.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong accounting foundation with progressive responsibility in financial reporting and operational accounting.
• Experience within distribution, manufacturing, industrial supply, or a similar inventory-based environment.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems; Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or Dynamics NAV experience is preferred.
• Strong Excel and financial-modeling skills.
• Experience leading employees, managing a team, or guiding accounting processes.
• Strong analytical judgment and attention to detail.
• Ability to identify problems, improve processes, and follow through on implementation.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work directly with ownership, sales, and operational leaders.
• Interest in technology, automation, and the practical use of AI within finance.
• Motivation to learn the business at a detailed level and grow into broader leadership responsibility.
• CPA designation is preferred but not required.

Growth Path

The company is open to hiring at one of two levels:

Controller

An experienced financial leader who can take immediate ownership of the finance function, improve reporting and systems, and serve as a direct partner to ownership.

Accounting Manager

A high-potential accounting professional who is ready for broader responsibility and wants a defined path into a Controller or CFO-level leadership role.

The Accounting Manager track is expected to provide hands-on exposure across financial reporting, accounting operations, ERP systems, cash management, commissions, controls, and strategic financial planning.

What Success Looks Like

During the first 12 months, the selected candidate will be expected to help deliver:

• Faster and cleaner monthly financial reporting.
• Improved commission reporting and fewer sales-related disputes.
• Better visibility into product costs, margins, and customer profitability.
• Two to three meaningful automation or process-efficiency improvements.
• Stronger structure and accountability across accounting, AP, and AR.
• Improved use of the ERP system and financial data.
• Greater financial clarity for ownership and operational leadership.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary of $100,000–$180,000, depending on experience and position level.
• Bonus potential.
• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k).
• Paid time off.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Professional development support.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers the chance to join an entrepreneurial, people-focused company during a period of growth and investment.

The selected candidate will have direct access to ownership, meaningful influence over financial systems and processes, and a clear opportunity to grow into broader executive leadership.