Controller

Job Description Controller - Manufacturing / Cost Accounting Leadership St. Charles, IL | Direct Hire | $125,000-$130,000 A growing custom manufacturing company is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead accounting operations, support strategic growth initiatives, and help drive process improvements across the business. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoys both rolling up their sleeves and developing a strong team. This organization is investing heavily in growth, including facility expansion, new equipment, technology upgrades, and a major ERP implementation. The Controller will play a critical role in supporting these initiatives while ensuring accurate financial reporting and operational insight.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead all day-to-day accounting and finance functions, including: Month-end close (targeting 3-day close) Journal entries and account reconciliations Financial reporting Job costing and variance analysis Oversee cost accounting for: Material costs Direct labor Manufacturing overhead Standard vs. actual cost analysis Manage and mentor a team of 3 direct reports: Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Payroll / HR support Train and develop staff on accounting best practices, month-end processes, and journal entries Improve processes and internal controls to support company growth Partner with leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and business planning Support transition of outsourced functions in-house, including payroll and tax filings Help lead ERP go-live and optimization efforts (Epicor experience strongly preferred)

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting required 7+ years of progressive accounting / finance experience 5+ years of hands-on leadership experience managing a small accounting team preferred Strong manufacturing accounting experience required Job shop, custom manufacturing, or machine builder environment highly preferred Deep understanding of: Cost accounting Inventory Labor and overhead analysis Financial reporting in a manufacturing setting Proven experience with month-end close and daily accounting operations Strong leadership, communication, and training / development skills ERP implementation or system conversion experience a plus CPA preferred, but not required Payroll / tax filing experience is a plus

Ideal Candidate:

Hands-on, accountable leader who leads by example Comfortable working in a small to mid-sized business environment Sense of urgency and strong follow-through Process-minded and solutions-oriented Enjoys building teams and improving systems Why This Opportunity? Join a stable, growing manufacturing organization investing in its future Lead a well-established accounting team Opportunity to make a visible impact on operations and growth initiatives Collaborative culture with long-term leadership vision If you have strong manufacturing accounting experience and enjoy building teams while driving process improvements, we'd love to hear from you.