Controller

Controller Full-Time Accounting and Finance DeKalb, IL Company Overview Our client is a middle-market, privately held manufacturing organization with a strong reputation for operational execution, customer responsiveness, and financial discipline. The Company operates in a fast-paced manufacturing environment requiring strong cross-functional collaboration, accurate financial reporting, and disciplined cost management to support continued growth and operational performance. The Company is seeking a hands-on, technically strong, Controller to serve as the senior accounting leader and the #2 Finance position within the company. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role plays a critical leadership position in driving accounting accuracy, strengthening financial controls, improving reporting processes, and supporting operational decision-making across the organization.

Position Summary:

The Controller oversees the Company's day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting processes, internal controls, and month-end close activities within a dynamic manufacturing environment. This individual ensures timely and accurate financial reporting in accordance with GAAP while supporting strategic financial initiatives, budgeting, forecasting , and operational analysis. This role requires a highly organized and detail-oriented finance leader capable of balancing technical accounting expertise with strong business partnership skills, The Controller collaborates closely with operations, supply chain, inventory management, and executive leadership to enhance financial visibility, improve processes, and support informed business decisions. This position requires a hands-on leadership approach, the ability to mentor and develop accounting staff, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of accountability, accuracy, and responsiveness in a growth-oriented manufacturing organization.

Position Responsibilities:

Leads the execution of all corporate accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, cost accounting, and inventory accounting functions while ensuring compliance with GAAP and internal financial policies Oversees the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, including the preparation of financial statements, account reconciliations, management reporting packages, and supporting analyses to ensure timely and accurate reporting Directs manufacturing cost accounting activities, including inventory valuation, standard costing, labor reporting, variance analysis, and overhead allocation methodologies to support operational and financial performance Partners closely with operations and executive leadership to provide financial analysis, operational reporting, profitability insights, and recommendations that support strategic decision-making and business growth initiatives Leads the preparation and coordination of annual budgets, rolling forecasts, cash flow projections, and financial planning activities in collaboration with the CFO and operational leaders Develops, maintains, and strengthens internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures designed to safeguard company assets, improve reporting accuracy, and support organizational scalability Coordinates external audit activities and manages relationships with auditors, tax advisors, banking partners, and other external financial stakeholders while ensuring compliance with all reporting requirements Drives process improvement initiatives focused on enhancing reporting efficiency, improving data integrity, optimizing ERP system utilization, and reducing manual accounting processes Leads, mentors, and develops accounting staff while establishing a culture of accountability, collaboration, responsiveness, and continuous professional development Supports the CFO with strategic initiatives, special projects, operational analysis, and financial modeling activities critical to achieving company objectives

Key Qualifications and Attributes:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA designation strongly preferred Minimum of 8-12+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience within manufacturing environments, including prior leadership responsibility in a Controller or Assistant Controller, capacity Strong understanding of GAAP accounting principles, financial reporting requirements, month-end close processes, and internal control frameworks within a middle-market manufacturing organization Demonstrated expertise in manufacturing cost accounting, inventory accounting, standard costing methodologies, variance analysis, and operational finance reporting Proven experience leading budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial planning initiatives while consistently adhering to strict reporting deadlines Strong ERP systems experience required, including the ability to improve reporting processes, support system enhancements, and leverage financial data for operational decision-making Demonstrated leadership capabilities with experience mentoring, developing, and managing accounting teams in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across operations, supply chain, executive leadership, and external business partners High level of professionalism, accountability, attention to detail, and business judgment with the ability to balance strategic priorities and hands-on execution in a growth-oriented manufacturing environment

Compensation:

$140,000 - $180,000 plus bonus potential