Assistant Controller

Lucas James Talent Partners; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Stepan is seeking a Global Assistant Controller (CAO successor) to lead key elements of global accounting and reporting while building capability to assume full Controller responsibilities. This role supports Project Catalyst transformation, driving financial discipline and scalable processes across a multinational organization.

The position offers exposure to the CFO, Audit Committee, and external auditors, with readiness to transition into CAO role within 12–24 months based on performance and

Qualifications

• Experience in global financial reporting and consolidation.
• Strong governance, internal controls, and SOX experience.
• Proven ability to lead transformation programs and drive operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead consolidated financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Co-own external reporting (10-K, 10-Q, earnings) with CAO, with gradual full ownership over time.
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and transparency across global financial results.

Skills

Financial reporting

SOX/control environment

Leadership

Audit coordination

ERP/governance

Job description

Position Summary

The Global Assistant Controller (CAO Successor) is a critical finance leadership role designed to serve as the identified successor to the CAO. This role is responsible for leading key elements of Stepan’s global accounting and reporting function while building the capability, business acumen, and leadership readiness required to assume full Controller responsibilities.

Operating within Stepan’s Project Catalyst transformation, this role will drive financial discipline, strengthen global controls, and enhance the scalability of accounting operations across a complex, multinational specialty chemicals organization.

Role Scope & Succession Expectations

• Acts as deputy to the Chief Accounting Officer, with increasing ownership of global accounting oversight
• Provides direct exposure to the CFO, Audit Committee, and external auditors
• Takes on progressive responsibility for SEC reporting, technical accounting, and global consolidation
• Demonstrates readiness to step into Chief Accounting Officer role within 12–24 months, based on performance

Key Responsibilities

• Lead consolidated financial reporting, including oversight of monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
• Co-own external reporting (10-K, 10-Q, earnings) with the Chief Accounting Officer, with expectation to fully assume responsibility over time
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and transparency across Stepan’s global financial results

Controller Readiness – Expanded Ownership

• Serve as primary proxy for the Chief Accounting Officer in leadership forums, including finance leadership meetings and cross-functional discussions
• Present financial results, accounting issues, and control matters to senior leadership and, as appropriate, the Audit Committee
• Build deep understanding of Stepan’s business model (Surfactants, Polymers, global manufacturing footprint)

Technical Accounting & Governance

• Lead resolution of complex technical accounting matters, including restructuring, supply chain changes, and transformation-related activities under Project Catalyst
• Oversee accounting policy and ensure global consistency
• Develop capability to serve as the final authority on accounting decisions (Controller-level expectation)

Internal Controls & Audit Leadership

• Ensure effectiveness of Stepan’s global SOX control environment.
• Ensures controls are performed, evidenced, and remediated
• Serve as primary liaison with external auditors and Internal Audit, with increasing independence
• Ensure strong governance through transformation-related changes

Transformation & Operational Excellence

• Lead finance workstreams supporting Project Catalyst, including simplification and process standardization
• Drive adoption of best-in-class close, consolidation, and reporting practices
• Advance ERP and automation initiatives to reduce complexity and improve data integrity