Assistant Controller -Accounting and Financial Operations

IFG US; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

IFG US is seeking an Assistant Controller to lead the US and International Accounts Payable teams. The role emphasizes accuracy, efficiency, collaboration, and continuous improvement, with a hands-on leadership style.

A strong background in global AP operations and ERP systems is essential. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement with three days in the Chicago office, and compensation ranges from $120,000 to $170,000 base plus bonus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or equivalent preferred.
• 10+ years in progressive accounting roles; 4–5 years in AP/procure-to-pay in global multi-entity.
• Supervisory or team leadership experience in AP/finance roles.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, month-end close, and internal controls.
• Experience with ERP platforms (SAP/Oracle/NetSuite) and AP automation implementations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage global accounts payable operations across US and international entities.
• Drive standardization and automation to improve workflows and controls.
• Oversee operating expense accruals and monitor trends.
• Review monthly operating expense activity and ensure proper GL coding.
• Handle urgent ad hoc requests with high accuracy and responsiveness.
• Supervise and develop regional AP teams; allocate resources effectively.
• Partner with Procurement, Tax, and IT to optimize end-to-end AP processes.
• Lead ERP-related improvements, implementations, and upgrades with IT/external vendors.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships and resolve disputes promptly.
• Develop and maintain AP and operating expense policies aligned with corporate policies.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Cross-functional collaboration

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

SAP

Oracle

NetSuite

AP automation tools

Job description

IFG US is partnering with a global, multi entity company headquartered in Chicago. They are in need of an Assistant Controller to oversee the US and International AP team. The role will be a hands-on and proactive leader with a strong focus on accuracy, operational efficiency, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This position will oversee and develop a team while building effective partnerships with departments and stakeholders across the organization.

They operate on a hybrid basis of three days a week in the office.

Compensation is $120K - $170K base plus bonus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage global accounts payable operations, including invoice processing, approvals, vendor payments, employee expense reimbursements, credit memos, and vendor account reconciliations, ensuring activities are completed accurately and on time.
• Drive global standardization and automation efforts to improve workflows, minimize manual processes, strengthen internal controls, and enhance vendor and service performance.
• Oversee the operating expense accrual process, monitor expense trends, investigate unusual activity or variances, and recommend appropriate corrective measures.
• Review monthly operating expense activity to ensure accuracy and proper general ledger coding while collaborating with internal stakeholders.
• Handle urgent and high-priority ad hoc requests, including business inquiries, audit requests, and one-time payments, with a high level of accuracy and responsiveness.
• Supervise, coach, and develop regional accounts payable teams while effectively allocating resources and establishing clear performance expectations.
• Partner with Procurement, Tax, and other cross-functional teams to resolve issues and identify opportunities to improve end-to-end accounts payable processes.
• Lead improvements, implementations, rollouts, and upgrades related to ERP and accounts payable systems in collaboration with IT teams and external vendors.
• Maintain strong vendor relationships, address escalated disputes and discrepancies promptly and professionally, and ensure a high level of vendor service.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures covering accounts payable and operating expenses while ensuring adherence to corporate policies, applicable regulations, and audit requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline; CPA or equivalent certification is preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 4–5 years of focused experience in accounts payable or procure-to-pay within a global, multi-entity environment.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience; background as an AP Manager, Senior Accountant, Assistant Controller, or similar role is preferred.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, month-end close procedures, and internal control practices.
• Practical experience working with ERP platforms such as SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite, as well as accounts payable automation solutions; demonstrated success implementing process improvements.