Assistant Controller (Sports & Hospitality)

The Greene Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Greene Group seeks an Assistant Controller in Chicago to own the accounting function, reporting to the CFO. This hands-on leadership role will manage the monthly close, audit liaison, covenant reporting, and the overall technical standard for the finance team.

You'll partner with an outside consultant during transition and, over time, directly manage a Staff Accountant supporting AP, AR, and payroll, while driving process improvements and FP&A support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, PE-backed experience preferred.
• Experience with lender covenant reporting and audit management.
• Experience mentoring accounting staff.
• Strong Excel skills and familiarity with ERP/accounting systems.
• Comfort with using AI tools to drive close efficiency is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly close process from start to finish.
• Lead the annual audit and act as primary liaison to auditors.
• Prepare and review monthly/quarterly reporting for PE sponsors.
• Lead budget-to-actual variance analysis and communicate drivers to CFO.
• Design and implement internal controls and process improvements.
• Manage Staff Accountant (AP/AR/payroll) and cash forecasting.
• Review and approve check requests; oversee 401(k) compliance.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP knowledge

Communication

Excel

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

ERP/accounting systems

ADP Payroll

Job description

Our client, a private equity-backed sports and entertainment company headquartered in Chicago, is seeking an Assistant Controller to take real ownership of the accounting function, reporting directly to the CFO.

This is a hands-on leadership seat: you'll own the monthly close, lead the audit relationship, take point on lender covenant reporting, and set the technical standard for the function going forward. You'll partner with an outside accounting consultant during an initial transition period, and over time you'll directly manage a Staff Accountant supporting AP, AR, and payroll.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own and lead the monthly close process from start to finish
• Lead the annual audit: own the PBC list, prepare and defend schedules, and serve as the auditors' main point of contact
• Prepare and review monthly and quarterly reporting packages for private equity sponsors
• Lead budget-to-actual variance analysis and communicate key drivers directly to the CFO and leadership
• Design and implement process improvements, systems, and internal controls across the function
• Manage and develop a Staff Accountant supporting AP, AR, and payroll
• Own weekly and monthly cash forecasting and proactively flag funding needs
• Review and approve check requests
• Oversee 401(k) compliance and ADP payroll administration
• Support FP&A projects, including budgeting, forecasting, and ad hoc analysis
• Partner cross-functionally with operations, sales, and teams across multiple offices

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA strongly preferred
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience; PE-backed portfolio company experience preferred
• Experience with lender covenant reporting, audit management, and technical GAAP positions
• Experience managing or mentoring accounting staff
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP/accounting systems
• Comfortable using AI tools to drive efficiency in close, reporting, and analysis (a plus)
• Strong communicator with executives, auditors, lenders, and sponsors