Business Unit Controller

Connect Search, LLC; Batavia (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Co-investment opportunities

On-site in Batavia, IL

Job summary

Connect Search, LLC is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead accounting and financial operations across multiple portfolio companies in Batavia, IL. You will have autonomy, interact directly with business Presidents, and influence financial performance across a growing industrial portfolio.

The role combines hands-on accounting with FP&A, budgeting, and operational support to drive profitability and strong internal controls in manufacturing environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5–10 years of progressive accounting experience.
• Manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, or industrial environment background.
• Experience managing monthly close and general ledger reporting.
• Knowledge of cash management and working capital.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting and financial reporting for multiple operating businesses.
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes with timely reporting.
• Prepare and review financial statements, journal entries, reconciliations.
• Maintain general ledger accuracy and ensure compliance with standards.
• Develop financial reporting packages for management and stakeholders.
• Analyze results and explain variances against budgets and forecasts.
• Partner with leadership to develop annual budgets and forecasts.
• Provide financial analysis supporting profitability and cost control.
• Evaluate manufacturing costs, inventory activity, and expenses.
• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital trends.
• Identify cash conversion improvements and efficiency opportunities.
• Oversee AP/AR and related financial processes.

Skills

Manufacturing accounting

Cost accounting

Financial reporting

Month-end close

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Job description

• Our client is a privately held investment group focused on acquiring, operating, and expanding established lower-middle-market manufacturing and distribution businesses throughout the United States.
• The investment group is seeking a hands-on Controller to oversee accounting and financial operations across multiple portfolio companies. This position offers significant autonomy, direct interaction with business Presidents, and the opportunity to influence financial performance across a growing portfolio of industrial businesses.
• Batavia, IL (fully on-site)
• $$: 130k-150k base + 20% target bonus
• Opportunity to co-invest in future acquisitions

Why This Opportunity

• Take ownership of accounting and financial reporting across multiple operating businesses
• Work directly with senior business leadership on financial performance and strategic initiatives
• Serve as a key financial resource for operational decision-making
• Gain exposure to a variety of manufacturing and industrial business environments
• Combine hands-on accounting responsibilities with financial planning, analysis, and operational support
• Influence profitability through cost analysis, working capital improvements, and operational efficiencies
• Work in an entrepreneurial environment with meaningful autonomy and accountability
• Help strengthen financial reporting processes, accounting procedures, and internal controls
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance management
• Participate in projects focused on operational improvements and continued business growth
• Build strong relationships with business leaders and other internal stakeholders
• Opportunity to make a measurable impact on financial and operational results

Position Overview

• The Controller will oversee accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis for multiple operating businesses.
• Working closely with senior leadership, this individual will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, managing recurring accounting processes, and providing financial insights that support operational performance and business decisions.
• The position requires a professional who is comfortable working independently, navigating multiple business environments, and balancing detailed accounting responsibilities with broader financial management initiatives.
• The ideal candidate brings strong manufacturing accounting experience, a practical understanding of business operations, and the ability to translate financial information into actionable recommendations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting and financial reporting activities across assigned operating businesses
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting
• Prepare and review financial statements, journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules
• Maintain accurate general ledger records and ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards
• Develop consistent financial reporting packages for management and other internal stakeholders
• Analyze financial results and explain significant variances against budgets, forecasts, and prior periods
• Partner with business leadership to develop annual operating budgets and periodic forecasts
• Provide financial analysis supporting profitability, cost management, and operational decision-making
• Evaluate manufacturing costs, inventory activity, operating expenses, and other financial performance drivers
• Monitor cash flow, liquidity requirements, and working capital trends
• Identify opportunities to improve cash conversion and overall financial efficiency
• Maintain oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and related financial processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant professional experience
• Approximately 5–10 years of progressive accounting experience
• Strong background in manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, or accounting within an industrial operating environment
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage accounting and financial reporting responsibilities
• Experience overseeing monthly close processes, journal entries, account reconciliations, and general ledger reporting
• Strong understanding of manufacturing costs, inventory accounting, and operational financial performance
• Experience developing budgets, preparing forecasts, and evaluating financial results
• Knowledge of cash management, working capital, and financial performance measurement