Controller

The Bolton Group; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bolton Group in Buffalo Grove, IL seeks a Controller to serve as a strategic financial leader, overseeing accounting, reporting, and operational finance. This role partners with executive leadership to drive process improvements and build a scalable finance function.

You will own month-end close, budgeting, forecasting, ERP governance (SAP S/4HANA), internal controls, audits, and cross-functional collaboration with global teams. Strong manufacturing/industrial background and CPA preferred.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including leadership.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• Manufacturing or industrial background preferred.
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting, cost accounting, and cash management.

Responsibilities

• Lead accounting, financial reporting, and cash management functions.
• Own the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning with actionable insights.
• ERP lead for SAP S/4HANA; ensure data integrity and optimize workflows.
• Maintain internal controls and compliance with policies and regulations.
• Partner with General Manager to drive strategic initiatives and improve performance.
• Lead and develop the finance team; hire, mentor, and manage performance.
• Collaborate with global teams and corporate HQ to drive best practices.
• Manage external audits and financial reporting requirements.
• Deliver insightful analysis and reporting to support growth.

Skills

Leadership

Financial accounting

Cost accounting

Cash management

Budgeting & forecasting

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA strongly preferred

Tools

SAP S/4HANA

Job description

We are partnering with a well-established and growing organization in the Buffalo Grove area seeking a Controller to serve as a key financial leader within the business. This role will act as a strategic partner to executive leadership while overseeing all aspects of accounting, financial reporting, and operational finance.

This is a highly visible position offering the opportunity to drive process improvements, influence business decisions, and build a strong, scalable finance function.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting, financial reporting, and cash management functions to support operational and strategic objectives
• Own the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and continuous improvement
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning, providing actionable insights to leadership
• Serve as the finance lead for ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA preferred), ensuring data integrity and optimizing workflows
• Maintain and enhance internal controls (ICS) and ensure compliance with accounting policies and regulatory requirements
• Partner closely with the General Manager and leadership team to drive strategic initiatives and improve financial performance
• Lead and develop the finance team, including hiring, mentoring, and performance management
• Collaborate with global teams and corporate headquarters to drive consistency, efficiency, and best practices
• Manage external audit processes and ensure compliance with all financial reporting requirements
• Deliver insightful financial analysis and reporting to support decision-making and business growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA strongly preferred)
• 10+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, including leadership experience
• Background in manufacturing or industrial environments strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of financial accounting, cost accounting, and cash management
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA or similar)
• Proven ability to lead teams, drive process improvements, and partner with operations

What Sets This Role Apart

• High visibility with executive leadership and global teams
• Opportunity to drive transformation and process improvements
• Blend of strategic leadership and hands-on execution
• Stable yet growing organization with a strong operational footprint

Leadership & Impact

This individual will operate as a key business partner, helping shape financial strategy, improve operational performance, and build a best-in-class finance function.