Controller

Connect Search, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect Search, LLC seeks a Controller to lead all finance activities for two manufacturing divisions. This hands-on executive role directs accounting operations, cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, while ensuring strong internal controls and alignment with GAAP.

The Controller will oversee IT-related finance functions, act as Plan Administrator for the 401(k) plan, and contribute to international expansion through financial modeling and on-site support.

Qualifications

• CPA required; experience as a CPA a plus.
• 8–12+ years progressive finance leadership experience.
• Direct experience in a small or mid-size manufacturing organization.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all finance activities for 2+ legally distinct manufacturing entities.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting in accordance with GAAP.
• Oversee general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, treasury, and compliance functions.
• Maintain strong internal control systems across all entities.
• Coordinate audits, tax compliance, and banking relationships.
• Close coordination with Group HQ on financial reporting and liquidity issues.
• Act as key interface between local management and Group HQ functions (Controlling, Accounting, Tax, Treasury).
• Establish annual sales, operating and capital budgets for both divisions.
• Lead structured management review meetings.
• Drive accountability for EBITDA, margin performance, and working capital metrics.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cost accounting

Financial modeling

GAAP compliance

Internal controls

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA

Tools

Manufacturing ERP system

Advanced Excel

Job description

The Controller is the senior financial leader for our small–midsize manufacturing organization operating two active legally separate divisions. This hands‑on role is responsible for directing all finance activities, including accounting operations, cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, while ensuring strong internal controls and achievement of financial objectives. The Controller also provides executive oversight of the IT department to ensure financial discipline, risk management, and scalability. The role serves as Plan Administrator for the Company’s Retirement/401(k) plan and plays a key leadership role in domestic and international expansion initiatives, including financial modeling and on‑site support.

About the Role

The Controller is responsible for directing all finance activities and ensuring strong internal controls and achievement of financial objectives.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all finance activities for 2+ legally distinct manufacturing entities.
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
• Oversee general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, treasury, and compliance functions.
• Maintain strong internal control systems across all entities.
• Coordinate audits, tax compliance, and banking relationships.
• Close coordination with Group HQ on financial reporting and liquidity issues.
• Act as key interface between local management and Group HQ functions (Controlling, Accounting, Tax, Treasury).
• Proactive alignment of local GAAP reporting with Group standards and active contribution to group‑wide projects (e.g. transfer pricing, Pillar2).
• Establish annual sales, operating and capital budgets for both divisions.
• Lead structured management review meetings.
• Drive accountability for EBITDA, margin performance, and working capital metrics.
• Ensure financial objectives are achieved in alignment with strategic plans.
• Oversee standard costing systems, BOM accuracy, labor and overhead allocation.
• Manage inventory controls, cycle counts, and valuation processes.
• Analyze production variances and plant performance metrics.
• Partner with operations leadership to improve cost efficiency and margin performance.
• Provide cost‑based data to support pricing strategy and profitability analysis.
• Develop financial models to support new facilities and capital investments.
• Conduct ROI, NPV, and break‑even analyses.
• Evaluate regulatory, tax, and cost implications of international operations.
• Ensure payroll controls and compliance processes are effective.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
• CPA Required. Experience as a certified public accountant a plus.
• 8–12+ years progressive finance leadership experience.
• Direct experience in a small or mid‑size manufacturing organization.
• Strong cost accounting and inventory management expertise.
• Demonstrated experience supporting facility capital projects.
• Ability and willingness to travel to Costa Rica.

Required Skills

• Manufacturing ERP experience required.
• Advanced Excel and financial modeling expertise.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and internal control frameworks.
• Operationally grounded financial leadership.
• Strategic thinker with hands‑on execution capability.
• High accountability in lean environments.
• Ability to scale systems, infrastructure, and processes.
• Sound risk management and governance judgment.

Preferred Skills

• Key Performance Indicators
• Accurate and timely financial close.
• Budget performance and forecast reliability.
• Margin improvement and cost control.
• Working capital optimization.
• 401(k) compliance without fiduciary finding.