Controller

Vaco by Highspring; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring in Chicago, IL is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead accounting operations for a private-equity backed distribution business. You will own the close process, financial reporting, cash management, and internal controls while partnering with leadership to drive performance.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, a Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance, and experience across ERP systems. CPA is a plus.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience with responsibility for financial reporting and month-end close.
• Experience managing accounting operations in a small to mid-sized business.
• Mix of public accounting and private company experience.
• Experience in distribution, manufacturing, wholesale, e-commerce, or product-based businesses.
• CPA or other relevant professional certification is a plus.
• Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis activities.
• Experience with ERP systems, accounting platforms, and financial reporting tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger activities, and account reconciliations
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting
• Prepare and review financial statements, supporting schedules, and management reporting packages
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records while maintaining strong internal controls
• Monitor balance sheet and income statement activity, investigating and resolving discrepancies as needed
• Partner with business leaders to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities
• Analyze operating results and key business metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Provide financial insights and recommendations that support strategic and operational decision-making
• Assist with ad hoc analyses, business cases, and performance reviews
• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital performance
• Oversee receivables, payables, and cash management activities
• Support efforts to improve cash conversion, operational efficiency, and financial performance
• Provide visibility into cash requirements and business funding needs
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting team members
• Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, strengthen controls, and improve reporting capabilities
• Support implementation and optimization of financial systems and workflows
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and other professional service providers
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting, tax, and regulatory requirements
• Assist with audit, tax, and reporting deliverables as needed
• Support company-wide finance initiatives and process standardization efforts

Skills

Financial reporting

Month-end close

Team leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Internal controls

Auditing support

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field

Tools

ERP systems

accounting platforms

financial reporting tools

Job description

Role: Controller

Salary: $115,000 - $130,000/annually

Location: Chicago, IL (Cook County) - On-site 5 days a week

About the Role: Our client, a private-equity backed distribution business, is seeking a Controller to lead accounting operations for a growing business. This individual will be responsible for overseeing financial reporting, month-end close activities, cash management, and overall accounting processes while partnering closely with business leadership to support financial planning and operational decision-making.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting professional who enjoys owning the accounting function, improving processes, developing team members, and providing meaningful financial insights to help drive business performance.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger activities, and account reconciliations
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting
• Prepare and review financial statements, supporting schedules, and management reporting packages
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records while maintaining strong internal controls
• Monitor balance sheet and income statement activity, investigating and resolving discrepancies as needed
• Partner with business leaders to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities
• Analyze operating results and key business metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Provide financial insights and recommendations that support strategic and operational decision-making
• Assist with ad hoc analyses, business cases, and performance reviews
• Monitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital performance
• Oversee receivables, payables, and cash management activities
• Support efforts to improve cash conversion, operational efficiency, and financial performance
• Provide visibility into cash requirements and business funding needs
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting team members
• Promote a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, strengthen controls, and improve reporting capabilities
• Support implementation and optimization of financial systems and workflows
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and other professional service providers
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting, tax, and regulatory requirements
• Assist with audit, tax, and reporting deliverables as needed
• Support company-wide finance initiatives and process standardization efforts

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience with responsibility for financial reporting and month-end close
• Experience managing accounting operations in a small to mid-sized business environment
• Mix of public accounting and private company experience
• Experience in distribution, manufacturing, wholesale, e-commerce, or product-based businesses
• Exposure to system implementations, business integrations, or process improvement initiatives
• CPA or other relevant professional certification is a plus
• Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis activities
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting
• Experience with ERP systems, accounting platforms, and financial reporting tools

Industry: Distribution/Industrials (Private Equity-backed)

Equal Opportunity Notice

Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] .

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.

For residents of Ontario, Canada only: to the extent the position for employment is not with Highspring or not otherwise noted as vacant above, candidate should be informed that this role is to replace a presently employed person at Vaco by Highspring's client.

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:

• the individual's skill sets, experience and training;
• licensure and certification requirements;
• office location and other geographic considerations; and
• other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or participation in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's retirement plan (or similar retirement benefits).