Controller

Brilliant®; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Brilliant in Chicago is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting, ensuring GAAP integrity, strong internal controls, and timely reporting to executive leadership, the Board, and private equity sponsors.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with 8–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, CPA preferred, and experience in a private equity-backed manufacturing or multi-site environment with ERP expertise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred.
• 8–12+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• 3–5+ years in a Controller or Assistant Controller leadership role.
• Experience in a private equity-backed, manufacturing, distribution, industrial, or multi-site environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience managing external audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, inventory, and revenue recognition.
• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process and ensure timely, accurate reporting.
• Prepare GAAP-compliant financial statements and management reporting packages.
• Maintain accounting policies and procedures and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Support ERP implementations and system enhancements.

Skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

GAAP knowledge

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

NetSuite

Microsoft Dynamics

Sage Intacct

Oracle

SAP

Job description

The Controller is responsible for leading the company's accounting and financial reporting functions, ensuring the integrity of financial information, maintaining strong internal controls, and supporting strategic business initiatives. As a key member of the finance leadership team, the Controller will oversee all accounting operations, manage the monthly close process, and provide timely, accurate financial reporting to executive leadership, the Board, and private equity sponsors.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment and has experience working in private equity-backed organizations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, inventory (if applicable), and revenue recognition.
• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Prepare GAAP-compliant financial statements and management reporting packages.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, tax requirements, and regulatory reporting.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures.

Private Equity & Executive Reporting

• Prepare monthly financial reporting packages for executive leadership and private equity sponsors.
• Support lender reporting and covenant compliance.
• Assist with board presentations and financial analysis.
• Partner with the CFO on strategic initiatives, acquisitions, and integration activities.
• Support due diligence efforts for acquisitions, refinancing, and exit readiness.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Design, implement, and monitor effective internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and accounting best practices.
• Coordinate annual financial statement audits and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Manage relationships with tax advisors and ensure timely tax filings.

Financial Planning & Analysis Support

• Partner with FP&A on budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Analyze financial results and provide actionable recommendations to improve profitability and cash flow.
• Monitor working capital metrics and cash management.

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team.
• Establish performance expectations and promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate and improve accounting processes through automation and system enhancements.
• Support ERP implementations, upgrades, and financial systems optimization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred.
• 8–12+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• 3–5+ years in a Controller or Assistant Controller leadership role.
• Experience in a private equity-backed, manufacturing, distribution, industrial, or multi-site environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and internal controls.
• Experience managing external audits.
• ERP experience (NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage Intacct, Oracle, SAP, or similar).
• Advanced Excel and financial reporting skills.

Desired Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• High level of integrity and attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to prioritize competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Collaborative business partner with operations and executive leadership.
• Continuous improvement mindset with experience driving process efficiencies.