Controller

Huxley; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Huxley is seeking a Controller to join its leadership team in Chicago. The role partners with executive leadership to shape the finance function, drive scalable processes, and evolve toward CFO objectives.

It combines accounting leadership with FP&A and strategic finance oversight in a fast-paced proprietary trading environment. You will own month-end closes, financial reporting, and internal controls while partnering with auditors and technologists to modernize finance systems.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting, finance, or controllership experience.
• Experience in senior leadership roles such as Controller, Assistant Controller, or FP&A Manager.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and accounting operations.
• Experience within proprietary trading, hedge funds, broker-dealers, or financial services environments.
• Demonstrated success leading budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial analysis initiatives.
• Track record of reducing close cycles and building scalable accounting infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations, including month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close.
• Manage financial reporting and ensure accuracy of financial statements.
• Maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures.
• Partner with external auditors, tax advisors, and other service providers.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting, regulatory, and reporting requirements.

Skills

US GAAP

Financial leadership

Close management

Financial modeling

ERP systems

Stakeholder communication

Trading experience

Tools

NetSuite

Workday

Oracle

SAP

Excel

Job description

Controller

About the Opportunity

We are working with a well-established proprietary trading firm that is seeking a Controller to join its growing leadership team. The firm has a long-standing track record of success in the capital markets and is investing in its finance and accounting infrastructure as it enters its next phase of growth.

This role offers a unique opportunity to partner directly with executive leadership, influence strategic business decisions, and build scalable financial processes. The position is intended to evolve into a broader finance leadership role over time, with a clear path toward becoming CFO.

What You'll Do

Accounting & Financial Leadership

• Oversee all accounting operations, including month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close.
• Manage financial reporting and ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial statements.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and operational procedures.
• Partner with external auditors, tax advisors, and other service providers.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting, regulatory, and reporting requirements.

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning processes.
• Develop reporting packages, dashboards, and KPIs for executive leadership.
• Analyze business performance, identify trends, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Support strategic decision-making through financial modeling and operational analysis.

Trading & Finance Operations

• Monitor cash balances, capital movements, and liquidity across trading activities.
• Analyze daily P&L, cash flows, and operational drivers impacting financial performance.
• Partner with trading, operations, and executive leadership to provide visibility into firm performance.
• Support the financial oversight of trading and investment-related activities.

Systems, Automation & Process Improvement

• Drive initiatives to improve accounting workflows, controls, and reporting processes.
• Evaluate and implement scalable financial systems and technology solutions.
• Leverage automation and AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency and reduce manual processes.
• Partner with technology teams to enhance finance infrastructure and data reporting capabilities.

Strategic Partnership

• Serve as a key advisor to the CEO and leadership team.
• Help define the long-term finance strategy of the organization.
• Build and scale the accounting and finance function as the firm grows.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives spanning finance, operations, technology, and risk.

What We're Looking For

• 8+ years of progressive accounting, finance, or controllership experience.
• Prior experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, FP&A Manager, Director of Finance, or similar leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, internal controls, and accounting operations.
• Experience within proprietary trading, hedge funds, broker-dealers, market makers, asset management, fintech, or broader financial services environments.
• Demonstrated success leading budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and financial analysis initiatives.
• Track record of reducing close cycles, improving processes, and building scalable accounting infrastructure.
• Comfortable operating in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment.

Preferred Experience

• Financial reporting, fair value accounting, and regulatory reporting.
• ERP and financial systems such as NetSuite, Workday Financials, Adaptive Planning, Oracle, SAP, or similar platforms.
• Accounting automation, workflow optimization, and AI-enabled finance tools.
• Advanced Excel, financial modeling, and data analysis capabilities.
• Experience partnering with technology, operations, and trading teams to improve business processes.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence stakeholders across the organization.

Tech-savvy, forward-thinking finance professional with a strong interest in automation, AI tools, systems optimization, and leveraging technology to improve accounting and business processes.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Direct exposure to executive leadership and firm strategy.
• Significant influence on the future direction of the finance organization.
• Opportunity to modernize systems, processes, and reporting capabilities.
• High-impact role within a successful trading organization.
• Clear path toward future CFO-level responsibilities.
• Competitive compensation package with strong long-term growth potential.

EOE Statement: Specialist Staffing Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

• In addition to base pay, direct-hire employees may be eligible for client offered benefits such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, and paid leave where required by applicable law. Eligibility may vary based on factors such as location and hire date and is subject to change.