Controller

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

Job summary

Vaco Recruiter Services is assisting a private-equity backed distribution business in Chicago to hire a Controller who will lead accounting operations, oversee financial reporting, month-end close, and cash management. The role partners with business leadership to support financial planning and operational decision-making.

The ideal candidate is hands-on, with a passion for owning the accounting function, improving processes, developing the team, and delivering meaningful financial insights to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience with financial reporting and month-end close.
• Experience managing accounting operations in small to mid-sized businesses.
• Mix of public accounting and private company experience.
• Experience in distribution, manufacturing, wholesale, e-commerce, or product-based businesses.
• CPA or related certification is a plus.
• Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis activities.
• Exposure to ERP implementations or process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations including AP/AR, GL, and reconciliations.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for timely financial reporting.
• Prepare and review financial statements, schedules, and management reports.
• Ensure accuracy of records and strong internal controls; monitor financial performance.
• Mentor and develop accounting team; drive process improvements and reporting capabilities.
• Coordinate with auditors, tax advisors, and service providers.

Skills

Financial reporting

Month-end close

Cash management

ERP systems

Leadership

CPA/CA (plus)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Financial reporting tools

Job description

Industry: Distribution/Industrials (Private Equity-backed)

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 high‑growth organizations preferred
• 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