Controller

Aston Carter; Downers Grove (IL); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

HSA

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking an Accounting & Finance Lead in Downers Grove, IL, to oversee the full accounting function and related HR/payroll administration. The role covers GL, AP/AR, reconciliations, and project-based accounting, with an emphasis on reporting, forecasting, and process improvements.

The position is hybrid, contract-to-hire, offering exposure to client billing, controls, audits, and benefits administration within a collaborative leadership team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Seven or more years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Experience with project-based accounting, job costing, and revenue recognition.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead general ledger management, accounts payable/receivable, reconciliations, and month/year-end close.
• Manage project accounting activities including job costing, billing, revenue recognition, and profitability analysis.
• Prepare financial statements, management reports, cash flow forecasts, and analyses.

Skills

Accounting

Finance

General ledger

Reconciliation

Financial reporting

Month end

Journal entry

Deltek

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Deltek Vantagepoint

Deltek Vision

ERP systems

Job description

Description

Accounting & Finance Lead all aspects of the accounting function, including general ledger management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, account reconciliations, and month end and year-end close. Manage project accounting activities including job costing, project billing, revenue recognition, and profitability analysis. Prepare and distribute timely financial statements, management reports, cash flow forecasts, and other financial analyses. Monitor cash flow and maintain banking and vendor relationships. Oversee client billing processes and ensure compliance with client-specific purchase order and invoicing requirements. Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning initiatives. Collaborate with leadership to provide insight into business performance and operational results. Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to accounting processes, reporting, automation, and financial systems. Assist with annual audits, tax preparation activities, and regulatory reporting requirements. Support retirement plan administration and coordinate with external financial advisors and plan administrators. Human Resources/Payroll Administer biweekly payroll and ensure accurate processing of employee compensation and benefits. Manage employee benefits programs, open enrollment, leave administration, and eligibility tracking. Support recruiting, onboarding, and employee lifecycle processes. Maintain personnel records and ensure compliance with employment laws and company policies. Serve as a resource for employees regarding payroll, benefits, and HR related inquiries. Assist leadership with employee relations matters, performance documentation, and policy administration. Coordinate workers' compensation and insurance-related programs. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations. Operations & Administration Manage annual insurance renewals and maintain relationships with insurance providers and brokers. Partner with leadership to improve internal workflows, operational efficiency, and organizational processes. Support cross-functional initiatives that enhance employee experience and business performance.

Description

Accounting & Finance Lead all aspects of the accounting function, including general ledger management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, account reconciliations, and month end and year-end close. Manage project accounting activities including job costing, project billing, revenue recognition, and profitability analysis. Prepare and distribute timely financial statements, management reports, cash flow forecasts, and other financial analyses. Monitor cash flow and maintain banking and vendor relationships. Oversee client billing processes and ensure compliance with client-specific purchase order and invoicing requirements. Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning initiatives. Collaborate with leadership to provide insight into business performance and operational results. Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to accounting processes, reporting, automation, and financial systems. Assist with annual audits, tax preparation activities, and regulatory reporting requirements. Support retirement plan administration and coordinate with external financial advisors and plan administrators. Human Resources/Payroll Administer biweekly payroll and ensure accurate processing of employee compensation and benefits. Manage employee benefits programs, open enrollment, leave administration, and eligibility tracking. Support recruiting, onboarding, and employee lifecycle processes. Maintain personnel records and ensure compliance with employment laws and company policies. Serve as a resource for employees regarding payroll, benefits, and HR related inquiries. Assist leadership with employee relations matters, performance documentation, and policy administration. Coordinate workers' compensation and insurance-related programs. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment regulations. Operations & Administration Manage annual insurance renewals and maintain relationships with insurance providers and brokers. Partner with leadership to improve internal workflows, operational efficiency, and organizational processes. Support cross-functional initiatives that enhance employee experience and business performance.

Skills

Accounting, Finance, General ledger, Reconciliation, Financial, Reporting, Month end, Journal entry, gaap accounting, deltek, payroll, hr benefits

Top Skills Details

Accounting,Finance,General ledger,Reconciliation,Financial,Reporting,Month end,Journal entry,gaap accounting,deltek

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field. Seven or more years of progressive accounting and finance experience. Previous experience in a Controller, Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting leadership role. Experience with project based accounting, job costing, and revenue recognition. Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls. Experience supporting payroll, benefits administration, and human resources functions. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively with leadership and operational teams. Proficiency with accounting and ERP systems. Preferred Qualifications CPA designation preferred but not required. Experience with Deltek Vantagepoint, Deltek Vision, or similar professional services ERP systems. Prior experience within engineering, architecture, consulting, construction, or other project based professional services organizations. Experience improving financial systems, reporting processes, and workflow automation. HR certification such as PHR or SHRM CP is a plus. Experience with payroll systems that integrate with project accounting platforms.

Experience Level

Entry Level

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Downers Grove, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $72.00 - $81.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Downers Grove,IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.