Controller

Brilliant®; Elmhurst (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Comprehensive benefits

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Brilliant® is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead the accounting function in a growing manufacturing environment in Elmhurst, IL.

You will oversee month-end close, GAAP reporting, and internal controls while partnering with operations to improve profitability through costing, inventory, and financial analysis. This role offers a clear path to influence strategic decisions with a competitive package including bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance is required.
• CPA is preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience including leadership.
• Manufacturing industry experience required.
• Strong cost accounting, inventory, and standard costing knowledge.
• Experience with month-end close, budgeting, forecasting, and audits.
• Advanced Excel and ERP systems experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close with timely, accurate reporting.
• Prepare GAAP-compliant financial statements and reports.
• Oversee GL, AP, AR, fixed assets, inventory, and cost accounting.
• Partner with operations to improve profitability via cost analysis and reporting.
• Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections with variance analysis.
• Maintain internal controls and accounting policies; coordinate audits and tax filings.
• Manage treasury activities and banking relationships.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team; drive process improvements.
• Support ERP enhancements and finance transformation initiatives.
• Provide strategic financial insights to executive leadership.

Skills

Advanced Excel

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

Cost accounting

ERP systems

Financial reporting

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Job description

Controller | $120,000 to $140,000 + Bonus/Benefits

Our client, a growing manufacturing organization, is seeking a Controller to lead its accounting function and serve as a key business partner to executive leadership. This individual will oversee all aspects of accounting and financial reporting while driving process improvements, strengthening internal controls, and providing meaningful financial insights to support operational decision making.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on leader who enjoys working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and wants to make a visible impact on the business.

Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process while ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Prepare and analyze financial statements in accordance with GAAP.
• Oversee the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, inventory accounting, and cost accounting functions.
• Partner with operations to improve profitability through inventory management, costing, margin analysis, and operational reporting.
• Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and cash flow projections while providing variance analysis to leadership.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and financial processes.
• Coordinate annual audits, tax filings, and relationships with external auditors and advisors.
• Manage treasury activities, banking relationships, and working capital.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Support ERP enhancements, automation initiatives, and finance transformation projects.
• Provide financial analysis and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
• CPA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Manufacturing experience required.
• Strong understanding of cost accounting, inventory, standard costing, and financial reporting.
• Experience leading month-end close, budgeting, forecasting, and audit activities.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP systems.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership abilities.
• Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives in a fast-paced environment.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Highly visible leadership role with direct exposure to executive management.
• Opportunity to influence operational and financial strategy.
• Stable, growing manufacturing organization with continued investment in its people and systems.
• Collaborative culture with opportunities for long-term career growth.
• Competitive compensation package including bonus and comprehensive benefits.