Controller

Connect Search, LLC; Geneva (IL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect Search, LLC is partnering with a growing multi-site manufacturing organization seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting across multiple operating locations. You will own the monthly close, financial reporting, cost accounting, fixed assets, and internal controls, while partnering with operational leadership to improve processes and visibility into performance.

The role requires 7+ years of progressive accounting experience in manufacturing and hands-on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in manufacturing.
• Prior Controller or equivalent leadership experience.
• Strong manufacturing cost accounting experience is required.
• Experience owning the complete month-end close process and financial reporting.
• Solid knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and fixed assets.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the month-end and year-end close processes.
• Lead accounting activities across multiple manufacturing locations and maintain consistency.
• Manage cost accounting, including standard costs, inventory valuation, variances, overhead absorption, and product costing.
• Oversee fixed asset accounting, capitalization, depreciation, asset tracking, and capex reporting.
• Maintain accurate general ledger activity, reconciliations, accruals, and schedules.
• Partner with plant and operational leadership to understand performance, costs, margins, and drivers.
• Strengthen accounting processes, policies, documentation, and internal controls.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management, and financial analysis.
• Coordinate annual audit requirements with outside accounting and tax partners.
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting and automate processes across locations.
• Support growth, including integration of additional operations or acquisitions.

Skills

Manufacturing cost accounting

Close ownership

GAAP knowledge

Leadership

CPA/CMA preferred

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Excel

Job description

We are partnering with a growing, multi-site manufacturing organization seeking an experienced Controller to lead accounting and financial reporting across multiple operating locations. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for an accounting professional who combines strong technical accounting fundamentals with an understanding of manufacturing operations.

The Controller will take ownership of the monthly close, financial reporting, cost accounting, fixed assets, and internal controls, while partnering closely with operational leadership to improve processes and provide greater visibility into business performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Own and manage the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
• Lead accounting activities across multiple manufacturing locations and maintain consistency in accounting practices and controls.
• Manage cost accounting, including standard costs, inventory valuation, manufacturing variances, overhead absorption, and product costing.
• Oversee fixed asset accounting, including capitalization, depreciation, asset tracking, and capital expenditure reporting.
• Maintain accurate general ledger activity, reconciliations, accruals, and supporting schedules.
• Partner with plant and operational leadership to understand manufacturing performance, costs, margins, and key financial drivers.
• Strengthen accounting processes, policies, documentation, and internal controls across the organization.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management, and financial analysis.
• Coordinate annual audit requirements and work with outside accounting and tax partners as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve reporting, automate processes, and create greater consistency across locations.
• Support continued organizational growth, including the integration of additional operations or acquired businesses.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Approximately 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within a manufacturing environment.
• Prior Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or similar leadership experience.
• Strong manufacturing cost accounting experience is required.
• Demonstrated experience owning the complete month-end close process.
• Strong knowledge of fixed assets, inventory accounting, standard costing, and manufacturing variances.
• Experience supporting multiple plants, business units, or operating locations is strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and financial controls.
• ERP experience and strong Excel skills.
• CPA or CMA is preferred but not required.
• Ability to operate effectively in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment where the Controller is expected to both lead and execute.