Controller

AFC Materials Group; Illinois; On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

AFC Materials Group in Lake in the Hills, IL seeks a Controller to lead all accounting operations, ensure GAAP compliance, and partner with executive leadership to drive financial performance in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This role oversees general ledger, financial reporting, cost accounting, budgeting, audits, and internal controls, with a focus on process improvement and data-driven decision making. Strong leadership and hands-on problem solving are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field; Finance/Business Admin considered.
• 3+ years accounting experience in manufacturing required.
• 2+ years leadership/supervision of accounting or finance staff required.
• Experience in manufacturing cost accounting, inventory, and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, AP, AR, fixed assets, payroll support, month-end close, and year-end reporting.
• Prepare, analyze, and present monthly financial statements, reports, and KPIs to executives.
• Oversee cost accounting activities, including inventory valuation, standard costing, variance analysis, and manufacturing reporting.
• Develop and maintain annual budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections, and long-range plans.
• Partner with Operations and department leaders to improve profitability and inventory controls.
• Evaluate and improve accounting processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and internal controls.
• Lead process improvement initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Coordinate audits and maintain relationships with external auditors and financial partners.
• Lead, coach, and develop the accounting team while managing multiple priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

GAAP knowledge

Accounting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

Sightline ERP

Job description

Job Description

Controller

Location:Lake in the Hills, IL

Schedule:Monday-Friday 1st shift

Compensation:$120,000-$140,000 annually

The Controller is a strategic and hands-on leader responsible for the financial health, integrity, and operational effectiveness of AFC Materials Group's accounting function. This individual will lead all accounting operations, financial reporting, cash flow management, cost accounting, budgeting, compliance, and internal controls while serving as a trusted business partner to executive leadership. This role is ideal for a resilient, solutions-oriented leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be comfortable navigating complexity, challenging the status quo, and identifying opportunities to improve financial performance through sound analysis, operational partnership, and continuous improvement. This is not a role for someone who simply maintains financial processes—it is an opportunity to build, improve, and lead.

What You'll Do

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, payroll support, month-end close, and year-end financial reporting.
• Prepare, analyze, and present accurate monthly financial statements, financial reports, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to executive leadership.
• Oversee cost accounting activities, including inventory valuation, standard costing, variance analysis, and manufacturing cost reporting.
• Develop and maintain annual budgets, financial forecasts, cash flow projections, and long-range financial plans.
• Partner with Operations and department leaders to improve profitability, strengthen inventory controls, and support strategic business decisions.
• Evaluate existing accounting processes and proactively identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, internal controls, and overall financial performance.
• Lead process improvement initiatives from concept through implementation, creating sustainable solutions that support business growth.
• Manage finance-related projects, establishing priorities, timelines, and measurable outcomes while ensuring projects are completed successfully.
• Develop, document, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and standard operating practices.
• Utilize Sightline ERP and other financial systems to improve reporting capabilities, streamline workflows, and support data-driven decision making.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and all applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations.
• Coordinate annual audits and maintain productive relationships with external auditors, banks, insurance providers, and other financial partners.
• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop the accounting team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Effectively delegate responsibilities while maintaining oversight of departmental priorities and performance.
• Work independently with minimal supervision, demonstrate strong organization, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Take ownership of complex financial and operational challenges by identifying root causes, developing practical solutions, and driving improvements to completion.
• Think strategically while remaining hands-on, balancing day-to-day accounting responsibilities with long-term business initiatives.
• Demonstrate resilience and adaptability in a changing environment, remain focused on solutions and continuous improvement.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships and collaborate effectively with Operations, Sales, Human Resources, and Executive Leadership.
• Promote a positive, ethical, and team-oriented work environment while modeling the company's core values.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting preferred; Finance, Business Administration, or a related field will be considered.
• 3+ years of progressive accounting experience in a manufacturing environment required.
• 2+ years of leadership or management experience supervising accounting or finance professionals required.
• Demonstrated experience in manufacturing and cost accounting, including inventory accounting, financial reporting, and bu