Controller

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

Job summary

Geneva Search Partners LLC is seeking a hands-on Controller for a stable manufacturing client in Itasca, IL. The role combines deep technical accounting with leadership responsibilities, overseeing all finance functions while actively participating in daily operations to drive improvements.

The ideal candidate will manage month-end closes, lead the accounting team, and partner with senior leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and financial reporting expertise.
• Proven people management and leadership experience.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day operational involvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee general accounting, cost accounting, treasury, cash management, and financial controls.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow analysis to support business planning and decision-making.
• Coordinate annual audits, tax filings, and external reporting requirements.
• Develop and implement process improvements, internal controls, and accounting best practices.
• Partner with operations and department leaders to analyze business performance and solve operational challenges.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to executive leadership.
• Support change management initiatives and continuous improvement efforts throughout the organization.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop accounting staff while fostering a collaborative team environment.

Skills

Leadership

Financial analysis

Strategic thinking

Mentoring

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Job description

Our client is a stable, family-owned manufacturing company with a longstanding reputation for quality, strong leadership, and employee retention. Many of our team members have built careers here spanning 20 to 30 years, creating a collaborative, supportive culture where individuals are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the business.

They are seeking a hands-on Controller who combines strong technical accounting expertise with proven leadership abilities. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious accounting professional looking to contribute strategically while remaining closely involved in the day-to-day financial operations of the company.

Position Summary

The Controller will oversee all accounting and finance functions, lead and develop the accounting team, and serve as a key business partner to company leadership. This role requires someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves, driving process improvements, managing financial reporting, and supporting key business initiatives across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Oversee general accounting, cost accounting, treasury, cash management, and financial controls.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow analysis to support business planning and decision-making.
• Coordinate annual audits, tax filings, and external reporting requirements.
• Develop and implement process improvements, internal controls, and accounting best practices.
• Partner with operations and department leaders to analyze business performance and solve operational challenges.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to executive leadership.
• Support change management initiatives and continuous improvement efforts throughout the organization.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop accounting staff while fostering a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and financial reporting expertise.
• Proven people management and leadership experience.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with day-to-day operational involvement.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a confident, approachable leader who thrives in a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate is:

• Hands-on and willing to dive into the details.
• A strong coach and mentor to accounting staff.
• Comfortable holding others accountable when necessary.
• Solution-oriented and focused on continuous improvement.
• Easy-going, collaborative, and accessible.
• Motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting impact on a growing business.

Why Join Us?

• Family-owned company with strong financial stability.
• Low turnover and a tenured leadership team.
• Opportunity to influence business decisions and drive meaningful change.
• Broad exposure across accounting, finance, operations, and strategy.
• Supportive culture with an open-door leadership approach.
• Long-term career growth and development opportunities.