Controller

LHH; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation and holidays

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

LHH in Naperville, Illinois is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead the accounting and finance function, partnering with operations leadership to drive profitability. The Controller will oversee all accounting activities, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, inventory management, internal controls, and financial analysis.

The ideal candidate will have strong manufacturing accounting experience, deep cost accounting and inventory controls, and the ability to lead a high-performing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting is required.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience including Controller responsibilities.
• Manufacturing industry experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of general accounting, inventory accounting, and manufacturing financial analysis.
• Experience with internal controls.
• ERP system experience.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing accounting teams.
• Experience supporting audits, compliance requirements, and process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting and finance operations including general ledger, AP, AR, payroll, fixed assets, and treasury.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close and GAAP reporting.
• Manage manufacturing cost accounting including inventory valuation and standard costing.
• Partner with operations to analyze performance and identify cost savings opportunities.
• Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and long-range plans.
• Monitor KPIs and provide financial analysis to executives.
• Maintain internal controls and compliance initiatives.
• Coordinate audits and liaise with external auditors and tax advisors.
• Lead cash flow management, working capital optimization, and risk assessment.
• Drive ERP system utilization and process improvements.
• Hire and develop the accounting/finance team.

Skills

Leadership

Manufacturing accounting

GAAP

Cost accounting

Financial analysis

Internal controls

Team management

ERP systems

Analytical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA certification

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Reports To:

President

Position Summary

Growing manufacturing company in Naperville, Illinois is seeking a hands‑on Controller to lead the accounting and finance function while partnering closely with operations leadership. The Controller will oversee all accounting activities, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, inventory management, internal controls, and financial analysis. This role requires a strategic business partner who can provide operational insight, drive process improvements, and support the company's continued growth and profitability. The ideal candidate will have strong manufacturing accounting experience, a deep understanding of cost accounting and inventory controls, and the ability to lead and develop a high‑performing accounting team.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting and finance operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and treasury functions.
• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process and ensure timely, accurate financial reporting in accordance with GAAP.
• Manage manufacturing cost accounting, including inventory valuation, labor absorption, overhead allocation, standard costing, and variance analysis.
• Partner with operations, supply chain, and plant leadership to analyze manufacturing performance and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational improvements.
• Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and long‑range financial plans.
• Monitor KPIs and provide meaningful financial analysis to executive leadership.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, policies, procedures, and compliance initiatives.
• Coordinate annual audits and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and tax advisors.
• Lead cash flow management, working capital optimization, and financial risk assessment.
• Drive ERP system utilization, reporting enhancements, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Hire, develop, mentor, and manage the accounting and finance team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including Controller or Assistant Controller responsibilities.
• Manufacturing industry experience required.
• Strong knowledge of general accounting, inventory accounting, and manufacturing financial analysis.
• Experience with internal controls.
• ERP system experience
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing accounting teams.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience supporting audits, compliance requirements, and process improvement initiatives.
• Annual performance bonus
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing organization

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers