Controller

Sterling Engineering; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Engineering in Naperville, IL seeks an experienced Controller to lead accounting within a growing equipment manufacturing organization. This hands-on, strategic role partners with senior leadership to drive growth and operational improvements.

You will manage the accounting team, oversee monthly close, budgeting, and internal controls, and collaborate with HR and IT to support company-wide initiatives.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience.
• Manufacturing or industrial experience required.
• CPA preferred.
• MBA or similar advanced degree is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all accounting and financial activities.
• Manage and develop the accounting team.
• Prepare monthly/quarterly financial statements and tax filings.
• Manage budgets, forecasting, and cash-flow reporting.
• Analyze financial and operational data to identify trends and cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain strong financial controls and reporting processes.
• Drive continuous improvement and process efficiencies.
• Partner with CPAs, auditors, financial institutions, legal, and insurance providers.
• Support the CEO and senior leadership team with financial analysis and business decisions.
• Provide oversight and support for HR and internal IT functions.

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

People leadership

Financial analysis

Process improvement

Cross-functional partnership

Education

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

MAcc, MSA, MBA, or similar advanced degree

Tools

ERP systems

M2M/ERP conversion experience

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to join the senior leadership team of a growing equipment manufacturing organization. This highly visible role will oversee Accounting while also supporting Human Resources, IT, and broader business operations.

The ideal candidate is a strategic financial leader who enjoys being hands‑on, improving processes, analyzing performance, and partnering with executive leadership to support continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all accounting and financial activities
• Manage and develop the accounting team
• Prepare monthly/quarterly financial statements and tax filings
• Manage budgets, forecasting, and cash‑flow reporting
• Analyze financial and operational data to identify trends and cost‑saving opportunities
• Maintain strong financial controls and reporting processes
• Drive continuous improvement and process efficiencies
• Partner with CPAs, auditors, financial institutions, legal, and insurance providers
• Support the CEO and senior leadership team with financial analysis and business decisions
• Provide oversight and support for HR and internal IT functions

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA preferred
• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience
• Manufacturing or industrial experience required
• MAcc, MSA, MBA, or similar advanced degree is a plus
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls
• ERP experience required; M2M and/or ERP conversion experience is a plus

This is a great opportunity for a Controller who wants to be more than a numbers person - someone who wants a seat at the leadership table and the opportunity to directly influence financial and operational growth.