Controller

Westlake Hardware; Oak Brook (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Ace Retail Group seeks a high-caliber Controller to lead the full accounting function across multiple entities, ensuring GAAP-compliant reporting and strong internal controls. You will own the close process, consolidation, and financial statement preparation, partnering with senior leadership to drive performance.

The role demands proven multi-entity leadership, deep financial governance experience, and the ability to scale processes and systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred.
• Progressive accounting leadership experience, multi-entity or multi-location.
• Deep expertise in GAAP, financial reporting, and accounting operations.
• Experience with full-cycle close, consolidation, and financial statement oversight.
• Internal controls, financial governance, and audit processes.
• Ability to partner with senior leadership for strategic decisions.
• Experience with financial systems, data integrity, and scalable processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close, including consolidation and GAAP-compliant reporting.
• Maintain strong general Ledger management and account reconciliations.
• Establish internal controls and governance; own audit readiness.
• Develop and enforce accounting policies across the organization.
• Build and lead a high-performing accounting team; drive talent development.

Skills

GAAP expertise

Financial leadership

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

About the RoleThe Controller is responsible for leading the full accounting function for Ace Retail Group (ARG), ensuring enterprise-level financial integrity, governance, and reporting accuracy across a multi-entity, $800M+ retail organization. This role owns the accounting strategy, internal control environment, and financial reporting processes, and serves as a key finance partner to senior leadership to support business performance and decision-making.About Ace Retail GroupAce Retail Group (ARG) is a division of Ace Hardware Corporation that owns and operates several well-known Ace brands, including Westlake Ace, Great Lakes Ace, Buikema’s Ace, Outer Banks Ace, Dennis Company, and Breed & Company. As one of the largest hardware retailers in the United States, ARG operates more than 250 neighborhood stores nationwide and maintains its headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas.With roots dating back over a century, ARG’s success is driven by its people. What truly sets us apart in the industry is our commitment to hiring and developing individuals who are passionate about personal and professional growth and who want to be part of a company built on strong, enduring Core Values: Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility and TeamworkWhat You’ll DoFinancial Leadership & ReportingOwn the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of financial reporting across a multi-entity retail organizationLead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, including consolidation and financial statement preparation in accordance with GAAPEnsure consistency and rigor in general ledger management and account reconciliation processesGovernance, Controls & AuditEstablish and maintain a strong internal control environment and financial governance structureOwn audit readiness and lead internal and external audit processes, including issue resolution and remediationDevelop, implement, and enforce accounting policies, standards, and compliance requirements across the organizationOrganizational LeadershipBuild, lead, and scale a high-performing accounting organization aligned to business needsEstablish clear accountability, performance expectations, and operational discipline within the teamDrive talent development, succession planning, and capability building across the functionStrategic Business PartnershipServe as a key finance partner to senior leadership, providing financial insights to support strategic decision-making and business performancePartner closely with FP&A, Finance, and operational leaders to evaluate financial results, risks, and opportunitiesSupport executive-level initiatives related to growth, integration, and organizational alignmentProcess & Systems OptimizationDrive continuous improvement of accounting processes, systems, and workflows to enhance efficiency, scalability, and accuracyLead efforts to standardize processes across a multi-location, multi-entity structureLeverage automation and system capabilities to strengthen financial operationsWhat You BringBachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance (CPA strongly preferred)Progressive accounting leadership experience, including responsibility for a multi-entity or multi-location organizationDeep expertise in GAAP, financial reporting, and accounting operationsDemonstrated ownership of full-cycle financial close processes, including consolidation and financial statement oversightExperience establishing and leading internal controls, financial governance, and audit processesProven ability to operate within organizations of similar scale and complexity, ideally supporting a business generating approximately $800M+ in annual revenueExperience partnering with senior leadership to support financial and operational decision-makingStrong understanding of financial systems, data integrity, and process scalabilityProven ability to build and lead high-performing teams in a fast-paced, evolving environmentStrong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to translate financial data into actionable insightsWhat Sets You ApartExperience within a multi-location retail or consumer-facing businessExperience supporting acquisitions, integrations, or organizational transformationTrack record of strengthening financial controls and scaling processes in a growing organizationWhy Join UsOpportunity to play a key leadership role in a large, multi-entity retail organizationExposure to executive leadership and strategic business prioritiesAbility to shape the accounting function, governance model, and operating structureBacked by the strength and stability of Ace Hardware Corporation#LI-MS1