Controller

Pinnacle Search; Pleasant Prairie (WI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinnacle Search is seeking a Controller for a leading private equity-backed chemical distribution company in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. The ideal candidate will lead the accounting function and collaborate closely with the CFO to build the necessary financial infrastructure for growth.

The role requires 8+ years of experience in accounting with a strong background in financial reporting and team leadership in a manufacturing or operationally intensive environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role.
• Experience within manufacturing, distribution, chemicals, industrial products, or other operationally intensive environments strongly preferred.
• Strong technical accounting, cost accounting, financial reporting, and team leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Own the month-end close process and ensure timely, accurate financial statements.
• Lead consolidated financial reporting and maintain strong internal controls.
• Prepare reporting packages for executive leadership and private equity sponsors.
• Lead and develop the accounting team while driving process improvements.
• Partner with finance, operations, and IT leadership to enhance accounting processes.
• Support acquisition integration efforts and chart of accounts alignment.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors and tax advisors.

Skills

Technical Accounting & Cost Accounting Expertise

Process Improvement & ERP Leadership

High-Growth & Acquisition Integration Experience

Cross-Functional Business Partnership

Team Leadership & Development

Education

CPA preferred

Job description

Our client is a leading private equity-backed chemical distribution, custom blending, and packaging company serving customers across North America. As the company continues to scale, it is seeking a Controller to lead the accounting function and partner closely with the CFO on building the financial infrastructure, processes, and team needed to support its next phase of growth.

Core Evaluation Criteria

• Technical Accounting & Cost Accounting Expertise – Deep experience in financial reporting, US GAAP, internal controls, audit readiness, inventory accounting, and cost accounting within manufacturing and/or distribution environments.
• Process Improvement & ERP Leadership – Proven track record of improving accounting operations, accelerating close processes, enhancing controls, reducing manual work, and supporting ERP implementations or system optimization initiatives.
• High-Growth & Acquisition Integration Experience – Experience operating in fast-paced environments, supporting acquisition integration efforts, and establishing scalable accounting processes across growing organizations. Prior private equity-backed experience strongly preferred.
• Cross-Functional Business Partnership – Ability to serve as a trusted partner to operational and functional leaders, translating financial information into actionable insights and helping drive business performance.
• Team Leadership & Development – Demonstrated success leading, developing, and mentoring accounting teams while fostering accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the month-end close process and ensure the timely, accurate delivery of financial statements and management reporting.
• Lead consolidated financial reporting across multiple entities and maintain strong internal controls, accounting policies, and compliance with US GAAP.
• Prepare reporting packages for executive leadership, private equity sponsors, and lenders, including monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc analyses.
• Lead and develop the accounting team while driving process improvements that enhance efficiency, scalability, and financial rigor.
• Partner with finance, operations, and IT leadership to improve accounting processes, reporting capabilities, and financial systems.
• Support acquisition integration efforts, including chart of accounts alignment, reporting standardization, and close process harmonization.
• Serve as the primary liaison with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners, ensuring timely filings, audit readiness, and covenant compliance.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including experience in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role.
• Experience within manufacturing, distribution, chemicals, industrial products, or other operationally intensive environments strongly preferred.
• CPA preferred; experience in a private equity-backed environment is highly desirable.
• Strong technical accounting, cost accounting, financial reporting, and team leadership capabilities.