Controller- CFO Succession Opportunity

LHH; Antioch (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus: 15-25%

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid sick leave

Job summary

LHH is assisting a privately held distributor in Illinois with a newly created Controller role designed to strengthen the accounting leadership and provide succession planning for the future. Reporting to the CFO, you will own core accounting and reporting while gradually taking on treasury and strategic finance tasks, with potential to move into the CFO role in 18–24 months.

The ideal candidate is hands-on, experienced in manufacturing/distribution, and capable of partnering across operations

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required; CPA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience.
• Experience in manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Exposure to international distribution operations preferred.
• Hands-on, multi-hat contributor with strong financial controls.
• Proven ability to lead through audits and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close with accurate reporting.
• Oversee accounting operations: reconciliations, fixed assets, accruals.
• Manage external audits and serve as primary accounting contact.
• Monitor inventory accounting, valuation, reserves, and controls.
• Support international distribution accounting and coordinate with partners.
• Assist with cash management, treasury activities, and banking relationships.
• Develop analyses for operational and strategic decision making.
• Improve accounting processes, controls, and reporting efficiency.
• Collaborate with leadership across operations, supply chain, and sales.
• Mentor accounting staff and develop future executive leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

Audit readiness

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA preferred

Job description

Controller- CFO Succession opportunity- Northern Suburbs

LHH is partnering with a well‑established, privately held distribution company with a long history of stable growth and employee retention. This is a newly created Controller position designed to strengthen the accounting leadership team while providing succession planning for the future. The Controller will work closely with the CFO, taking ownership of core accounting and reporting activities while gradually assuming additional treasury, analysis, and strategic finance responsibilities. The organization is seeking a long‑term leader who has the potential to step into the CFO role within the next 18 to 24 months.

The company is known for its strong culture, employee‑focused ownership group, and exceptional stability across the leadership team. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on accounting professional who enjoys partnering with the business and building long‑term relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process and ensure accurate financial reporting
• Oversee general accounting operations including reconciliations, fixed assets, accruals, and financial statement preparation
• Manage external audit activities and serve as the primary accounting contact for auditors
• Monitor inventory accounting processes, valuation, reserves, and related controls across distribution operations
• Support accounting and reporting for international distribution activities and coordinate with foreign business partners as needed
• Assist with cash management, treasury activities, and banking relationships
• Develop financial analysis and reporting that supports operational and strategic decision making
• Evaluate and improve accounting processes, controls, and reporting efficiencies
• Partner with leadership across operations, supply chain, and sales to provide financial insight and support
• Mentor and develop accounting staff while building the skills necessary for future executive leadership responsibilities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required, CPA preferred
• 10+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience
• Prior experience within a manufacturing or distribution environment required
• Exposure to international or foreign distribution operations preferred
• Demonstrated ability to operate in a hands‑on environment and wear multiple hats
• Strong financial reporting, audit, and general accounting expertise
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to partner effectively across the organization

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Clear path to a CFO position within approximately 18 to 24 months
• Long standing, stable organization with a strong reputation in its industry
• Family ownership group that values and invests in employees
• Collaborative culture with excellent employee retention
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact and grow into broader leadership responsibilities
• Discretionary bonus: 15-25% historically
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid sick leave where applicable by state law.
• 401(k) with company match

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable: The California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.