Controller | Construction | Chicago, IL

Michael Page; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above market base salary

Annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Retirement savings plans

Strong PTO package

Internal advancement opportunities

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a strategic and hands-on Controller for its growing industrial services client in Chicago. You will lead monthly close, ensure GAAP-compliant reporting, and strengthen internal controls, with oversight of A/P, A/R, payroll, and the general ledger.

You will partner with operational and executive leaders on budgeting, forecasting, and profitability analysis, drive automation, streamline processes, and mentor the finance team to scale operations as the business expands.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Significant leadership roles in controller or senior accounting positions.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience with WIP accounting and project-based management.
• Proven record of process improvements and accounting automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes.
• Ensure accurate, timely GAAP-compliant financial reporting.
• Maintain internal controls, reconciliations, and audit-ready docs.
• Oversee AP, AR, payroll, and general ledger activities.
• Manage WIP accounting, project costing, and variance analysis.
• Coordinate audits and tax compliance activities.
• Partner with leaders on budgeting, forecasting, and planning.
• Provide actionable financial analysis for strategic decisions.
• Lead cash flow forecasting and working capital management.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability and efficiency.
• Drive accounting automation and standardized procedures.
• Mentor and develop the accounting/finance team.

Skills

U.S. GAAP knowledge

Financial analysis

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Hands-on accounting

Communication

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Process improvement

Automation initiatives

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

• Organization backed by a strategic PE firm
• Ample room for growth

About Our Client

Our client is a well-established and growing industrial services organization that supports customers across a diverse range of end markets. Known for its strong operational capabilities, technical expertise, and customer-focused approach, the company has built a reputation for delivering complex projects while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and execution.
The organization is currently investing in its people, processes, and systems to support continued growth and scalability. As part of this evolution, leadership is seeking a strategic and hands-on Controller who can strengthen financial operations, enhance reporting and decision-making capabilities, and help build a finance organization positioned for long-term success.

Job Description

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close activities.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Maintain strong internal controls, account reconciliations, and audit-ready documentation.
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger activities.
• Manage work-in-progress (WIP) accounting, including project costing, percentage-of-completion accounting, and variance analysis.
• Coordinate external audits, tax compliance activities, and financial reporting requirements.
• Partner with operational and executive leaders on budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning.
• Provide actionable financial analysis to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Lead cash flow forecasting and working capital management initiatives.
• Evaluate business performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting and finance processes.
• Lead automation initiatives that improve reporting accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
• Develop and implement standardized procedures and documentation.
• Establish sustainable processes that reduce organizational dependency on individual contributors.
• Assess current team structure, roles, and responsibilities.
• Strengthen cross-training and backup coverage across critical finance functions.
• Identify skill gaps and develop plans to build team capabilities.
• Mentor and develop accounting and finance team members.
• Remain actively involved in detailed accounting activities as operational needs require.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

The Successful Applicant

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Significant experience in a Controller, Assistant Controller, Finance Director, or senior accounting leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with WIP accounting and project-based financial management.
• Proven track record of implementing process improvements and accounting automation initiatives.
• Experience evaluating and restructuring finance and accounting organizations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in both strategic and hands-on capacities.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

What's on Offer

• Above Market Base Salary
• Annual Bonus
• Comprehensive Benefits
• Retirement Savings Plans
• Strong PTO Package
• Internal Opportunity for Advancement