Controller- Direct report to CEO

LHH; Downers Grove (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work setup

Discretionary bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid sick leave

Job summary

LHH partners with a growing specialty distribution company in the Western suburbs of Chicago seeking a hands-on Controller to lead the accounting and finance function during a period of growth.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will oversee accounting, financial reporting, treasury, budgeting, forecasting, and operational analysis while strengthening controls and reporting capabilities as the organization grows.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required, CPA preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting
• Oversee all general accounting functions including reconciliations, fixed assets, inventory accounting, accruals, and account analysis
• Prepare and review internal and external financial statements and reporting packages for executive leadership
• Manage external audit activities and serve as the primary contact for auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners
• Maintain oversight of inventory accounting, product costing, reserves, and related controls across distribution operations
• Support accounting and financial oversight for foreign manufacturing relationships and international supply chain activities
• Assist with annual budgeting, forecasting, and operational performance analysis to support business decision making
• Oversee treasury activities including cash management, banking relationships, and cash flow reporting
• Manage insurance programs, renewals, and related compliance requirements
• Evaluate and improve accounting processes, internal controls, and reporting efficiencies as the company grows
• Partner with operations, supply chain, and senior leadership to provide financial insight and support ongoing business initiatives
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team while helping build the infrastructure necessary to support future growth

Job description

Controller - Growing Specialty Distribution Company - Western Suburbs of Chicago

LHH is partnering with a growing specialty distribution company in the Western suburbs of Chicago that is seeking a hands‑on Controller to lead the accounting and finance function during an exciting period of growth. Reporting directly to the CEO, this individual will oversee accounting, financial reporting, treasury, budgeting, forecasting, and operational analysis while helping the company continue to scale. The Controller will serve as a key business partner to leadership and play an important role in strengthening processes, controls, and reporting capabilities as the organization grows.

The company offers a collaborative culture, strong employee retention, and an entrepreneurial environment where employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact. This is an outstanding opportunity for an accounting leader who enjoys being close to the business, partnering with operations, and taking ownership of a broad range of responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process and ensure timely and accurate financial reporting
• Oversee all general accounting functions including reconciliations, fixed assets, inventory accounting, accruals, and account analysis
• Prepare and review internal and external financial statements and reporting packages for executive leadership
• Manage external audit activities and serve as the primary contact for auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners
• Maintain oversight of inventory accounting, product costing, reserves, and related controls across distribution operations
• Support accounting and financial oversight for foreign manufacturing relationships and international supply chain activities
• Assist with annual budgeting, forecasting, and operational performance analysis to support business decision making
• Oversee treasury activities including cash management, banking relationships, and cash flow reporting
• Manage insurance programs, renewals, and related compliance requirements
• Evaluate and improve accounting processes, internal controls, and reporting efficiencies as the company continues to grow
• Partner with operations, supply chain, and senior leadership to provide financial insight and support ongoing business initiatives
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team while helping build the infrastructure necessary to support future growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required, CPA preferred
• 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience
• Manufacturing or distribution industry experience required
• Experience supporting organizations with at least $80 million in annual revenue preferred
• Strong background in financial reporting, inventory accounting, treasury, and general accounting operations
• Exposure to foreign manufacturing relationships, international operations, or global supply chains preferred
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a hands‑on environment and wear multiple hats
• Strong leadership, communication, and business partnering skills
• Experience improving processes, controls, and financial infrastructure within a growing organization

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Highly visible role reporting directly to the CEO
• Opportunity to help shape the future financial direction of a growing organization
• Broad responsibilities across accounting, reporting, treasury, and operational support
• Hybrid work set up and strong benefits
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact while helping scale the business for future growth
• Discretionary bonus opportunity
• BCBS Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Paid sick leave where applicable by state law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance