Controller, Office of the CFO

Blue Ops Partners; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Ops Partners in Chicago seeks an experienced in-seat Controller to lead client accounting operations, strengthen internal controls, and provide actionable financial insights to portfolio leadership. You will manage the full accounting function, drive close processes, support budgeting and forecasting, and mentor staff, traveling 25-40% to client sites as needed.

This role requires deep GAAP knowledge, public accounting or PE-backed experience, and a proven track record of partnering with

Qualifications

• Hands-on GAAP knowledge with leadership experience.
• Proven ability to manage financial operations in dynamic client environments.
• Strong communicator able to partner across organization and with PE sponsors.
• Experience leading teams and delivering key deliverables under tight timelines.
• Willingness to travel 25-40% on-site with clients.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee accounting operations for clients, including month-end close and internal controls.
• Oversee general ledger, month-end close, and financial statement preparation.
• Ensure balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow accuracy.
• Maintain internal controls, policies, and standardized procedures.
• Oversee cash management, including AP, AR, treasury, fixed assets, and forecasting.
• Coordinate annual audits with external auditors and lenders.
• Drive process improvements to shorten close cycles.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to leadership.
• Mentor accounting staff and develop a high-performance team.
• Liaise with private equity sponsors and portfolio leadership.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Accounting leadership

Client-facing

Communication

Process improvement

Travel 25-40%

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Job description

About

Blue Ops Partners specializes in M&A and Office of the CFO value creation, including strategic FP&A advisory, operational finance, accounting and business analytics, partnering with private equity owned portfolio companies to deliver lasting impact. Since 2010, we have combined deep operational expertise with cutting-edge technology and AI-driven analytics to deliver superior outcomes for our clients.

Department: Office of the CFO

Location: Minneapolis or Chicago

Blue Ops Partners specializes in M&A and Office of the CFO value creation, including strategic FP&A advisory, operational finance, accounting and business analytics, partnering with private equity owned portfolio companies to deliver lasting impact. Since 2010, we have combined deep operational expertise with cutting-edge technology and AI-driven analytics to deliver superior outcomes for our clients.

Who Works At Blue Ops

This is a consulting role for an experienced leader who thrives in fast-paced, client-facing environments and can drive financial discipline, reporting accuracy, and develop scalable processes across portfolio companies. Blue Ops specializes in Office of the CFO value creation, including strategic FP&A advisory, operational finance, accounting and business analytics, partnering with private equity owned portfolio companies to deliver lasting impact.

THE ROLE

In this role you’ll be primarily an in-seat Controller and key financial leader, working directly with our clients and their senior leadership to enhance financial processes, provide critical analysis, and support business growth. As the Controller, you will oversee the client’s full accounting function, ensure timely and accurate financial reporting while strengthening internal controls and operational effectiveness. You will partner directly with client executive leadership to provide insights that support the organization’s value creation initiatives, decision-making and long-term growt

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee accounting operations for clients, including month-end and year-end close, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Lead and oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger management, month-end close, and financial statement preparation
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow reporting
• Maintain and enhance internal controls, accounting policies, and standardized procedures
• Oversee cash management activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, treasury, fixed asset investments, and cash flow forecasting
• Manage annual audit activities and coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners, including lender reporting
• Drive process improvements that increase efficiency, strengthen financial accuracy and reduce close-cycles
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis in partnership with finance and operations
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to leadership to support business performance
• Mentor and develop accounting staff, fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement
• Act as liaison between private equity sponsor and portfolio company leadership

Qualifications

Blue Ops is a hands-on, growth-minded organization built on collaboration and accountability. We move quickly, dive deep, and partner closely with our clients to deliver lasting impact.Important competencies to effectively perform this role include:

• A technically strong and seasoned accounting leader with deep GAAP knowledge
• Skilled at managing and improving financial operations in dynamic environments
• A clear, confident communicator who can partner effectively across the organization, external partners, and with private equity sponsors
• Process-oriented with a focus on accuracy and continuous improvement
• Comfortable leading teams and owning key deliverables under tight timelines
• Ability and flexibility to travel on-site to clients as appropriate. Travel estimated at 25-40% depending on client needs.

What Your Resume Shows

• Big 4 or public accounting experience strongly preferred. Corporate accounting leadership also considered.
• 10-20 years of progressive accounting experience across public accounting, consulting or industry roles
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance;CPA strongly preferred
• Hands-on experience overseeing accounting operations and owning financial statements
• Strong understanding of internal controls, audits, and financial reporting requirements
• Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with modern ERP systems
• Experience in private equity, multi-entity environments, or high-growth companies is highly valued