Controller | Onsite – Chicago, IL

Beech Valley Solutions; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Beech Valley Solutions is seeking an experienced Controller in Chicago, Illinois. This onsite role involves leading accounting, financial reporting, and compliance operations, ensuring adherence to statutory accounting principles and GAAP.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance, CPA certification, and extensive experience in accounting leadership roles, particularly within regulated financial entities. Strong leadership and team management skills are crucial for this position.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in leadership.
• Strong understanding of statutory accounting principles (SAP) and GAAP.
• Proven experience managing audits and internal controls.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations and financial reporting.
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage audits, internal controls, and financial documentation.

Skills

Leadership experience

Technical accounting knowledge

Familiarity with insurance organizations

Strong communication skills

Team management skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA

Tools

Sage

SOVOS

Job description

Beech Valley is partnering with a mission-driven fraternal benefit organization in Chicago, Illinois to identify an experienced Controller to lead accounting, financial reporting, and compliance operations. This onsite role is responsible for overseeing the organization’s financial integrity, regulatory reporting, payroll operations, investment accounting, and audit readiness in a highly regulated environment.

The ideal candidate brings strong leadership experience, deep technical accounting knowledge, and familiarity with insurance or regulated financial entities. This position plays a critical role in safeguarding member assets and ensuring accurate, timely financial reporting in accordance with statutory accounting principles (SAP), GAAP, and Illinois Department of Insurance requirements.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee all accounting operations, financial reporting, and general ledger activity
• Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reconciliations
• Ensure compliance with statutory accounting principles (SAP), GAAP, and Illinois Department of Insurance reporting requirements
• Manage audits, internal controls, and financial documentation to support compliance and audit readiness
• Oversee payroll processing, payroll reconciliations, and related reporting activities
• Monitor cash positions, bank activity, investment transactions, and annuity-related accounting
• Prepare journal entries, trial balances, account reconciliations, and supporting financial schedules
• Coordinate budgeting, forecasting, and investment accounting processes across multiple financial institutions
• Review and maintain financial records, invoices, tax-related reporting, and supporting documentation
• Support claims, annuity, pension, and tax-related financial reporting processes
• Lead and mentor accounting staff while partnering with internal teams and external vendors

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• CPA strongly preferred
• 7–10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Strong understanding of statutory accounting principles (SAP) and GAAP
• Experience with insurance organizations, fraternal benefit societies, or other regulated financial entities preferred
• Familiarity with Illinois Department of Insurance regulations and reporting requirements
• Proven experience managing audits, financial reporting, and internal controls
• Experience overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and investment accounting activities
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills
• High level of integrity with the ability to manage sensitive financial and member information

Nice to Have

• Experience working within nonprofit or membership-based organizations
• Understanding of reserve accounting and actuarial coordination
• Experience with Sage, SOVOS, or similar accounting and financial reporting systems
• Background supporting annuity accounting, pension activity, or claims-related financial processes