Corporate Controller

Brilliant®; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Brilliant® is seeking an experienced Corporate Controller in Chicago to lead the accounting function, including consolidated reporting, tax compliance, and audits. The role requires strong technical accounting background and proactive process improvements to ensure accurate, timely financial reporting.

Responsibilities include managing close processes, consolidations, lease and capital accounting, external audits, and partnering with leadership on strategic financial decisions.

Qualifications

• Requires CPA with 7+ years in corporate accounting.
• Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP, including consolidated reporting, ASC 842, and fixed assets.
• Experience leading multi-entity accounting operations and external audits.

Responsibilities

• Lead corporate accounting and oversee daily operations, financial reporting, tax compliance, and audits.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual close across multiple entities with US GAAP adherence.
• Oversee consolidated financial reporting, intercompany eliminations, and reconciliations.

Skills

US GAAP

Leadership

ERP systems

ASC 842

Financial reporting

Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

CPA certification

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Corporate Controller | Chicago | $140,000 to $170,000 + Bonus/Benefits

We are seeking an experienced Corporate Controller to lead the accounting function for a growing, dynamic organization. This individual will oversee consolidated financial reporting, capital and lease accounting, general accounting operations, tax compliance, and external audits. The ideal candidate brings a strong technical accounting background, proven leadership experience, and the ability to drive process improvements while ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the corporate accounting function, overseeing day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, tax compliance, and audit activities.
• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial statements in accordance with US GAAP.
• Oversee consolidated financial reporting across multiple entities, including intercompany transactions, eliminations, and reconciliations.
• Manage lease accounting under ASC 842, including lease classifications, right-of-use assets, lease liabilities, and related reporting requirements.
• Oversee capital accounting, including fixed assets, capital expenditures, capitalization policies, depreciation, and construction-in-progress (CIP) accounting.
• Coordinate annual external audits, serving as the primary point of contact for auditors and ensuring timely completion of audit requests.
• Oversee federal, state, and local tax compliance, partnering with external tax advisors on filings, provisions, and tax planning initiatives.
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures to ensure compliance and mitigate financial risk.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team, promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to provide financial insights and support strategic business decisions.
• Identify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, enhance reporting capabilities, and leverage ERP systems and automation.
• Support special projects, including system implementations, acquisitions, integrations, and other strategic initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA certification required.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership within a corporate accounting environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of US GAAP, particularly consolidated financial reporting, ASC 842 lease accounting, and capital/fixed asset accounting.
• Experience managing accounting operations across multiple entities or business units.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing external audits, tax compliance, and internal controls.
• Strong understanding of financial statement preparation, general ledger accounting, and month‑end close processes.
• Experience leading and developing accounting teams.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills, with the ability to partner effectively with senior leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

• Combination of public accounting and corporate accounting experience.
• Experience within a multi-entity, project-based, or capital-intensive organization.
• Experience with ERP implementations, accounting process improvements, and financial reporting automation.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a hands‑on accounting leader who can balance technical accounting expertise with strategic oversight. This individual should be comfortable navigating complex consolidations, managing lease and capital accounting, and taking ownership of the broader accounting function. Success in this role requires strong attention to detail, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to build scalable accounting processes that support continued organizational growth.