Corporate Controller

CFS; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

CFS is seeking a Corporate Controller to oversee accounting operations across multiple entities, including financial reporting, payroll, and budgeting support. This role partners with executive leadership and drives strategic decision-making in a hybrid work environment.

Ideal candidates will be CPAs from public accounting, ready to move into industry leadership. Strong technical accounting, people leadership, and process-improvement skills are essential for success in this high-visibility role

Qualifications

• CPA strongly preferred and public accounting experience preferred.
• Experience leading accounting teams and developing talent.
• Strong technical accounting, financial reporting, and analytical skills.
• Financial services, asset management, banking, or insurance experience preferred.
• Proven ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution.

Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, month-end close, financial reporting, payroll, and reconciliations.
• Manage and mentor a team of accounting professionals.
• Oversee KPI reporting, variance analysis, and profitability reporting.
• Partner with executive leadership on financial planning and strategic initiatives.
• Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and operational efficiencies.
• Ensure strong internal controls and accounting best practices throughout the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Technical accounting

Financial reporting

Analytical skills

Strategic planning

Internal controls

Education

CPA certification

Job description

The Corporate Controller will oversee accounting operations across multiple business entities, leading financial reporting, payroll, compensation administration, accounts payable, accounts receivable, budgeting support, and operational finance activities. This highly visible Corporate Controller role serves as a key partner to executive leadership and plays an integral part in strategic decision-making.

This position is particularly appealing for a CPA coming from public accounting, ideally at the Senior Manager or Director level, seeking a first or second move into industry. The organization values strong technical accounting expertise, hands-on leadership, and a willingness to improve processes while developing high‑performing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledger, month‑end close, financial reporting, payroll, and reconciliations.
• Manage and mentor a team of accounting professionals.
• Oversee KPI reporting, variance analysis, and business profitability reporting.
• Partner with executive leadership on financial planning and strategic initiatives.
• Drive process improvements, automation initiatives, and operational efficiencies.
• Ensure strong internal controls and accounting best practices throughout the organization.

Ideal Background

• CPA strongly preferred.
• Public accounting experience required.
• Experience leading accounting teams and developing talent.
• Strong technical accounting, financial reporting, and analytical skills.
• Financial services, asset management, banking, insurance, or related client experience preferred.
• Proven ability to balance strategic leadership with hands‑on execution.

Why Consider This Corporate Controller Opportunity?

• Succession path available.
• Broad leadership responsibility across accounting, finance operations, payroll, and administration.
• Significant executive visibility and direct interaction with senior leadership.
• Opportunity to transition from public accounting into an influential industry leadership position.
• Exposure to complex financial operations, investment‑related activities, and board reporting.
• Strong benefits package and competitive compensation.
• Hybrid work environment.
• Base salary targeted at $165,000-$230,000 plus bonus.

For accounting leaders seeking a role with long‑term growth, executive exposure, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact, this Corporate Controller position offers an exceptional career opportunity. The successful Corporate Controller will inherit an established team, influence the future direction of the finance organization, and build a path toward broader executive leadership #INOCT2026