Corporate Controller

Stagwell; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 215,000; Full time

Job summary

Stagwell is seeking a strategic Corporate Controller to lead the corporate accounting team within a multinational organization, ensuring the integrity of financial reporting and strong internal controls.

The role will partner with regional finance leaders, manage the close cycles, and oversee external audits in compliance with US GAAP and SEC requirements. It requires deep expertise in revenue recognition, consolidations, and complex accounting matters.

Qualifications

• CPA certification is required.
• Minimum 12+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience with at least 5 years in leadership.
• Public company experience required with US GAAP, SEC reporting and SOX knowledge.
• Experience managing global, multi-entity consolidations across currencies.
• Big 4 background is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the corporate accounting function including accounting, revenue recognition, and financial reporting.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes per US GAAP and SEC requirements.
• Partner with regional finance leaders to ensure consistency of global accounting policies.
• Ensure SOX compliance and manage the annual external audit.
• Provide guidance on ASC 606, ASC 842, foreign currency transactions, intercompany eliminations and stock‑based compensation.
• Drive ERP and consolidation process improvements with IT and Finance Systems (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
• Lead, mentor and develop a high‑performing corporate accounting team.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

CPA

Tools

SAP

Oracle

NetSuite

Job description

About Us

Stagwell empowers talented, passionate, and creative leaders with vision to deliver breakthrough ideas on behalf of the world’s most ambitious clients.

We believe that the differences among us fuel innovation and drive us to achieve extraordinary results. We take great pride in a work force with rich diversity of age, race, ethnicity, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, ability and background. As a network, we seek out a skilled and dynamic talent pipeline, invest in programs that help develop diverse talent for the future benefit of our industry, and strive to build an inclusive environment where all employees can bring their full selves to work.

Creating a collaborative environment at our state-of-the-art campuses, where we can bring people together at the office to inspire and innovate, is central to our culture-moving creative edge. We believe that by being together, we can transform marketing. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com .

Overview

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Corporate Controller to lead our corporate accounting team, ensure compliance with public company reporting requirements, and drive financial excellence across our complex, multi‑entity organization. This role is critical in overseeing the integrity of financial reporting, operational accounting, and internal controls for a publicly traded, multinational environment.

Responsibilities

Financial Leadership:

• Lead and manage the corporate accounting function, including corporate accounting, technical accounting, revenue recognition, and financial reporting.
• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant financial statements in accordance with US GAAP and SEC requirements.
• Partner with regional finance leaders to ensure consistency in global accounting policies and procedures across all business units.

External Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX) requirements, maintaining strong internal controls over financial reporting.
• Liaise with external auditors and manage the annual audit process.

Technical Accounting

• Provide guidance on complex accounting matters, including revenue recognition (ASC 606), business combinations, foreign currency transactions, intercompany eliminations, leases (ASC 842), and stock‑based compensation.
• Monitor new accounting pronouncements and assess their impact on the company.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Drive continuous improvement in accounting processes, policies, and systems to support a scalable and efficient finance organization.
• Collaborate with IT and Finance Systems teams to optimize ERP and consolidation platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing corporate accounting team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.

Qualifications

• CPA required.
• 12+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Public company experience required, preferably within the advertising, media, or services industry.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance.
• Experience managing global, multi‑currency consolidations across multiple legal entities.
• Excellent communication skills and proven ability to work cross‑functionally with senior leadership.
• Prior experience in a Big 4 accounting firm is highly desirable.

Compensation

In order to comply with equal pay and salary transparency laws in various locations, we believe the target range of base compensation for this role is $180,000 - $215,000. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and location.