Corporate Controller

LHH; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

LHH is recruiting an accomplished Corporate Controller for a PE-backed growth company headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin. You will lead all accounting and financial reporting, partner with executive leadership, and help drive performance and value creation.

The role demands hands-on leadership, deep GAAP expertise, and the ability to scale processes across multiple entities, with emphasis on internal controls, audits, and strategic finance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Prior Controller, Assistant Controller, or Accounting Manager leadership experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Prepare and oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Manage general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and cash management functions.
• Ensure accurate account reconciliations and maintenance of financial records.
• Analyze financial results and provide meaningful insights to executive leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Team development

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

CPA

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Our client is a growing private equity-backed organization headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The company has established a strong market position and is executing an exciting growth strategy focused on operational excellence, strategic acquisitions, and scalable processes. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious accounting leader who enjoys a fast-paced environment and wants to play a key role in driving business performance and value creation.

Position Overview

The Corporate Controller will lead all accounting and financial reporting functions for the organization while partnering closely with executive leadership and PE stakeholders. This individual will be responsible for ensuring the integrity of financial information, strengthening internal controls, optimizing accounting processes, and supporting strategic growth initiatives, including acquisitions and integrations.

The ideal candidate is both a hands-on accounting leader and a strategic business partner who thrives in a growth-oriented, private equity environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations

• Lead the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Prepare and oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
• Manage general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and cash management functions.
• Ensure accurate account reconciliations and maintenance of financial records.
• Analyze financial results and provide meaningful insights to executive leadership.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team.
• Establish performance expectations and foster accountability throughout the department.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency and scalability.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, sales, HR, and executive leadership.

Internal Controls, Compliance & Audit

• Maintain and strengthen internal controls and accounting policies.
• Coordinate annual audits and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local reporting requirements.
• Oversee sales and use tax, income tax support, and other regulatory compliance activities.
• Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.

Cash Flow, Banking & Treasury

• Monitor cash flow and liquidity to support business objectives.
• Partner with banking institutions and lenders regarding reporting requirements and covenant compliance.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts and provide recommendations to optimize working capital.

Strategic Finance & Private Equity Support

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and annual planning processes.
• Deliver financial analysis and KPI reporting to executive leadership and private equity sponsors.
• Participate in acquisition due diligence, integration planning, and post-acquisition financial reporting.
• Assist leadership with strategic initiatives that support growth and profitability targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• CPA strongly preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Prior Controller, Assistant Controller, or Accounting Manager leadership experience required.
• Experience within a private equity-backed, middle-market, manufacturing, distribution, or industrial company strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting.
• Experience managing audits, internal controls, and multi-entity accounting environments.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Proven ability to lead teams and influence stakeholders across the organization.