Segment Controller

Imperative Logistics; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Imperative Logistics is seeking a seasoned Controller to lead the accounting team for the Global Forwarding segment. You will supervise all accounting and finance functions, oversee budgeting, reporting, and cash flow, and drive policy adherence across the organization.

You will partner with executives to optimize financial performance, manage acquisitions, and implement internal controls. The role requires a CPA, strong communication, and strategic leadership in a PE/private-equity or

Qualifications

• 5+ years in controllership role with full-cycle accounting
• Public accounting background and active CPA required
• Strong communication, verbal and written
• Strategic thinking and problem solving abilities
• Experience with executive leadership (CFO/CEO)
• GAAP knowledge and policy implementation experience
• Experience with auditing processes
• Strong analytical, organizational and leadership skills
• Experience improving internal controls and processes
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and MS Office

Responsibilities

• Lead finance and accounting operations for Global Forwarding segment including AP, payroll and benefits, cash management, internal controls, reporting and budgeting
• Prepare monthly financial reporting packages and provide narratives for leadership
• Consolidate acquisitions in terms of systems, branding, and policies
• Oversee AP processes, OCR matching, and reporting enhancements with IT
• Develop financial metrics and reporting tools for strategic decisions
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and coordinate audits
• Oversee payroll calculations and year-end payroll deadlines
• Support annual financial statements and borrowing base audits
• Lead and develop accounting teams and drive process improvements
• Maintain relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders

Skills

Strong communicator

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Financial analysis

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Certified Public Accountant

Public accounting experience

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

ABOUT IMPERATIVE LOGISTICS

Our Global Forwarding segment specializes in complex air, ocean and ground shipments and customs brokerage services. We have over 30 licensed U.S. Customs Brokers in our offices. We have expertise in various industries, from technology, aerospace, energy, specialty automotive and life sciences. We have a physical presence from coast-to-coast and have an extensive global network of partners that support your supply chain. Imperative Logistics is the team you call when the stakes are the highest.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Controller will be responsible for leading the accounting team for the Imperative Logistics Global Forwarding segment. We are actively seeking to expand by organic growth and through acquisition opportunities. There may be growth potential in the role with additional entity acquisitions. The role directly reports to the VP of Finance and Accounting with an indirect reporting relationship to the President of Global Forwarding, a key internal customer and stakeholder. This person will be responsible for all accounting and finance functions for the Global Forwarding business segment including Accounts Payable, Payroll & Employee Benefits, Treasury/Banking, Financial Reporting, Financial Analysis, Budgeting and General Accounting. This position requires a forward-thinking leader with a robust technical background and leadership skills to ensure the reliability, accuracy and compliance of financial reporting within the segment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Lead all finance and accounting operations for assigned business segment, including accounts payable, payroll & benefits, cash management, internal controls, expense reporting, financial reporting, financial analysis, WIP and accrual management, revenue and expense analysis and month-end financial close.
• Oversight of duty outlay to CBP and related outlay fees
• Review job profitability reports, manage aged WIPs and accruals
• Ensure finance team is following established accounting and finance policies and procedures
• Prepare monthly financial reporting packages with narratives for executive leadership; support with budgeting process, forecasting, and ad-hoc financial analysis.
• Critical leader in effort to consolidate acquisitions (4 acquisitions completed to date) in terms of systems, branding, accounting policies, consolidation and personnel.
• Monitor and manage accounts payable and OCR matching functionality; collaborate with IT to enhance AP reporting and EDI interfaces; elevate issues to operations and leadership as needed.
• Oversight of various AP payment methods including 3rd party online payment portals to ensure adequate controls are in place and adhered to.
• Partner with operations and sales to develop financial metrics and reporting tools that support strategic decision-making and growth.
• Apply key financial metrics (e.g., GP, NWC, DSO, DPO, ROI) to drive business and process improvements.
• Maintain strong relationships with vendors, freight agents, and internal stakeholders; ensure high levels of customer service and satisfaction.
• Lead and develop accounting teams, including hiring, performance management, and process improvement initiatives.
• Oversee commission calculations for sales and operations teams, ensuring accuracy and timeliness under strict payroll deadlines.
• Support and lead annual financial statement and borrowing base audits; ensure timely and accurate data submission with minimal adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and lead implementation of new accounting standards and policies.
• Administer corporate purchase card program and provide required data for annual insurance renewals.
• Provide weekly cash flow reporting and forecasting; optimize cash flow and upstream available funds to parent company.
• Participate in relevant conferences, meetings, and training sessions.
• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• 5+ years in controllership role that includes primary responsibility for full-cycle accounting combined with some experience in financial reporting and analysis, preferably for a private equity-based or public company
• Public accounting background and active Certified Public Accountant required
• Strong communicator, both verbal and written
• Demonstrated ability for strategic/critical thinking and problem solving
• Experience working directly with executive leadership (i.e. CFO, CEO, President, etc.)
• Strong financial acumen with ability to link operational activities to financial outcomes
• Strong comprehension of GAAP and prior experience in implementing related policies
• Experience with internal and external auditing process
• Strong analytical, organizational and leadership skills
• Experience in assessing internal controls and providing recommendations for improvement
• Experience in streamlining and transforming processes
• Strong skills in Microsoft Suite with emphasis in Excel including use o