Segment Controller

Imperative Logistics Group; West Chicago Township (IL); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

401k + matching contribution

HSA + matching contribution

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

Employer-paid disability insurance

and more!

Job summary

Imperative Logistics Group in Illinois is seeking a Controller to lead the accounting team for the Global Forwarding segment. The role reports to the VP of Finance and oversees AP, payroll, treasury, financial reporting, budgeting, and month-end close.

The incumbent will drive profitability analysis, consolidate acquisitions, manage AP/OCR, and ensure adherence to GAAP while supporting audits. Requires 5+ years in controllership and a CPA, with strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in controllership with full-cycle accounting and some financial reporting/analysis.
• Public accounting background and active CPA required.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to think strategically and solve problems.
• Experience working with executive leadership (CFO/CEO).
• Strong GAAP knowledge and experience implementing related policies.
• Experience with internal and external audits.
• Analytical, organized and capable of leading teams.
• Experience in streamlining processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel with pivot tables and complex formulas.
• Experience with logistics software a plus (Cargowise, Sage Intacct, Concur).
• Experience in freight forwarding/logistics is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead finance and accounting operations for the Global Forwarding segment, including AP, payroll, cash management, and month-end close.
• Oversee AP payments and OCR matching; collaborate with IT to enhance reporting and interfaces.
• Review profitability, manage WIPs and accruals, and consolidate financials for reporting.
• Ensure adherence to accounting policies and GAAP; support budgeting and forecasting.
• Lead acquisitions with system consolidation, branding, and policy alignment.
• Provide weekly cash flow reporting and assist with audits and external reports.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Communication

Financial analysis

Education

CPA (Certified Public Accountant)

Public accounting experience

Tools

Excel

Cargowise

Sage Intacct

Concur

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; **escalate** 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 of pivot tables, complex formulas, etc. within analysis of data
• Experience with Cargowise, Sage Intacct, Concur and/or other logistics software a plus.
• Experience in freight forwarding and/or specialized logistics a plus.

COMPENSATION

$135k - $165k annually. We consider a variety of factors in determining base compensation including but not limited to, experience, education, certifications, internal equity, market data and geography.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The position is in an indoor, office environment, requires the ability to communicate with internal and external customers or vendors verbally and in writing, sit for periods of time, operate typical office equipment which requires seeing and the use of a keyboard.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401k + matching contribution
• HSA + matching contribution
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Employer-paid short and long-term disability insurance
• and more!

Imperative Logistics Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.