Controller

Industry: Distribution/Industrials (Private Equity-backed)Role: ControllerSalary: $115,000 - $130,000/annually Location: Chicago, IL (Cook County) - On-site 5 days a week About the Role: Our client, a private-equity backed distribution business, is seeking a Controller to lead accounting operations for a growing business. This individual will be responsible for overseeing financial reporting, month-end close activities, cash management, and overall accounting processes while partnering closely with business leadership to support financial planning and operational decision-making. The ideal candidate is a hands-on accounting professional who enjoys owning the accounting function, improving processes, developing team members, and providing meaningful financial insights to help drive business performance. Responsibilities:Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger activities, and account reconciliationsManage monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes to ensure timely and accurate financial reportingPrepare and review financial statements, supporting schedules, and management reporting packagesEnsure the accuracy and integrity of financial records while maintaining strong internal controlsMonitor balance sheet and income statement activity, investigating and resolving discrepancies as neededPartner with business leaders to support budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activitiesAnalyze operating results and key business metrics to identify trends, risks, and opportunitiesProvide financial insights and recommendations that support strategic and operational decision-makingAssist with ad hoc analyses, business cases, and performance reviewsMonitor cash flow, liquidity, and working capital performanceOversee receivables, payables, and cash management activitiesSupport efforts to improve cash conversion, operational efficiency, and financial performanceProvide visibility into cash requirements and business funding needsLead, mentor, and develop accounting team membersPromote a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvementIdentify opportunities to streamline accounting processes, strengthen controls, and improve reporting capabilitiesSupport implementation and optimization of financial systems and workflowsCoordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and other professional service providersEnsure compliance with applicable accounting, tax, and regulatory requirementsAssist with audit, tax, and reporting deliverables as neededSupport company-wide finance initiatives and process standardization efforts Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field5+ years of progressive accounting experience with responsibility for financial reporting and month-end closeExperience managing accounting operations in a small to mid-sized business environmentMix of public accounting and private company experienceExperience in distribution, manufacturing, wholesale, e-commerce, or product-based businessesExposure to system implementations, business integrations, or process improvement initiativesCPA or other relevant professional certification is a plusExperience supporting high-growth organizations preferredExperience supporting budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis activitiesStrong understanding of accounting principles and financial reportingExperience with ERP systems, accounting platforms, and financial reporting tools By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions.Equal Opportunity NoticeHighspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact HR@vaco.com .Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.Representation NoticeBy submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. Additionally, you agree to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. Lastly, you agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.For residents of Ontario, Canada only: to the extent the position for employment is not with Highspring or not otherwise noted as vacant above, candidate should be informed that this role is to replace a presently employed person at Vaco by Highspring's client.Privacy NoticeVaco by Highspring respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.Residents of all other states may access our policies here.Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.Residents of countries governed by GDPR and UK GDPR may access our policies here.Additionally, submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. More details about Vaco by Highspring's use of AI can be found here (https://www.highspring.com/ai-use-notices/). Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco by Highspring does not know and cannot opine on if its client's use of AI products in hiring.Pay Transparency NoticeDetermining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:· the individual's skill sets, experience and training;· licensure and certification requirements;· office location and other geographic considerations; and· other business and organizational needs.With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or participation in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's retirement plan (or similar retirement benefits).