Financial Controller

*Job Title:* Controller *Job Type:* 1099 Contract-to-Hire *Initial Engagement:* Approximately 2–3 months contract to Hire *Potential Conversion:* Full-time W-2 Controller after the initial consulting period, subject to performance, mutual agreement, business needs, and completion of standard employment requirements *Location:* [Northbrook, IL] *Duration:* 2–3 months initially, with potential W-2 conversion Position Summary The Controller will be responsible for leading the client's day-to-day accounting operations and strengthening financial systems, controls, reporting, and processes to support continued business growth. This is a *hands-on leadership position* working closely with the CFO and other cross-functional leaders. The selected candidate will oversee the monthly close, financial reporting, cost and inventory accounting, compliance, internal controls, and accounting team development. The ideal candidate should have strong *U.S. GAAP, manufacturing accounting, cost accounting, inventory accounting, financial reporting, and accounting leadership* experience. Key Responsibilities *Accounting Operations & Financial Close* * Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes. * Manage journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals, consolidations, and variance analysis. * Maintain accurate books and records in accordance with U.S. GAAP. * Establish and maintain an efficient close calendar. * Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, cash management, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and General Ledger activities. *Financial Reporting & Planning* * Prepare accurate and timely financial statements and management reports. * Prepare cash-flow forecasts and operating analyses. * Partner with the CFO on annual budgeting and periodic forecasting. * Support working-capital planning and financial performance analysis. * Translate financial results into meaningful business insights and recommendations. *Manufacturing, Cost & Inventory Accounting* * Manage product costing and standard costing. * Analyze purchase-price and manufacturing variances. * Manage overhead allocations and gross-margin analysis. * Partner with Operations and Production teams on inventory controls. * Oversee cycle counts, physical inventory procedures, inventory reserves, and reconciliations. * Identify opportunities for cost savings and margin improvement. *Internal Controls, Compliance & Audit* * Design, document, and maintain effective internal controls. * Establish accounting policies and approval workflows. * Maintain appropriate segregation of duties. * Work closely with external accounting firms and auditors. * Coordinate annual financial statement audits and prepare supporting schedules/documentation. * Coordinate tax filings, insurance reviews, banking requirements, and external advisors. * Ensure compliance with accounting, tax, payroll, and regulatory requirements. *Systems, Process Improvement & Leadership* * Lead, coach, and develop a small accounting/finance team. * Improve accounting workflows, reporting processes, and data integrity. * Identify opportunities to improve processes through technology and automation. * Support ERP/MRP implementation, migration, optimization, or integration initiatives. * Serve as the finance/accounting owner for system controls and reporting. Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. * *7+ years of progressive accounting or financial management experience.* * Strong experience managing financial close and financial reporting. * Strong knowledge of *U.S. GAAP*. * Experience with financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and account reconciliations. * Experience in *manufacturing, medical products, consumer products, or another inventory-intensive environment.* * Strong experience with *cost accounting and inventory accounting*. * Experience with product costing, standard costs, manufacturing variances, and gross-margin analysis is highly preferred. * Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing accounting/finance professionals. * Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills. * Advanced *Microsoft Excel* skills. * Experience working with external auditors, tax professionals, banks, and business consultants. * Experience overseeing or supporting payroll processes. Preferred Qualifications * *CPA or CMA certification* is preferred. * Hands-on experience with *NetSuite* or a comparable ERP system. * Experience with ERP/MRP implementation, migration, or optimization. * Experience with EDI integrations. * Retail accounting experience, including deductions, reconciliations, adjustments, and chargebacks. Ideal Candidate Background The ideal candidate would typically have experience as a: * Controller * Financial Controller * Corporate Controller * Manufacturing Controller * Plant Controller * Assistant Controller * Accounting Manager * Senior Accounting Manager * Director of Accounting * Director of Finance & Accounting * Cost Accounting Manager Candidates with strong *manufacturing + cost accounting + inventory accounting + Controller-level experience* will be given strong consideration. Contract-to-Hire Structure The selected candidate will initially join as an *independent 1099 consultant for approximately 2–3 months*. Following the consulting period, the client anticipates transitioning the individual to a *full-time W-2 Controller position*, subject to satisfactory performance, mutual agreement, business needs, and completion of the company's standard employment requirements. Please note that the anticipated W-2 conversion is *not a guarantee of employment*. Next Steps If you are interested in this opportunity, please send me your *updated resume* along with the following information: * Current Location: * Total Years of Experience: * Manufacturing Experience: * Controller/Accounting Leadership Experience: * Cost & Inventory Accounting Experience: * ERP/NetSuite Experience: * CPA/CMA: * Current/Expected Rate: * Work Authorization: * Availability to Start: * Best Phone Number: * Best Time to Reach You: Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions regarding the position. I look forward to hearing from you. Best Regards, *Sameer Kumar* sameer.maharana@ngtechinc.com Pay: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Disability insurance * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Work Location: In person