Financial Controller 3592010

Financial Controller Location: Bartlett, IL (FT - On-site)Company OverviewOur client is a leading international food manufacturing company with operations in more than 60 countries, with a strong U.S. presence. The organization combines the agility and entrepreneurial spirit of a family-owned business with the structure and resources of a global manufacturing group.The RoleThe company is seeking a highly autonomous, hands-on finance leader with a strong background in manufacturing finance — ideally within the food & beverage industry — capable of immediately taking ownership of the controlling and operational finance function while acting as a strategic partner to both U.S. leadership and headquarters in Italy.This role operates within a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, family-owned environment .Priorities can shift quickly, executive involvement is highly hands-on, and decisions are often made in real time. The ideal candidate must remain calm under pressure, adapt quickly to changing business needs, and demonstrate the flexibility to pivot without losing focus or execution quality.The Requirements10+ years in FP&A /Controlling / Managerial financeAbility to influence senior stakeholders and operate in a global environmentStrong manufacturing and cost accounting expertiseA hands-on and proactive mentalityHumility, transparency, and strong communication skillsContinuous improvement mindsetExperience improving systems, reporting structures, and financial processesERP implementation and/or finance infrastructure-building experience strongly preferredFluent Italian and English (mandatory) Italian fluency is required due to daily interaction with headquarters in Italy.Key ResponsibilitiesManufacturing Finance & Controlling LeadershipLead and oversee all controlling and operational finance activities for the U.S. manufacturing operationAnalyze manufacturing performance, cost structures, variances, margins, and operational KPIsDrive financial visibility and support operational decision-making through accurate and timely reportingPartner closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Production, and Leadership teamsReporting Infrastructure & Process ImprovementImprove and optimize current reporting structures and KPI dashboardsReview and redesign existing financial reporting processesReduce inefficiencies and improve data accuracy across finance operationsSupport the transition from heavily Excel-based reporting toward more scalable and automated systemsDrive continuous improvement initiatives within the finance organizationSystems & ERP ImplementationSupport ongoing SAP implementation initiativesPartner with headquarters and cross-functional teams during ERP transition and infrastructure improvementsOptimize the current JD Edwards environment while supporting future-state systems integrationHelp build stronger reporting and financial planning infrastructureStrategic Business PartnershipAct as a trusted finance partner to local leadership and global headquartersProvide actionable insights to improve profitability and operational efficiencySupport budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planningTranslate operational data into strategic financial recommendationsTeam Leadership & DevelopmentLead and mentor the local controlling team, including a Junior Industrial Controller and aCost Controller.Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing finance cultureReceive temporary onboarding/training support from the current Global Industrial ControllerPreferred BackgroundFood or CPG industry experience is preferred but not mandatoryThe company is open to candidates from broader industrial/manufacturing sectors if controlling experience is sufficiently strongSystems EnvironmentJD EdwardsAdvanced Excel-based reportingSAP implementation currently in progressCandidates with strong Excel capabilities combined with ERP transformation experience will be highly valued.Compensation & BenefitsABS (DOE) + $30K bonusCompany car providedRelocation assistance availableVisa sponsorship possible for strong candidatesPlease note: for candidates requiring relocation and/or sponsorship, overall compensation structure may be adjusted to account for associated company costs.