Interim Corporate Controller - Chicago, Illinois, US

Overview

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Financial Controller to lead global accounting, financial reporting, compliance, and operational finance activities for a rapidly growing multinational organization with operations across multiple entities and jurisdictions. This position will partner closely with executive leadership and play a critical role in public company reporting, technical accounting, internal controls, and financial integration initiatives.

This is an onsite leadership opportunity for an accounting professional who thrives in a complex, high-growth environment and has deep expertise in public company reporting, consolidations, and multi-entity operations.

We are looking for someone who would like to 6-month engagement and is comfortable working in downtown Chicago (remote candidates will not be considered).

Ensure all your application information is up to date and in order before applying for this opportunity.

Top Requirements

• CPA required
• Prior experience within a publicly traded company environment required
• Candidates coming from public accounting with significant SEC/public company audit experience will also be considered
• Experience supporting complex, multi-entity organizations with international operations
• Strong knowledge of SEC reporting, U.S. GAAP, and SOX compliance
• Manufacturing, technology/SaaS, industrial, or similarly complex business experience strongly preferred
• Experience with acquisitions, integrations, and rapidly growing organizations strongly preferred

Key Responsibilities

SEC Reporting & Technical Accounting

• Lead the preparation and review of quarterly and annual filings, including all required public company disclosures.
• Ensure compliance with SEC reporting requirements, U.S. GAAP, and other applicable financial reporting standards.
• Research and document technical accounting matters and changing accounting regulations.
• Coordinate all external audit activities, quarterly reviews, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Maintain compliance with corporate governance standards and financial reporting requirements.

Internal Controls & SOX Compliance

• Oversee and strengthen the company's internal control environment.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements.
• Develop, maintain, and document accounting policies, procedures, and controls.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders to address audit findings and compliance matters.

Global Consolidations & Financial Operations

• Lead the consolidation of multiple domestic and international entities.
• Ensure accurate intercompany accounting, eliminations, and foreign currency translation processes.
• Oversee general ledger activities and month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes.
• Direct core accounting functions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and fixed assets.
• Maintain compliance with applicable tax reporting requirements and collaborate with external advisors.

Manufacturing & Cost Accounting

• Oversee cost accounting activities, including inventory valuation, standard costing, and variance analysis.
• Partner with operations leaders to improve operational reporting and profitability analysis.
• Monitor inventory controls, manufacturing costs, and related financial performance metrics.
• Ensure accurate accounting treatment of production and operational activities.

Strategic Finance & Business Partnership

• Partner with executive leadership to support financial strategy and long-term growth initiatives.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and variance analysis.
• Deliver actionable financial insights to support operational decision-making and profitability improvements.
• Support acquisition accounting, business integrations, and organizational growth initiatives.

Process Improvement & Systems

• Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen reporting accuracy and efficiency.
• Lead accounting and finance transformation initiatives, including automation and system enhancements.
• Optimize financial processes across multiple business units and geographic locations.

Team Leadership

• Foster consistency in accounting practices across entities and business units.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, supply chain, finance, and executive stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Active CPA required.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• 3+ years of Controller or Assistant Controller leadership experience.
• Strong SEC reporting and public company accounting experience.
• Deep understanding of U.S. GAAP and SOX compliance.
• Experience leading multi-entity and multi-currency consolidations.
• Strong manufacturing and cost accounting experience.
• Experience working in complex ERP environments.
• Proven leadership experience within a dynamic, fast-paced organization.
• Acquisition accounting and post-acquisition integration experience.
• Experience in high-growth organizations.
• Familiarity with ASC 606 revenue recognition.
• Exposure to both product-based and service-based business models. xklufbp
• Experience supporting international operations.