Assistant Controller

I'm partnering with a growing global manufacturing organization seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to support accounting operations at its primary manufacturing facility in the western suburbs of Chicago while helping oversee financial reporting across a global footprint.

This is a high impact role that combines technical accounting expertise, manufacturing finance, and operational partnership. Working closely with the Controller, CFO, and plant leadership team, you'll help ensure financial accuracy, maintain strong internal controls, support business decision making, and drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting in accordance with US GAAP.
• Assist with oversight of the general ledger, balance sheet reconciliations, account analysis, and variance reporting.
• Support standard costing, inventory valuation, and manufacturing variance analysis across labor, material, and overhead costs.
• Partner with Operations and Supply Chain teams to analyze production costs, plant performance, and profitability trends.
• Assist with annual standard cost updates and periodic cost roll-up processes.
• Help maintain a strong internal control environment and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Support external audits and coordinate audit requests, schedules, and documentation.
• Assist in managing sales & use tax, property tax, and other regulatory compliance activities.
• Participate in annual budgeting, forecasting, and reforecasting cycles.
• Provide financial analysis and reporting to support capital investments, cost reduction initiatives, and operational improvements.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to manufacturing efficiency, inventory management, and profitability.
• Assist in managing and developing accounting staff across Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and General Ledger functions.
• Collaborate with global finance, HR, operations, manufacturing, and business leadership teams.
• Drive process improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
• Support ERP enhancements, automation initiatives, and system implementation projects.

Desired Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Experience within a manufacturing environment with a strong foundation in cost accounting.
• Solid understanding of US GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Experience supporting month-end close and financial statement preparation.
• Proficiency with ERP systems; Microsoft Dynamics experience strongly preferred.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial analysis skills.
• Experience supervising or mentoring accounting staff.
• Strong background in budgeting, forecasting, and operational finance.
• CPA certification or progress toward certification preferred.
• Experience in corporate accounting, public accounting, or a combination of both is a plus.
• Knowledge of tax compliance, audit coordination, and regulatory reporting requirements.