Corporate Controller

Our client, a leading food manufacturer in the Chicagoland area is seeking a Corporate Controller.

This Corporate Controller role reports directly to the CFO and directs the financial activities of the organization by managing corporate and plant financial reporting and accounting.

This role will supervise a team and have the following responsibilities: coordinate the consolidated monthly close and reporting, conduct income statement review/analysis, perform financial trend analysis compared to company metrics, manage centralized accounts payable/receivable functions, manage centralized general ledger functions, including periodic review of prepared account reconciliations, assist in annual operating budget preparation, complete financial analysis, budget vs.

actual, and forecast vs.

actual, coordinate and prepare documentation required for annual external audit, and prepare financial analysis and reports as necessary.

 Responsibilities:

Responsible for the accounting calendar including monthly, quarterly, consolidation, and year-end accounting close accuracy and deadlines, leading teams to successful and timely execution in accordance with GAAP, IFRS and other Company policies, continuously providing training and working to develop and challenge team members to exceed expectations.

Manages and coordinates day-to-day maintenance of the general accounting systems including research and journal entry of activity and the reconciliation to the general ledger.

Leads others and performs analysis and reconciliation of accounts, including bank statements.

Researches and corrects account discrepancies as appropriate.

Coordinates with other departments and manages the consolidation of the organization’s financial records.

Prepares monthly, quarterly and annual consolidated financial statements as appropriate and submits accurate and timely data for financial reporting purposes.

Ensure high quality review processes for journal entry processing, account reconciliations, fluctuation explanations, internal and external financial reporting, and internal controls.

Oversee Corporate Accounting activities and controls, including monthly close and corporate financials.

Drive continuous business process improvements through the design and implementation of new technologies, overseeing robust and accurate business requirements, reporting, and testing for all system changes impacting Accounting.

Ensure controls adequately address business and technology risks, and ensure all processes are documented, kept current, and executed in accordance with Company policy, staying apprised of changes and requirements.

Oversee annual external audit and work closely with internal audit to make improvements to the financial processes and controls throughout the organization.

Attract, hire, train and retain high performing staff as supported by growth in the business.

Implement, document and maintain adequate and effective internal controls.

Drive continuous improvement within the internal and external financial reporting processes.

Responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

Guide the implementation of new accounting pronouncements, related disclosures, and other GAAP/IFRS implementation issues, including roll out of training.

Oversee the drafting and maintenance of financial policies and procedures for company-wide use.

Develop and disseminate accounting and reporting training and best practices across the Company as necessary.

Collaborate with Corporate FP&A lead to ensure consistency of reporting between Controllership and FP&A.

Requirements:
8-10+ years of accounting experience in a manufacturing environment.

Degree in accounting or finance, MBA is a plus.

CPA required.

Strong GAAP and FRS knowledge.

Previous experience at an accounting firm is a plus.