Senior Controller & Finance Operations Manager

Job Title: Senior Controller & Finance Operations Manager

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Fulltime

Senior Controller & Finance Operations Manager

• A large financial service business in the northern suburbs of Chicago seeks a Senior Controller & Finance Operations Manager to add to its accounting and finance team.
• The Senior Controller & Finance Operations Manager is a senior finance leadership position that partners directly with executive leaders to strengthen the Company's accounting and finance organization through a combination of strategic leadership and hands-on operational execution. The position is responsible for leading strategic initiatives, supporting executive decision-making, improving financial processes, and assuming significant responsibility for the Company's accounting operations, including financial reporting, month-end close, internal controls, and compliance.

Strategic Finance & Accounting Support:

• Support strategic finance initiatives and operational improvements across the accounting and finance organization.
• Conduct financial analysis to support business decisions, operational initiatives, and financial planning.
• Develop reporting tools and dashboards to improve visibility into financial performance and operational metrics.
• Support special projects and cross-functional initiatives.

Financial Reporting & Compliance:

• Coordinate and oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process.
• Review journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial statement support.
• Assist in preparation and review of consolidated financial statements.
• Monitor accounting activities to ensure compliance with GAAP and company policies.
• Coordinate external audits and regulatory reporting.
• Support technical accounting research and implementation.
• Assist with workload balancing and prioritization across the Accounting Department.
• Provide functional leadership and guidance to accounting personnel through a dotted-line reporting relationship.
• Ensure consistency of accounting practices across business units.
• Review financial results and investigate unusual variances.
• Ensure compliance with accounting policies, regulatory requirements, and internal financial controls.
• Assist in preparation of audit schedules and coordination with external auditors.

ERP & Financial Systems Implementation

• Support the implementation and ongoing optimization of financial software systems, including the company s ERP platform.
• Partner with internal teams and external consultants to design financial reporting structures, workflows, and system controls.
• Develop system-based reporting and analytics capabilities to enhance financial insight and decision making.

Process Improvement & Policy Development:

• Identify opportunities to improve finance and accounting processes to increase efficiency.
• Develop and implement finance department procedures, documentation, and policies.
• Standardize processes across accounting functions to improve operational consistency.
• Assist in developing and strengthening internal control frameworks across finance and accounting functions.
• Document key control processes and ensure consistent implementation.
• Identify and mitigate operational and financial risk through improved control design.

Accounting Operations Support

• Provide support and oversight across accounting operations including:
• Accounts Receivable
• Cash collections
• Billing
• Accounts Payable
• Tax compliance support
• Assist in monitoring working capital and improving cash flow through enhanced receivables management and billing processes.

Benefits:

• Flexible working hours
• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short- and Long-term Disability)
• Paid Time Off

Qualifications, Skills & Competencies:

• Bachelor s degree in Accounting or Finance required
• MBA or CPA strongly preferred
• 8 10 years of progressive experience in accounting, finance, financial analysis, or operational finance roles
• Experience supporting financial reporting and accounting operations
• Experience implementing financial systems or ERP platforms preferred
• Experience with process improvement and internal control development
• Strong financial analysis and problem-solving skills
• Process improvement and operational mindset
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting
• Experience with financial systems and ERP implementations
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a dynamic environment