Controller - Linda

Position: Controller

Location: Chicago, IL

Job Type: Onsite/Permanent/Full Time

Target candidate is 15-25 years of experience, with a few stints of at least 5 years of experience. (Covid can see some movement I think is expected)

We can look at, with experience in a PE owned environment that met all reporting and close expectations for accounting, and bonus points for doing some finance like activities on top. 

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a member of the leadership team and participate in key decisions pertaining to strategic initiatives, operating modes, and operational execution.
• Maintain primary day-to-day responsibility of all financial-related activities of the company, which includes responsibility for accounting, finance, forecasting, strategic planning, deal analysis and negotiations, investor relationships, and compliance.
• Provide management with advice on the financial implications of business activities.
• Provide timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports, and financial trends to assist the President & CEO and other management members in performing their responsibilities.
• Represent the company to financial partners, including financial institutions, investors, executives, auditors, public officials, etc.
• Directly supervise the company’s accounting staff and provide direct oversight of all external vendors supporting finance, tax and audit activities.
• Directly engage staff in developing and fostering the culture of the company and client communities.
• Plan, implement, manage, and control all financial-related activities of the company to meet both short and long term strategic financial objectives.
• Set strategies and initiatives to improve the financial performance, both short and long term, for the company.
• Direct and implement financial strategic plans for accounting and financial activities.
• Provide recommendations to strategically enhance financial performance and business activities.
• Oversee the management of short-term working capital and cash flow planning; ensure the availability of funds as needed.
• Oversee processing of accounts payable, collection of accounts receivable, and bank reconciliations are completed monthly.
• Manage loan payments, monitor loan provisions and manage to debt covenant compliance.
• Optimize the handling of credit card, bank, and cash deposit relationships and maintain a system of controls over accounting transactions.
• Evaluate and advise on the financial impact of strategic plans, business development plans, and action.
• Ensure credibility of finance/accounting department by providing timely month-end, quarter-end, and year-end financial statements.
• Develop, manage and ensure accurate analysis and processes for financial forecasting, planning, budgets, and reporting to the company.
• Play a leading role in preparing and developing board meeting power points; participate in, and play a key role in, all board meeting financial reviews.
• Coordinate the preparation of the corporate annual report.
• Recommend, prepare and manage financial and operating metrics.
• Calculate variances from the budget and report significant issues to management.
• Develop and prepare a system of management cost reports.
• Provide ad hoc financial analysis as needed, including, but limited to, capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations.
• Develops, implements and enforces a documented system of accounting policies and procedures, including effective check and balance internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and applicable city, state, and federal regulatory laws for financial and tax reporting.
• Ensure timely filing of tax documents and returns.
• Coordinate provision of information to external auditors and ensure timely audits.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance; advanced degrees a plus.
• Successful completion of the Uniform Certified Public Accountants Exam.
• Ten years of progressively responsible financial leadership.
• Previous interaction and experience with private equity partners and related banking concepts is also preferred, but not required.
• High level of integrity and dependability, with a strong sense of urgency and work ethic.
• Strong interpersonal skills: ability to communicate and manage well at all levels of the organization.
• Strong problem solving and assessment skills; ability to exercise sound judgement, and ability to make decisions based on accurate and timely analysis.
• Results oriented; driven and engaged to develop, mentor, and manage accounting / finance personnel and functions.

Skills:

• Must possess strong financial acumen, reading, writing, grammar, and mathematic skills.
• Strong understanding and comfort with using NetSuite as a financial and ERP system.
• Must possess strong computer skills including Microsoft Office products, most notably Word, Excel, and Outlook (among others)
• Must be able to manage confidential information with the utmost integrity and discretion.