Accounting Controller

Divisional Controller – Des Plaines, IL

Job Type: Full-Time
Work Setting: On-Site (with some travel)
Industry: Manufacturing – Capital Equipment

The Opportunity

This isn’t your standard Controller role—it’s a chance to step into the financial cockpit of a $100M+ manufacturing division. Based near Des Plaines, IL, you’ll be working shoulder-to-shoulder with divisional leadership and directly reporting to the Division President. This is a high-impact position for a finance leader who thrives in complex, hands-on environments and wants to be part of something transformational.

As part of a highly visible business unit, you'll serve as a trusted advisor, strategic operator, and team leader—someone who knows how to anchor the day-to-day while keeping the long view in focus.

Your Role

You won’t be buried in spreadsheets all day. You’ll be:

• Owning the financials for a capital equipment manufacturing brand

• Coordinating MWW pass-through operations and managing multiple cost centers

• Leading a professional team in accounting and finance, with hands-on engagement

• Driving accounting excellence, with a focus on cost accounting, ERP integrity, and timely reporting

• Managing budgets, including bad debt reserves and warranty provisioning

• Representing the division in audits and monthly executive reviews

Being highly adaptable will be key. The business environment is active, fast-paced, and evolving. You'll need to remain composed, accurate, and strategic through periods of transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead full-scope accounting and finance operations across sites

• Oversee P&L, budgeting, forecasting, and job costing (including WIP and POC accounting)

• Act as a strategic advisor to the Division President and other business leaders

• Execute ERP and system integration initiatives

• Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal controls

• Drive automation and streamline processes to improve efficiency and accuracy

• Present financials in executive and board-level discussions

What You Bring

• 7–10 years of experience in accounting/finance, with 3+ years in a leadership role

• A capital equipment manufacturing background (essential)

• Strong knowledge of POC accounting, job cost systems, and operational finance along with Public Traded and Global accounting experience.

• ERP fluency

• B.A. in Accounting required; MBA, CPA, or CMA preferred but not required

• Experience working in nimble, hands-on settings (not overly structured or heavily resourced environments)

• Ability to lead, manage, and mentor while also rolling up your sleeves

• An even keel in periods of high change—someone who brings calm, structure, and forward motion

Cultural Fit

• You take pride in your team and their development, but you lead from the front—not from a corner office.

• You don’t need titles to lead. You do what needs to be done, and you do it well.

• You respect structure, but you know transformation takes grit and flexibility.

• You view audits and accountability as opportunities, not just obligations.