Assistant Controller
lhhWheeling (IL)
About the role
Assistant Controller
Location:
Wheeling, ILWe are seeking an experienced Assistant Controller to join a growing, product-based organization in Wheeling, IL. This is an excellent opportunity for a strong accounting professional looking to take the next step in their career, with the potential to grow into a Controller role as they develop within the organization.
The ideal candidate will have:
7+ years of progressive accounting experience in a product-based industry, strong technical accounting and financial reporting skills, and a process-improvement mindset. We are looking for someone who will not only manage the day-to-day accounting function but also proactively identify opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen controls, improve reporting, and create efficiencies.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead key aspects of the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close
- Prepare and review financial statements, journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules
- Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAPOversee and support accounting for inventory, cost of goods sold, fixed assets, accruals, and other product-related accounting areas
- Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures
- Drive process improvements and automation initiatives across the accounting function
- Identify inefficiencies within existing accounting processes and implement scalable solutions
- Partner cross-functionally with operations and other departments to improve financial visibility and reporting
- Support internal and external audits
- Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
- Mentor and develop members of the accounting team
- Partner closely with senior finance leadership on strategic initiatives and special projects
- Take on increasing responsibility with the opportunity to develop toward a future Controller position
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field 7+ years of progressive accounting experience
- Experience within a product-based industry, such as manufacturing, distribution, consumer products, food and beverage, or industrial products
- Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP and financial reporting
- Experience with month-end close, balance sheet reconciliations, financial statements, and operational accounting
- Inventory and cost accounting exposure strongly preferredCPA is a strong plus
- Strong Excel and ERP systems experience
- Previous leadership or supervisory experience preferred
- Demonstrated process-improvement mindset with the ability to identify opportunities for greater efficiency, automation, and stronger controls
- Strong communication skills and ability to partner effectively across accounting, finance, and operations
- Why This Opportunity
- Clear opportunity for continued growth toward a Controller role
- High-visibility position working closely with senior finance leadership
- Opportunity to make an impact through process improvement, automation, and optimization
- Broad exposure across technical, operational, and corporate accounting
- Ideal opportunity for a step-up candidate or a Controller from a smaller organization looking for greater scale and complexity
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Before you apply
Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.
Your profile is current
It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.
Two examples you can talk through
Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.
A number in mind
What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.
Your notice period
Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.
Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.