Controller- Confidential Entertainment & Live Events Organization

Posted yesterday

lhhChicago (IL)

Treasurers and Controllers Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities

SENIORITY

Manager

SALARY

$150,000 to $175,000

Apply

About the role

Controller | Confidential Entertainment & Live Events OrganizationLHH Recruitment Solutions has been retained to identify a Controller for a highly recognizable Chicago organization operating at the intersection of live events, premium guest experiences, and hospitality. This is an opportunity to join a visible and highly collaborative organization where finance plays a critical role in supporting business operations, enhancing processes, and delivering exceptional experiences to thousands of people throughout the year.

Position Overview: The Controller will lead the monthly close process, oversee financial reporting activities, strengthen controls and audit readiness, and drive process improvement, automation, and operational efficiency initiatives. This individual will manage and develop a team that includes an Accounting Manager, Staff Accountant, and Accounts Payable professionals while serving as a key business partner across the organization. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on accounting leader who enjoys building teams, driving accountability, improving processes, and partnering cross-functionally with operational and executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process
Oversee financial reporting and accounting operations
Drive process improvement, system optimization, and automation initiatives
Ensure strong internal controls and audit preparedness
Develop, mentor, and hold accounting team members accountable for performance and results
Partner closely with operational and executive leadership across the organization
Support strategic initiatives and organizational growth

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Accounting required
CPA strongly preferred
Public accounting foundation preferred
7-10+ years of progressive accounting experience
Experience leading the close process within a mid-sized or larger organization
Prior people management experience required
Strong understanding of financial controls, reporting, and accounting best practices
Experience with NetSuite strongly preferred
Demonstrated success driving process improvements, automation initiatives, and scalable accounting operations

What Makes This Opportunity UniqueWhile many Controller opportunities offer similar responsibilities, few offer this type of environment. The successful candidate will work from one of Chicago's most recognizable venues and be part of an organization that creates memorable experiences for thousands of people each year. The role offers exceptional visibility across the business, meaningful interaction with leaders across multiple functions, and a workplace experience unlike a traditional corporate accounting environment. Beyond the scope of the role, employees enjoy complimentary breakfast and lunch daily, unique industry-related experiences and perks, and the opportunity to work in an energetic environment that few accounting professionals ever get to experience. Given the location and collaborative nature of the organization, this opportunity will likely be most attractive to professionals who live in Chicago or the nearby suburbs and enjoy being immersed in the energy of an active, highly visible workplace.

Compensation & Benefits:

Base salary: $150,000 to $175,000
Target bonus: 10%
Medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid sick leave where applicable by state law.
401(k) retirement plan
Complimentary breakfast and lunch provided daily
Additional perks and experiences unique to the live events and entertainment industry Search being run by Brian Esko – LHHPlease apply here or send your resume to Brian.Esko@LHH.com for consideration. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.lhh.com/us/en/candidate-privacyThe Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
The California Fair Chance Act
Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

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.