Controller - Manufacturing

Controller – Manufacturing | St. Charles, IL | Up to $130K

A well-established and growing custom manufacturing organization in the western suburbs of Chicago is seeking a hands-on Controller to lead its accounting function. This is a highly visible leadership role within a stable, collaborative environment where accounting plays a critical part in operational decision-making.

The company has been an industry leader for decades and is currently investing heavily in growth initiatives, including facility expansion, new equipment, sustainability projects, and an upcoming ERP transition. This is an excellent opportunity for a Controller who enjoys ownership, process improvement, and developing people.

Why This Role is Compelling

• Long-standing, financially stable manufacturer with strong market reputation

• Significant capital investments and expansion initiatives underway

• Established accounting team in place

• High visibility with executive leadership

• Opportunity to drive improvements and modernization

Position Overview

The Controller will lead day-to-day accounting operations while actively participating in core accounting functions. This is not a purely delegative role — the ideal candidate is comfortable rolling up their sleeves, owning the close process, and mentoring a small team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead job costing and cost accounting activities

• Perform variance analysis (labor, material, overhead)

• Own journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end close (3-day target)

• Oversee AP, AR, and Payroll/HR functions

• Ensure accurate financial reporting and internal controls

• Support ERP transition and process optimization initiatives

• Lead transition of select outsourced functions back in-house

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

• Strong manufacturing accounting experience (job shop / custom manufacturing highly preferred)

• Proven cost accounting expertise (standard vs. actual, variances, BOMs, etc.)

• Experience leading or mentoring a small accounting team

• Hands-on involvement with month-end close and daily accounting activities

• Strong sense of ownership and urgency

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA (active or previously held)

• Payroll / tax filing experience

• ERP implementation or migration experience (Epicor experience a plus)

Compensation & Details

• Salary: Up to $125K base

• Type: Direct Hire / Salaried

• Location: St. Charles, IL (fully onsite)

If you’re a manufacturing-focused accounting leader who enjoys being deeply involved in the numbers while helping a company scale and modernize, this role offers exceptional visibility and long-term impact.

Apply now if interested.