What are the responsibilities and job description for the Controller - Americas Division position at Buckingham Search?
Controller – Americas Division
📍 Chicago, IL | Hybrid (3 days onsite)
About the Company
A global marketing and technology services organization with multi-billion-dollar annual revenue is seeking an experienced Regional Controller to lead accounting operations across its North American business. The company partners with some of the world’s most recognized brands, delivering data-driven solutions, digital transformation, and operational excellence at scale.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior finance leader to join a high-growth, international organization focused on modernization, efficiency, and continuous improvement within a complex, multi-entity environment.
About the Role
The Controller will oversee full-cycle accounting, reporting, and internal controls for the North American region. This individual will ensure accurate financial statements, drive operational improvements, and lead the regional audit and compliance processes. The position will also play a key role in financial transformation initiatives, partnering with global leadership to modernize systems, enhance automation, and scale analytical capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Accounting Oversight
- Direct full-cycle accounting, including financial statement preparation, balance sheet integrity, and cash flow oversight.
- Deliver accurate results in line with international accounting standards and corporate policy
- Partner with shared service teams on AP, AR, and tax process optimization.
- Manage external audits and ensure documentation meets compliance requirements.
- Strengthen internal control frameworks and monitor financial risk.
- Identify and execute improvements across accounting and reporting workflows.
Finance Operations
- Provide business leaders with clear financial analysis and data-driven recommendations.
- Collaborate with FP&A and commercial teams to review budgets, forecasts, and key metrics.
- Support integration workstreams related to acquisitions and system implementations.
- Champion digital finance initiatives, including automation and dashboarding projects.
- Serve as a strategic partner to senior management on accounting policy and performance visibility.
Management
- Lead and mentor a team of accounting professionals, promoting ownership and professional growth.
- Set clear goals, evaluate performance, and foster a culture of accountability and inclusivity.
- Develop future leadership talent and ensure succession readiness within the regional finance function.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA required.
- 10 years of progressive accounting experience, including 5 years leading teams.
- Prior experience in public accounting (Big 4 or equivalent) strongly preferred.
- Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP and international reporting standards.
- Experience with public-company reporting, internal controls, or audit management.
- Skilled in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or NetSuite) and advanced Excel modeling.
- Proven record of driving process improvement and system modernization.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
What’s Offered
- Competitive compensation with performance-based bonus.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Disability and life insurance.
- 401(k) plan with company contribution.
- Generous paid time off and company holidays.
- Hybrid work model and a supportive, collaborative culture.