Controller

Company: SMG Group
Location: Bensenville, Illinois, USA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Manufacturing / Packaging

Position Summary

SMG Group is seeking an experienced Controller to lead and oversee the accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal control functions across the organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing or packaging environments, with expertise in cost accounting, inventory management, financial analysis, and multi-entity reporting. This role will serve as a key business partner to executive leadership, providing financial insights that support operational excellence and strategic growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, and month-end/year-end close processes.
• Prepare, review, and analyze financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and variance analysis.
• Lead manufacturing cost accounting activities, including labor, raw materials, overhead, and production cost analysis.
• Monitor inventory valuation, Work-in-Progress (WIP), Finished Goods, and Cost of Goods Sold (COGS).
• Analyze product profitability, gross margins, operating expenses, and overall business performance.
• Develop and maintain effective internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures.
• Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, tax regulations, and other applicable financial reporting requirements.
• Coordinate audits and manage relationships with external auditors, tax advisors, banks, and financial institutions.
• Partner with executive leadership to support strategic planning, financial decision-making, and business growth initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, cash flow, operational efficiency, and cost controls.
• Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and finance staff.
• Drive ERP optimization, financial reporting enhancements, and process improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• CPA designation preferred.
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including leadership experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, or Senior Finance Manager.
• Required experience within a manufacturing, packaging, or industrial production environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing cost accounting, inventory controls, and production reporting.
• Experience managing financial reporting across multiple business units or entities.
• Thorough understanding of U.S. GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and internal controls.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP/accounting systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to work closely with executive leadership and influence business decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a multi-company manufacturing organization.
• Background in packaging, corrugated products, industrial manufacturing, or related industries.
• MBA in Finance or CPA certification.
• Experience leading ERP implementations, financial system integrations, and process improvement initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Financial Analysis & Strategic Planning
• Manufacturing Cost Accounting
• Inventory & Working Capital Management
• Financial Reporting & Compliance
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Leadership & Team Development
• Process Improvement & ERP Systems
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Accuracy, Accountability & Confidentiality