Controller

COMPANY BACKGROUND

EMCO Chemical Distributors is one of the largest independent chemical distributors in North America. Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, EMCO distributes, blends, and packages more than 5,000 SKUs to over 4,000 customers across diverse end markets, including industrial manufacturing, plastics, lubricants, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals.

With more than 500 employees, EMCO operates distribution and packaging facilities, an application laboratory, an environmental services facility, and a dedicated delivery fleet enabling just-in-time distribution. In December 2025, EMCO partnered with Lindsay Goldberg, a leading private equity firm focused on industrials, services, and healthcare, to support the Company's next chapter of growth.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the Controller will lead EMCO's accounting function and serve as a hands-on operator and trusted partner to the executive team and the private equity sponsor. This is not a maintenance role. The Controller will own the full month-end close cycle and consolidated financial reporting across multiple entities, lead and develop the accounting team, modernize processes and controls, partner with IT on financial systems within the broader ERP strategy, and support the Company's add-on acquisition agenda. The successful candidate will have real influence over how EMCO's finance function evolves as the platform scales.

WHY THIS ROLE

This is not a maintenance role. The Controller will have real influence over how EMCO's finance function evolves, direct visibility with the PE sponsor, and the opportunity to grow with the platform as it scales. Candidates who thrive in a dynamic, results-oriented environment and want more than a close-the-books job will find this role worth a conversation.

POSITION COMPETENCIES

• Business Acumen — Translates accounting data into actionable business insights for non-financial leaders. Anticipates the financial implications of operational, commercial, and strategic decisions.
• Ownership & Drive — Operates with a sense of urgency, accountability, and bias for action. Comfortable owning ambiguous problems end-to-end and driving them to closure. Thrives in a lean, high-performance, results-oriented environment.
• Communication & Influence — Communicates clearly and concisely with all stakeholders, adapting the message to the audience. Builds credibility quickly with cross-functional partners through a service-oriented mindset.
• Technical Excellence — Sets a high bar for accuracy, controls, and analytical rigor. Demonstrates fluency with modern accounting technology and a continuous-improvement mindset.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Close, Reporting & Controls

• Month-End Close: Own the full month-end close cycle, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistency across all reporting periods. Deliver clean, timely financials month after month.
• Financial Reporting Packages: Prepare and deliver financial reporting packages to internal leadership, the PE sponsor, and lenders, including monthly, quarterly, and ad-hoc reporting consistent with sponsor and lender expectations.
• Multi-Entity Consolidation: Lead consolidated financial reporting across multiple entities, including intercompany eliminations, FX (as applicable), and standardized chart of accounts.
• Internal Controls: Maintain and strengthen internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures to safeguard company assets and support a clean audit and a future exit-ready financial environment.
• US GAAP Compliance: Ensure all accounting activities comply with US GAAP and relevant tax and regulatory requirements.

Team Leadership & Process Improvement

• Team Development: Lead, develop, and mentor the accounting team. Set clear expectations and build a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements that increase efficiency, strengthen controls, and scale with the business as EMCO grows organically and through acquisitions.
• Business Partnership: Partner with finance and operations leadership to provide actionable financial insights that support decision-making across the business.

Systems, Integration & External Stakeholders

• Financial Systems & ERP Strategy: Partner with IT to oversee financial systems within the broader ERP strategy, including supporting system upgrades, implementations, or integrations as needed.
• Acquisition Integration: integration and reporting activities related to potential add-on acquisitions, including standardization of chart of accounts, close calendar, and reporting cadence.
• Audit, Tax & Banking: Interface with third-party audit, tax, and banking relationships, serving as the primary point of contact and ensuring all schedules, filings, and covenant reporting are accurate and on time.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Preferred Credentials: CPA preferred. MBA or CMA is a plus.
• Experience: 8 years of progressive accounting experience, including time in a Controller or senior accounting leadership role. Background in manufacturing and/or distribution is strongly preferred.
• PE Environment: Experience in a private equity-backed environment, with an understanding of sponsor expectations and reporting cadences, is strongly preferred.
• M&A Exposure: M&A experience, including post-close integration, is a plus.

JOB REQUIREMENTS / SKILLS

• Month-End Close: Strong track record of owning month-end close and delivering clean, timely financials in a multi-entity environment.
• Cost Accounting: Hands-on experience with actual and standard cost accounting approaches for inventory in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Team Management: Demonstrated success managing and developing accounting staff, including senior accountants and managers.
• Process Improvement: Hands-on experience leading process improvement initiatives, including close acceleration, controls enhancement, and reporting automation.
• ERP Implementation: ERP implementation or major upgrade experience (e.g., SAP, Microsoft Dynamics 365, NetSuite, Oracle, or Infor) is a plus.
• Technical Accounting: Solid understanding of US GAAP, internal controls, and audit readiness.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present clearly to executives, sponsors, and lenders.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• On-site role at EMCO's Pleasant Prairie, WI headquarters.
• Travel up to 10% to other EMCO facilities and recently-acquired sites.
• Frequent use of keyboard, monitor, and standard office equipment.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Reach with hands and arms; speak and hear.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Base Salary: Commensurate with experience.
• Annual Bonus: Target performance-based annual bonus (% of base, tied to company and individual performance).
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and additional benefits.

EMCO Chemical Distributors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.