Controller

Forge Strategies is partnering with a growing manufacturing organization in the greater Chicagoland area to identify an experienced Controller to oversee accounting and financial operations.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys working closely with operations, ownership, and executive leadership while helping drive financial visibility, process improvement, and long-term business growth.

The ideal candidate will come from a manufacturing or industrial environment and have strong experience with financial reporting, cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and operational finance support.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day accounting and financial operations
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis activities
• Lead cost accounting and inventory accounting functions within a manufacturing environment
• Monitor cash flow, margins, and operational financial performance
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls, and company policies
• Partner with operations leadership to improve efficiencies and financial visibility
• Assist with audits, tax coordination, and ERP/accounting system management
• Supervise and mentor accounting or finance staff as needed

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5 years of accounting or finance leadership experience
• Manufacturing, industrial, or distribution industry experience strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of cost accounting, inventory, and operational finance
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills
• Strong communication, leadership, and analytical abilities
• CPA or CMA is a plus but not required

Compensation & Benefits:

• Highly competitive base salary
• Performance bonus opportunity
• Health benefits
• PTO and paid holidays
• Long-term stability and growth opportunity
• Leadership visibility within the organization