Demo

Controller

Surface Solutions Group, LLC
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 3/27/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/23/2026

We are seeking a Controller for our small–midsize manufacturing organization operating two active legally separate divisions. This is a senior hands-on role responsible for directing all finance activities, including accounting operations, cost accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, while ensuring strong internal controls and achievement of financial objectives. The Controller also provides executive oversight of the IT department to ensure financial discipline, risk management, and scalability. The role serves as Plan Administrator for the Company’s Retirement/401(k) plan and plays a key leadership role in domestic and international expansion initiatives, including financial modeling and on-site support.

Essential Functions

  • Direct and manage all finance activities for 2 legally distinct manufacturing entities.
  • Ensure timely and accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
  • Oversee general ledger, AP/AR, payroll, treasury, and compliance functions.
  • Maintain strong internal control systems across all entities.
  • Coordinate audits, tax compliance, and banking relationships.
  • Close coordination with Group HQ on financial reporting and liquidity issues.
  • Act as key interface between local management and Group HQ functions (Controlling, Accounting, Tax, Treasury).
  • Proactive alignment of local GAAP reporting with Group standards and active contribution to group-wide projects (e.g. transfer pricing, Pillar2).
  • Establish annual sales, operating and capital budgets for both divisions.
  • Lead structured management review meetings.
  • Drive accountability for EBITDA, margin performance, and working capital metrics.
  • Ensure financial objectives are achieved in alignment with strategic plans.
  • Oversee standard costing systems, BOM accuracy, labor and overhead allocation.
  • Manage inventory controls, cycle counts, and valuation processes.
  • Analyze production variances and plant performance metrics.
  • Partner with operations leadership to improve cost efficiency and margin performance.
  • Provide cost-based data to support pricing strategy and profitability analysis.
  • Develop financial models to support new facilities and capital investments.
  • · Conduct ROI, NPV, and break-even analyses.
  • · Evaluate regulatory, tax, and cost implications of international operations.
  • · Ensure payroll controls and compliance processes are effective.

401(k) Plan Administration

  • Ensure compliance with ERISA, IRS, and Department of Labor requirements.
  • Serve as Plan Administrator and fiduciary for the Company’s 401(k) retirement plan.
  • Oversee Form 5500 filing, annual testing, and governance documentation.
  • Coordinate with third-party administrators and investment advisors.
  • Comply with annual 401k audit requirement.

IT Oversight

The Controller provides executive oversight of the IT function to ensure technological infrastructure supports operational excellence, data integrity, cybersecurity, and scalable growth.

Key IT Infrastructure Manager responsibilities to oversee:

  • IT budgeting, capital expenditures, and cost management.
  • Ensure ERP systems are optimized for manufacturing operations and financial reporting.
  • Evaluate system scalability to support multi-entity and international growth.
  • Ensure appropriate cybersecurity controls, data governance, and internal control safeguards are in place.
  • Assess technology investments for ROI and operational impact.
  • Responsible for system upgrades, automation initiatives, and digital transformation projects.
  • Ensure business continuity planning and risk mitigation strategies are financially supported.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
  • CPA Required. Experience as a certified public accountant a plus.
  • 8–12 years progressive finance leadership experience.
  • Direct experience in a small or mid-size manufacturing organization.
  • Strong cost accounting and inventory management expertise.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting facility capital projects.
  • Ability and willingness to travel to Costa Rica.

Competencies

  • Manufacturing ERP experience required.
  • Advanced Excel and financial modeling expertise.
  • Strong understanding of GAAP and internal control frameworks.
  • Operationally grounded financial leadership.
  • Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability.
  • High accountability in lean environments.
  • Strong executive communication skills.
  • Ability to scale systems, infrastructure, and processes.
  • Sound risk management and governance judgment.

Pay: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

  • manufacturing: 8 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $100,000 - $130,000

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