Controller

Taltran Global is conducting a confidential search for a Controller to join a dynamic, PE-backed manufacturing company based in Chicago, IL (Hybrid Role – Fully remote will be considered for the right candidate). This is a high-impact leadership role for a proven financial executive who excels in optimizing financial operations, driving cost efficiencies, and implementing scalable financial systems in a high-growth, private company environment. This role will report directly to the CFO and will oversee the finance and accounting functions across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Strategy & Optimization: Develop and execute financial strategies, operational KPIs, and forecasting models to enhance profitability and business scalability. Provide data-driven insights to executive leadership to drive strategic decision-making.
• Cost Accounting & Inventory Management: Oversee standard costing, variance analysis, and gross margin optimization. Ensure accurate COGS reporting, inventory valuation, and working capital management to support operational efficiencies.
• ERP Implementation & Systems Automation: Lead the evaluation, selection, and full-scale implementation of ERP systems to improve financial reporting, operational visibility, and automation of key finance functions.
• M&A Due Diligence & Integration: Conduct comprehensive financial due diligence, synergy analysis, and integration planning for acquisitions. Ensure seamless financial consolidation and alignment with the company’s growth objectives.
• Risk Management & Internal Controls: Establish and maintain robust financial controls, compliance frameworks, and risk mitigation strategies tailored to private company governance requirements. Drive process automation to enhance accuracy and efficiency in reporting and operations.
• Strategic Financing & Capital Structure Management: Collaborate with PE sponsors, banks, and financial institutions to optimize the company’s capital structure, negotiate financing agreements, and manage debt covenants.
• Operational Leadership: Partner closely with operations, supply chain, and commercial teams to align financial planning with manufacturing performance, supply chain efficiencies, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Tax & Compliance Oversight: Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations while optimizing tax planning strategies.
• Audit & Financial Reporting: Manage the financial close process, external audits, and financial statement preparation in accordance with GAAP. Provide timely, accurate, and insightful reporting to internal stakeholders and investors.
• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing finance and accounting team, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger accounting, cost accounting, payroll, treasury, and financial planning & analysis (FP&A). Foster a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous improvement while mentoring future finance leaders within the organization.
• Cash Flow & Working Capital Management: Monitor and optimize cash flow, liquidity, and working capital cycles, ensuring adequate funding for operations and strategic initiatives.
• Manufacturing Finance Oversight: Implement and enhance cost control measures, production efficiency metrics, and supply chain finance strategies to drive profitability in a lean manufacturing environment.
• Capital Expenditure (CapEx) Planning & ROI Analysis: Evaluate and approve capital investment decisions, ensuring alignment with the company’s long-term strategic objectives and return on investment (ROI) thresholds.
• Board & Investor Relations: Prepare and present financial reports, performance analyses, and strategic recommendations to PE sponsors, board members, and investors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• MBA or Master’s degree preferred.
• CPA and/or CMA required.
• 10 years of progressive finance and accounting experience, with at least 5 years in a senior finance leadership role within a private, PE-backed manufacturing company.
• Strong technical expertise in cost accounting, standard costing, inventory management, and financial modeling.
• Extensive experience with ERP systems implementation and process automation (SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, or similar preferred).
• Demonstrated success in leading M&A due diligence, integrating acquisitions, and optimizing capital structures.
• Deep knowledge of private company financial governance, internal controls, and compliance frameworks.
• Proven ability to partner with PE sponsors, executive leadership teams, and cross-functional business units to drive financial strategy and operational execution.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills, with a track record of improving financial performance and operational efficiencies.
• Experience overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, treasury management, and budgeting processes in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to streamline financial processes and enhance reporting accuracy through automation and best practices.

This is an opportunity for an experienced financial leader to drive operational excellence, profitability improvement, and strategic expansion in a high-growth, PE-backed manufacturing environment.