Head of Accounting and Controllership

Our client, a leading creator, manufacturer, and marketer of food flavorings and ingredients serving both sweet and savory end markets is searching for an experienced Head of Accounting and Controllership to join their team. This position will be hybrid and located in the Addison, IL office.

The successful candidate will lead our accounting and controllership function, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in financial operations. This role will play a critical part in supporting our company's growth trajectory and maintaining financial integrity, by undertaking all aspects of financial management, including corporate accounting, regulatory and financial reporting, development of internal control policies and procedures, automation of financial processes, preparation and coordination of audit and tax documentation and processes, oversight of financial systems of record, and development of the accounting team.

Essential Functions

Under the supervision of the CFO, your primary responsibilities will be:

• Leading, developing, and maintaining a strong, competent, and highly-engaged accounting team
• Leading accounting functions, financial reporting, treasury, tax, and audit
• Planning, directing, and coordinating all accounting operational functions, including accounts receivable and accounts payable functions (general ledger); external tax accounting, compliance, and reporting; month-end, quarter-end and year-end reporting; technical accounting and other regulatory reporting
• Managing the accumulation and consolidation of all financial data necessary for an accurate accounting of consolidated business results in accordance with US GAAP and other relevant regulatory bodies
• Leading the coordination, preparation, and accuracy of internal and external financial statements and key financial performance indicators
• Preparing and analyzing the Company’s recurring deliverables:
• Monthly consolidated financial statements and management summaries (supporting FP&A)
• Quarterly bank covenant calculations
• Quarterly Board Presentation and supporting analyses (supporting FP&A)
• Annual financials
• Support in preparation of board materials and investor presentations
• Manage financial and administrative aspects of the integration of acquired companies
• Leading the development and documentation of best practices, business processes, and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls and to ensure Internal Control Over Financial Reporting (“ICFR”)
• Assessing current accounting operations, offering recommendations for improvement and leading the implementation of new processes, automation, and financially-related software
• Leading the audit and tax preparation processes with the Company’s third-party audit and tax partners, including coordinating activities of the external auditors, third-party accounting services providers, and third-party tax services providers
• Overseeing regulatory reporting, including tax planning, reporting, and compliance, and ensuring the accurate and timely preparation of annual and miscellaneous tax returns and supporting workpapers by teammates and third-party service providers
• Working with business leaders and third-party tax services providers to identify opportunities for tax strategies and incentives
• Interfacing with the Company’s lenders and other financial partners
• Providing CFO with research and recommendations related to technical accounting issues for compliance and for adoption of new accounting pronouncements and new regulatory disclosure requirements
• In conjunction with the Head of FP&A, overseeing the analysis of monthly financial results, including analyses of cash flows and balance sheet accounts, and reviewing variance analysis from the budget and from the prior year highlighting critical business trends and investor messaging
• Assisting in development of the Annual Operating Plan, 3-Year Strategic Plan, and monthly forecasts
• Implementing, improving, and helping manage the Company’s working capital management procedures
• Identifying and implementing opportunities to increase efficiencies and reduce costs within the accounting and controllership function and across the organization
• Assisting the CFO in analyzing and maintaining key corporate programs including enterprise risk management and employee benefits, including leading the annual insurance renewal process

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily; the requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Educations/Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Accounting
• CPA strongly preferred but not required
• Relevant experience in a similar position in a manufacturing environment is required; food and beverage or chemicals manufacturing experience preferred
• Prior experience in a large public accounting firm preferred
• Cost accounting experience strongly preferred
• 10+ years of experience in accounting or finance positions, including thorough knowledge of accounting principles and experience with closing processes and financial statement preparation
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and GAAP principles, financial reporting, and regulatory reporting requirements
• Audit and tax leadership experience required
• Self-motivated and highly-driven; pro-active, hands-on strategic thinker
• Strong business acumen and proven business partnering including the maturity and awareness to achieve the appropriate balance between supporting and challenging the business
• Strong leader and developer of people; committed to retaining an inclusive environment
• Strong cross-functional relationship builder
• High standard of accuracy, precision, and organization, with a strong attention to detail
• Strong analytic, organizational and problem-solving skills that enable strategic data interpretation
• Strong track record of developing people and teams and driving enhanced performance thereof
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Experience in effectively communicating key data, including presentations, to senior management, board and other outside partners

Language Ability: Excellent oral and written communicator

Computer Skills: Advanced Microsoft Office (including Excel, PowerPoint, PowerBI); technology savvy with “hands on” experience with ERP and MIS/reporting systems; prior experience with ERP software provider, Sage X3, a plus

Disclaimer

The job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder might differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties may be assigned. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. SmartHire is not legally responsible for any change of jobholder's responsibilities or activities, by our clients, that differ from this job description.