Assistant Controller

Blueair, as part of Unilever, is a rapidly growing global brand with consumer health at its core. We believe that no matter where you live, your lifestyle, or your specific health needs, air health is vital to your wellbeing. Over the last 30 years, Blueair has built a team of creative thinkers, health enthusiasts, and innovators who are passionate about our impactful products. We are seeking to add to our entrepreneurial and dynamic culture with an Assistant Controller.

Position Description

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Assistant Controller to support our global finance and accounting operations. This role will be based in Chicago and will play a critical part in ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and compliance across multiple jurisdictions. The Assistant Controller will work closely with and report into the Global Controller and manage two direct reports in Shanghai.

We believe that we’re better together. Our team is hybrid and requires applicants to live commuting distance from a the Chicago Loop Blueair Office and be in-office Tuesday-Thursday.

At Blueair you’ll be part of a global team with creative minds collaborating from around the world. We work across time zones, so some flexibility in working hours is part of the adventure. It’s a chance to connect with passionate teammates worldwide, gain diverse perspectives, and help build a brand that resonates across cultures.

Responsibilities and Functions

Financial Reporting & Close

• Support and help lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close Prepare and review consolidated financial statements in accordance with US GAAP

• Ensure timely and accurate balance sheet reconciliations and income statement analysis

• Oversee intercompany accounting, eliminations, and foreign currency transactions

• Own & enhance monthly accrual processing & manage balance sheet reconciliations

• Support enhancements & process improvements including new tools & automation

Global Accounting Operations

• Partner with local finance teams to ensure consistent application of accounting policies

• Manage and mentor two direct reports based in Shanghai, providing ongoing coaching and development on AR, AP & Tradespend functions

Tax & Compliance Responsibilities

• Manage tax compliance, including US federal, state, and local tax filings & Canadian GST/PST

• Partner with external tax advisors to manage income tax provisions, returns, sales & use tax. Support quarterly and annual income tax provision calculations (ASC 740)

• Assist with tax audits, inquiries, and notices as needed

• Support tax planning initiatives related to global operations, supply chain, and entity structure

Controls, Audit & Governance

• Maintain and enhance internal controls to support accurate financial reporting and tax compliance

• Assist with external financial statement audits and coordinate with auditors

• Support SOX or SOX-like controls, if applicable, including documentation and testing

Process Improvement & Systems

• Identify opportunities to improve accounting and tax processes, workflows, and efficiencies

• Support ERP systems and financial tools, including accounting, tax, and reporting modules

• Partner with FP&A, Operations, and Supply Chain on inventory & cost accounting

Business Support

• Provide financial and tax-related insights to support business decisions

• Support monthly departmental reporting

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on new initiatives, product launches, and geographic expansion

• Support ad-hoc projects and analysis as needed

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance

• CPA or equivalent certification strongly preferred

• 6–10 years of progressive accounting experience, including public accounting and/or industry experience

• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and tax fundamentals

• Experience working with global entities and international tax considerations

• Prior people management experience, including managing remote or international teams

• Experience in consumer durable goods, manufacturing, or inventory-driven environments highly preferred

• Experience with indirect taxes (sales tax, VAT, GST) and transfer pricing

• ERP system experience (NetSuite preferred)

• Strong Excel and financial systems skills

Pay: The base salary pay range for this position is $110,000 to $150,000 per year. Blueair takes into consideration a wide range of factors that are utilized in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, qualifications and education, and other business and organizational needs.

Bonus: This position is bonus eligible.

Benefits: Blueair employees are eligible to participate in our benefits plan. Should the employee choose to participate, they can choose from a range of benefits to include, but not limited to, health insurance (medical, dental and vision), 401K with company match, parental leave, sick leave, paid vacation and holidays, as well as access to numerous additional perks and benefits. Any coverages for health insurance and retirement benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Blueair is an organization committed to diversity and inclusion to drive our business results and create a better future every day for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.