Controller – Logistics & Construction Materials (CPA / Public Accounting Required)

Location: Crystal Lake, IL (On-site)

Position Type: Full-time (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

Experience Level: Mid-Senior (5+ Years)

Department: Accounting & Finance

Reports To: President

Relocation / Visa Sponsorship: Not Available

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands-on Controller to lead our financial operations, accounting functions, and risk management initiatives. Reporting directly to the President, you will hold complete ownership of the monthly, quarterly, and annual accounting close, financial reporting, cost accounting structures, and ERP systems.

This role is ideal for a CPA with a background in public accounting and proven industry expertise within Logistics, Heavy Fleet/Transport, or Aggregate Construction Materials. You will serve as a key business partner to executive leadership, driving job profitability, operational efficiency, cost improvements, and multi-entity growth strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting Close

• Oversee and execute the end-to-end monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes, delivering complete financial statement packages by the 10th of each month.
• Prepare, reconcile, and review balance sheets, P&L statements, general ledgers, fixed asset depreciation schedules, and bank/loan reconciliations across multiple business entities.
• Lead cash management, positive pay confirmations, inter-company allocations, and debt-to-asset structure analysis.
• Serve as the primary liaison for external auditors, preparing all required documentation and schedules.

Cost Accounting, Analytics & Job Profitability

• Build, evaluate, and refine cost accounting structures across all business units, locations, and jobs to accurately reflect financial performance.
• Collaborate with operational department heads to build unit-level P&Ls, identify operational inefficiencies, and drive cost-improvement initiatives.
• Create and monitor budgetary controls, providing actionable financial analytics on operational, production, and cost performance metrics.

ERP Optimization & Systems Control

• Lead the implementation and continuous optimization of the company's ERP system to enhance reporting accuracy, workflow efficiency, and internal controls.
• Document, maintain, and enforce standard operating procedures across all finance, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and purchasing workflows.
• Coordinate with third-party IT service providers to oversee IT infrastructure, software services, and accounting systems security.

Compliance, Risk Management & Operations

• Oversee annual insurance evaluations and renewals across liability, property, casualty, and workers' compensation policies.
• Ensure full regulatory and operational compliance, including IFTA reporting, license plate renewals, leases, quarry compliance, and contract renewals.
• Manage customer credit applications, credit limits, accounts receivable risk, collections, lien waivers, sales tax returns, and real estate tax payments.
• Partner with Human Resources to support payroll processing, benefits administration, and financial compliance.

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Partner with the President to develop short- and long-term capital strategies, supporting organic growth, business acquisitions, and future divestitures.
• Translate complex financial concepts for non-financial department managers to justify strategic operational and financial recommendations.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Education & Certification: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field and an active CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CA (Chartered Accountant) designation.
• Public Accounting Experience: Prior experience working in public accounting.
• Industry Background: Minimum 5+ years of progressive accounting leadership within Logistics/Transportation (fleet, bulk hauling, freight) OR Aggregate/Construction Materials (quarry, mining, heavy manufacturing).
• Core Competencies:
  • Proven track record leading ERP implementations and financial process improvements.
  • Expert-level understanding of cost accounting, job costing, and multi-entity reporting.
  • Hands-on expertise with sales tax, IFTA, asset/fleet tracking, and operational compliance.
  • Exceptional leadership, logic, numerical proficiency, and cross-functional communication skills.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Format: 100% On-site in IL/US
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM