Controller (Portfolio Company of Lorient Capital) (Chicago)

Job Summary: Vitae is seeking a Controller to join its growing team. This role requires strong knowledge of GAAP, a process-oriented approach to accounting, and leadership in maintaining internal controls. The Controller will enhance reporting tools to improve communication on results, highlight key successes, and identify opportunities for improvement. Additionally, they will drive process automation and real-time analytics for optimal efficiency. We seek a results-driven, hands-on professional to lead all accounting functions and partner with management to ensure financial and strategic goals are met. The Controller must thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, acquisitive, private equity-backed environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Provide direct supervision for all accounting functions for the organization, including direct oversight of the accounting, accounts payable, and treasury functions.
• Guide financial decision-making through the dissemination of appropriate, accurate, and timely financial information with clear insights and analysis.
• Oversee and ensure the accurate and timely dissemination of financial management reports, including but not limited to, monthly financial statements, accounts payable/receivable aging, annual audits, tax returns, and budgets.
• Partner with HR to oversee the processing of employee payroll and related banking/treasury functions.
• Oversee the accounts payable function, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of company disbursements, preparing analytics on outflows by vendor and trending to control cash.
• Establish and maintain finance processes and internal controls, which verify and maintain the integrity of company assets and data.
• Implement adequate internal controls and processes to ensure the accuracy of financial information in compliance with established best practices.
• Coordinate the provision of information to external auditors for the company's annual audit.
• Assure corporate income tax compliance by driving accurate and timely completion of all corporate income tax returns with 3rd party firm.
• Manage and comply with local, state, and federal government reporting requirements and tax filings.
• Complete all relevant technical accounting tasks regarding acquired companies.
• Recruit personnel and build an accounting department to scale with company growth.
• Develop accounting estimates in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to ensure a timely month end close process.
• Develop and maintain a monthly close process and procedure, including an appropriate review process that ensures balance sheet accounts are accurate and audit ready.
• Evaluate existing and new accounting rules and recommend appropriate actions and/or procedures.
• Assist in other financial and accounting duties as assigned.
• Personal Attributes:
• Demonstrated self-starter, starting, and completing tasks without daily direction.
• Career-motivated professional who is self-confident, energetic and possesses a strong work ethic.
• Effective at evaluating and streamlining processes to drive improved efficacy and efficiency.
• Special Proficiencies:
• Wide range of experience with different GL systems and ability to think ahead as different records are consolidated.
• Advanced skillset in Excel.
• Advanced skillset in accrual accounting policies and cash to accrual conversion.
• Experience with Sage Intacct preferred.

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance; CPA preferred 5+ years of accounting experience, preferably within a growing and acquisitive, PE-backed company. Multi-site experience preferred. Experience integrating acquisitions is preferred.