Controller

Job Description: Group Controller

Company: SMG Group
Location: Bensenville, Illinois, USA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Industry: Manufacturing / Packaging

Position Summary

SMG Group is seeking an experienced Group Controller to oversee financial operations, accounting, reporting, budgeting, and financial controls across its group of companies. The ideal candidate must have prior experience in a manufacturing or packaging company, with strong knowledge of cost accounting, inventory management, and multi-entity financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations, general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and month-end/year-end closing.
• Prepare and review consolidated financial statements, balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, financial planning, and variance analysis.
• Oversee manufacturing cost accounting, including labor, raw materials, overhead, and production costs.
• Monitor inventory valuation, work-in-progress (WIP), finished goods, and cost of goods sold (COGS).
• Analyze product profitability, gross margins, operating expenses, and financial performance.
• Establish and maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and financial procedures across group companies.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, tax requirements, and financial regulations.
• Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, banks, and other financial partners.
• Support senior management with financial analysis, business planning, and strategic decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to improve cash flow, reduce costs, and increase operational efficiency.
• Manage and develop the accounting and finance team.
• Implement and improve ERP systems and financial reporting processes.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA is preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, including experience in a controller or senior financial management role.
• Mandatory experience in a manufacturing or packaging company.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing cost accounting, inventory control, and production financial reporting.
• Experience managing financial reporting and accounting across multiple entities or business units.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and internal controls.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP/accounting systems.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
• Ability to work directly with executive leadership and support business decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a multi-company manufacturing group.
• Background in packaging, corrugated boxes, industrial manufacturing, or related industries.
• CPA certification or MBA in Finance.
• Experience with ERP implementation, process improvement, and financial system integration.

Key Competencies

• Financial analysis and strategic planning
• Manufacturing cost control
• Inventory and working capital management
• Consolidated financial reporting
• Team leadership and problem-solving
• Accuracy, accountability, and confidentiality

Work Location

Bensenville, Illinois, USA. The candidate must be able to work on-site and collaborate with management and finance teams across SMG Group companies.

Ideal Candidate

A hands-on finance leader with strong manufacturing or packaging industry experience who can manage day-to-day accounting, oversee group-level financial reporting, control production costs, and provide actionable financial insights to executive management.

Pay: $99,800.00 - $121,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance

Work Location: In person