Controller

Chicago Tag and Label is a leading provider of innovative and customized print and label solutions, serving a diverse range of industries across the nation. With several decades of experience and a commitment to quality, we help businesses enhance their branding, streamline operations, and meet regulatory requirements through our extensive product offerings. Our solutions include custom labels, tags, form labels, and specialty products designed to meet the unique needs of our clients.  Visit us on our website:  www.chicagotag.com

Position Overview:

The Controller is key to the financial health of Chicago Tag and Label.  In this role, you will oversee the company’s Accounting operations, leading a team to ensure timely, accurate financial reporting, compliance (GAAP/regulations), process improvement, managing month/year-end close, budgets, forecasts, reconciliations, providing analysis for strategic decisions, and supporting continued growth of the company.  

Responsibilities and Duties

Financial Reporting and Analysis:

• Prepare monthly financial statements, including Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Cash Flow Statement.
• Prepare internal financial reports and dashboards for leadership; identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Monitor and manage organizational spending, while ensuring that accounting staff are appropriately coding expenses and revenues and are following both internal financial policies and external financial regulations
• Ensure Sales & Operations are aligned based on sales growth/decline for inventory planning, staffing implications, and working capital needs.
• Collaborate with auditors during the annual audit, managing the audit and ensuring timely responses to requests, and accurate financial data is supplied. 

Cost Accounting:

• Review cost variances recorded in the general ledger from the shop floor data collection system to identify anomalies requiring investigation.
• Analyze costing and margin reports and provide insights to support business decisions based on scope of work, including by item, product type, customer, and other relevant dimensions.

Accounting Operations:

• Oversee the month end close including all general ledger functions, account reconciliations, and ensure the accuracy of financial records and transactions.
• Responsible for the overall management of the General Ledger and Balance Sheet to ensure accuracy of financial data
• Monitor and manage organizational spending, while ensuring that accounting staff are appropriately coding expenses and revenues and are in compliance with both internal financial policies and external financial regulations
• Prepare and file sales and use tax returns, 1099, as well as other state, local, or federal reporting in a timely manner
• Yearend review: Coordinate and prepare documentation requested by outside accounting firm for financial statement compilation and tax return preparations.
• Full-Cycle Accounting Support: Manage accounting team members with their daily/monthly responsibilities and provide solutions to situations and questions that arise.
• Working knowledge of how to complete all accounting processes and reporting managed by you including but not limited to: A/R, revenue recognition, A/P, PO billing, prepaids, accruals, depreciation, sales tax reporting, payroll reporting.
• Learning the industry and its dynamics to accounting including but not limited to: manufacturer credits, manufacturer reward programs, education, commission earnings, results reporting.
• Back-up for the Human Resource Department – i.e., running payroll, etc. – when necessary

Cash Flow

• When rising to a certain threshold, oversee calculated decisions with credit approvals on customers who have slow payment history, limited D&B information, or the company is at risk of losing the account. Balance obtaining business with protecting the company financially.
• Cash Flow projection delivery weekly with insight analysis to upper management/owners plus collaboration with purchasing department on inventory dynamics
• Completes the weekly cashflow forecast and reviews and approves the weekly AP register/check runs.

Internal Controls & Compliance:

• Develops and implements internal controls, ensures adherence to accounting standards (like GAAP), and supports external audits.
• Process improvement: Review and/or develop accounting policies and procedures to drive efficiency and accuracy.

Team Leadership:

• Manage, mentor and guide accounting staff on tasks
• Foster a cohesive and competent finance team.
• Ensure that staff perform tasks effectively, efficiently,
• Build good rapport across all departments and with outside manufacturers.

Strategic Planning:

• Budget development, monitor spending, and provide variance analysis.
• Contributing to strategic thinking by providing financial information and recommendations to upper management, helping to align accounting goals with overall organizational objectives.
• Part of committee for evaluating and procuring appropriate and effective insurance (Health, Business, Auto, Personal liability, Workmen’s Comp. etc.) products for the company.  Actively participates in Health Insurance Plan/purchases
• Actively participates in 401K Plan internal committee

Collaboration:

• Works with other departments to gather financial data and support sound decision-making.

Process & System Support:

• Maintain accounting systems and tools (NetSuite).
• Recommend process improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance; CPA preferred but not required.
• Proficiency in accounting software – NetSuite and advanced Excel skills.
• Proven experience in accounting and financial management in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial regulations, and accounting principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills. 
• Managerial experience.
• Attention to detail to ensure quality work, and deadlines are adhered to.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial regulations, and accounting principles.
• Ability to use discretion when managing sensitive and confidential information
• Must pass criminal, credit and professional references background check.

Reporting Structure

Reports to the Senior VP of Marketing and Sales

Position is Full-Time in Office

What we offer

• Salary Range $145,000 – $155,000
• Comprehensive benefit package, including health, dental, vision, company paid life insurance
• Flexible Spending Plan
• 401(k) plan with Profit Sharing
• Time off plans including company paid holidays, vacation, and Illinois paid leave
• Supportive company culture focused on growth, innovation, and customer satisfaction

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience to https://www.chicagotag.com/careers

Chicago Tag & Label is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical​​​ condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or ​expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.