Financial Controller

Founded in 1992, our client is a family-owned Italian company known for combining traditional Italian craftsmanship with large-scale industrial production of high-quality frozen pizzas. The company has grown into a major international player, employing around 800 people and generating more than $200 million in revenue while exporting over two-thirds of its output to global markets. The company continues to expand internationally.

The company has a major production facility in Vernon Hills, Illinois, to support its growing presence in North America. Balancing tradition, innovation, and sustainability, the company remains focused on delivering authentic Italian products through a highly efficient, modern supply chain.

On behalf of our client, we are seeking a talented and motivated Financial Controller with 3–5 years of experience in accounting and finance to join our fast-growing company in the food industry. This is a key leadership role in a dynamic, expanding business environment. The candidate will lead a team of three accounting professionals and serve as the primary liaison with our Italian parent company, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance, and alignment with group policies.

• Team Leadership:
  Supervise, guide, and develop a team of 3 accountants, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Financial Reporting:
  Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with local accounting standards and group requirements.
• Parent Company Coordination:
  Act as the main point of contact for the Italian headquarters, managing communication on financial reporting, consolidation, and intercompany transactions.
• Month-End & Year-End Closings:
  Manage all closing activities, ensuring deadlines are met and financial data is reliable.
• Budgeting & Forecasting:
  Support budget preparation, financial forecasting, and variance analysis in collaboration with management.
• Compliance & Audit:
  Ensure full compliance with statutory requirements, tax obligations, and internal control procedures; coordinate with auditors and external consultants.
• Process Improvement:
  Identify and implement process and system improvements to enhance accuracy and efficiency in a fast-paced growth environment.
• ERP & Systems Oversight:
  Oversee accounting systems and ensure data integrity, with a focus on leveraging SAP for financial reporting and process automation.

To be successful in this role, we are looking for a dynamic and motivated professional with the following skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (Master’s degree or CPA qualification is a plus).
• 3–5 years of professional experience in accounting or finance, with some experience in team supervision.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and local tax regulations.
• Proficiency in SAP and MS Excel is required.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience in a fast-paced industry is ideal. Preferably in the manufacturing sector.
• Prior experience working within a multinational or group reporting structure is preferred.
• Fluency in English;
  Italian language fluency is a strong plus.