Controller

Flyover in Chicago•Chicago, IL

50d•$160,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Controller is a senior accounting leader for a growing immersive entertainment company operating across four sites: United States (2), Canada, and Iceland. This role leads accounting operations and financial reporting across the Flyover Attractions platform. Partnering closely with the VP, Finance & Accounting and Flyover leadership, the Controller brings strong technical accounting expertise and ensures accuracy, compliance, and financial discipline across the business. This leader oversees all aspects of accounting operations, financial reporting and internal controls, while fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and operational excellence that supports the organization’s distinctive guest experience. The Controller will also play a key role in the post-acquisition alignment process, including hiring a 3-4 person accounting team, standing up a new ERP system (Microsoft Business Central), separating from legacy systems, and building scalable financial infrastructure for a growing multi-site organization. This is a hybrid role with 3 days in office.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field
Professional accounting designation strongly preferred (CPA, CA, or equivalent)
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in finance and accounting roles
Prior experience as a Controller, Assistant Controller, Accounting Manager, or equivalent senior accounting role
Demonstrated experience owning a monthly close process
Experience managing and developing accounting staff
Demonstrated experience overseeing accounting operations across multiple regions or countries
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, and relevant regulatory requirements
Experience with financial systems, ERP implementations, and reporting tools
Proven track record of driving financial performance and supporting organizational growth
Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach; comfortable shifting between high-level strategy and detailed execution
Can independently run the accounting function while knowing when to escalate issues
Forward-looking, with the ability to build financial frameworks, systems, and processes that scale with growth
Collaborative partner to executive leadership, with the ability to influence decision-making at critical inflection points
Experience in multi-entity, multi-currency, and multi-jurisdictional organizations
Strong business acumen with the ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable insights
Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams in a growth-oriented environment
High level of integrity, accountability, and sound judgment
Adaptable and solutions-oriented, able to navigate ambiguity and organizational change
Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial concepts clearly to non-financial stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Experience with Microsoft Business Central is an asset
Experience in hospitality, tourism, attractions, or experience-based businesses is an asset
Ability and willingness to travel as required to regional sites, leadership meetings, and other business needs

Responsibilities

Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes and ensure financial results are complete, accurate, and delivered on schedule
Prepare and consolidate financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP (and IFRS as applicable)
Ensure timely, accurate reporting of financial results to executive leadership and the Board
Analyze financial results and proactively identify unusual trends, variances, and accounting issues
Oversee all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, fixed assets, and month-end close
Establish and maintain a disciplined close calendar and continuously improve the speed and quality of the close process
Coordinate intercompany transactions and reconciliations across international entities
Manage multi-currency accounting and foreign exchange considerations
Maintain and enhance internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures
Build and implement scalable systems, processes, and controls to support new ownership requirements and future growth
Partner with the VP of Finance & Accounting to manage treasury functions including cash management and cash flow forecasting
Support finance and operations during the annual planning process
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and international regulations (U.S., Canada, Iceland)
Establish, document, and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting, including appropriate segregation of duties and approval controls
Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external auditors and coordinate the annual audit process
Oversee tax compliance, including sales tax, VAT/GST, and collaborate with 3rd party tax support for annual income tax filings
Maintain compliance with local statutory reporting requirements
Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team, including remote and international staff
Lead the design and implementation of scalable financial infrastructure, including ERP/accounting systems, reporting tools, and data governance
Support ERP/accounting system optimization and upgrades; serve as a key lead for the post-acquisition systems transition
Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, the People Team, and executive leadership to support strategic and operational decision-making