Segment Controller

Imperative Logistics•West Chicago Township, IL

6d•$135,000 - $165,000

About The Position

The Segment Controller leads the accounting team and all accounting and finance functions for Imperative Logistics’ Global Forwarding segment. The role oversees accounts payable, payroll and employee benefits, treasury and banking, financial reporting and analysis, budgeting, and general accounting. The Controller is responsible for reliable, accurate, and compliant financial reporting and supports the segment’s organic growth and acquisition activity, including the potential addition of acquired entities. The position reports directly to the VP of Finance and Accounting, with an indirect reporting relationship to the President of Global Forwarding. It partners with executive leadership, operations, sales, IT, vendors, freight agents, and other stakeholders to support business decisions, improve processes, and maintain customer service. The role also leads and develops accounting teams and supports audits, cash-flow management, and acquisition integration.

Requirements

At least 5 years in a controllership role with primary responsibility for full-cycle accounting and some financial reporting and analysis experience.
Public accounting background.
Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Demonstrated strategic and critical thinking and problem-solving ability.
Experience working directly with executive leadership, such as a CFO, CEO, or President.
Strong financial acumen and ability to connect operational activities to financial outcomes.
Strong understanding of GAAP and experience implementing related policies.
Experience with internal and external audits.
Strong analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.
Experience assessing internal controls and recommending improvements.
Experience streamlining and transforming processes.
Strong Microsoft Suite skills, especially Excel, including pivot tables and complex formulas for data analysis.

Nice To Haves

Controllership experience in a private-equity-based or public company.
Experience with Cargowise, Sage Intacct, Concur, or other logistics software.
Experience in freight forwarding or specialized logistics.

Responsibilities

Lead accounting and finance operations for the Global Forwarding segment, including accounts payable, payroll and benefits, cash management, internal controls, expense reporting, financial reporting and analysis, work-in-progress and accrual management, revenue and expense analysis, and month-end close.
Oversee duty outlay to CBP and related outlay fees.
Review job profitability reports and manage aged work-in-progress balances and accruals.
Ensure the finance team follows established accounting and finance policies and procedures.
Prepare monthly financial reporting packages and narratives for executive leadership; support budgeting, forecasting, and ad hoc financial analysis.
Help consolidate acquired businesses across systems, branding, accounting policies, consolidation, and personnel.
Monitor accounts payable and OCR matching; work with IT to enhance AP reporting and EDI interfaces, and escalate issues as needed.
Oversee accounts payable payment methods, including third-party online payment portals, and ensure appropriate controls are followed.
Partner with operations and sales to develop financial metrics and reporting tools that support strategic decisions and growth.
Apply financial metrics such as gross profit, net working capital, days sales outstanding, days payable outstanding, and return on investment to drive business and process improvements.
Maintain relationships with vendors, freight agents, and internal stakeholders, and support high levels of customer service and satisfaction.
Lead and develop accounting teams, including hiring, performance management, and process improvement.
Oversee timely and accurate sales and operations commission calculations under payroll deadlines.
Support and lead annual financial statement and borrowing-base audits, ensuring timely and accurate data submission with minimal adjustments.
Ensure GAAP compliance and lead implementation of new accounting standards and policies.
Administer the corporate purchase card program and provide data for annual insurance renewals.
Provide weekly cash-flow reporting and forecasting, optimize cash flow, and upstream available funds to the parent company.
Participate in relevant conferences, meetings, and training sessions.
Perform special projects and other assigned duties.