Segment Controller

Imperative Logistics Group•Chicago West, IL

About The Position

The Segment Controller leads the accounting team and all finance and accounting functions for Imperative Logistics’ Global Forwarding business segment. The role covers accounts payable, payroll and employee benefits, treasury and banking, financial reporting and analysis, budgeting, and general accounting. It calls for a forward-thinking leader with strong technical accounting knowledge and leadership skills to support reliable, accurate, and compliant financial reporting. The segment is pursuing organic growth and acquisitions, and the role may grow as additional entities are acquired. The position reports directly to the VP of Finance and Accounting and indirectly to the President of Global Forwarding. The Controller works with executive leadership and business stakeholders to support financial planning, operational decision-making, process improvement, and acquisition integration.

Requirements

At least 5 years in a controllership role with primary responsibility for full-cycle accounting, along with some financial reporting and analysis experience; preferably in a private-equity-based or public company.
Public accounting background.
Active Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
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 Office skills, especially Excel, including pivot tables and complex formulas for data analysis.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Cargowise, Sage Intacct, Concur, or other logistics software.
Experience in freight forwarding and/or specialized logistics.

Responsibilities

Lead finance and accounting operations for the business 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 U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and related outlay fees.
Review job profitability reports and manage aged work in progress (WIP) and accruals.
Ensure the finance team follows established accounting and finance policies and procedures.
Prepare monthly financial reporting packages with narratives for executive leadership; support budgeting, forecasting, and ad hoc financial analysis.
Help consolidate acquisitions, including systems, branding, accounting policies, financial consolidation, and personnel.
Monitor accounts payable and OCR matching; work with IT to improve 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.
Use 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, supporting strong customer service and satisfaction.
Lead and develop accounting teams, including hiring, performance management, and process improvement.
Oversee commission calculations for sales and operations teams to ensure accuracy and timeliness 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 information 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 duties as assigned.