Senior Controller

ALVEST EQUIPMENT SERVICES USA•Des Plaines, IL

About The Position

The Controller is a senior leadership role with comprehensive responsibility for the financial operations of the AES – Americas region. This position serves as both a transformation leader and business partner, responsible for stabilizing core accounting processes, restoring accounting and finance discipline, and establishing scalable controls across a decentralized network of more than 50 operating locations. The Controller will manage all accounting functions, including AR, AP, General Ledger, inventory accounting, and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance with US GAAP, Group policy, and statutory requirements. As a key partner to senior management, this role will provide clear financial transparency, actionable financial insights to drive profitability, pricing discipline, and operational decision‑making. This role requires a hands‑on, technically strong accounting leader capable of understanding and building processes while developing a motivated team through coaching, clear KPIs, and structured performance expectations. This role will collaborate closely with the sales administration team and operating officers to ensure timely financial reporting. The Controller will act as the primary finance and accounting authority for AES USA, and as the key interface with Group Finance, shared services, external auditors, and tax advisors. The controller will be expected to bring strong technical accounting expertise and perform in-depth analyses of P&L and Balance Sheet performance to support operational strategies. In addition, this role will play a proactive business-partnering function, guiding operational leaders with clear financial insights to improve profitability and cost efficiency. Within the first 6-12 months, the Controller will be expected to: Stabilize the monthly close to five business days or fewer using Group‑compliant processes. Establish reliable AR collections and credit management to improve cash conversion. Implement disciplined procure‑to‑pay, inventory- and revenue recognition controls. Deliver accurate station‑level P&Ls and labor/job costing. Strengthen ERP data integrity and financial reporting infrastructure. Ensure timely responses, high-quality reconciliations and robust documentation.

Requirements

10 or more years of progressive experience as a Controller or Assistant Controller in a multi-site, industrial, MRO, logistics, or aviation/service-related B2B environment.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. CPA certification is required. Strong technical accounting foundation.
Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills are required.
Rigorous, adaptable, with strong work ethics and excellent teamwork capabilities. Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on in a growth environment.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders.
Executive presence with credibility to influence operations leaders.
Change-management mindset and process-building orientation.
High integrity and ownership mentality.
Commitment to personal and collective growth, positive collaboration, and proactive communication.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Strong ethical practices and composure under pressure.
Adaptable to changes in the work environment and able to deal positively with frequent change.
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Demonstrated leadership capacity and interest in coaching less experienced staff.
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, including Excel and Outlook.
Must be able to read and speak the English language.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Legally authorized to work in the United States, you must be at least 18 years of age.
No travel restrictions: must be willing to travel occasionally to various locations as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading a remote shared service center is a strong plus.
Familiarity with EAM/ Infor SunSystems is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the remediation, stabilization, and ongoing ownership of core finance processes, including close management, AR collections, AP discipline, inventory valuation, and revenue recognition.
Ensure strict application of Group accounting policies, US GAAP, and local statutory requirements.
Manage and ensure the accurate and timely processing of all accounting operations, including Accounts Receivable (AR), Accounts Payable (AP), General Ledger, and Financial Reporting.
Oversee and execute the monthly financial close process, ensuring that all financial statements, including Profit & Loss (P&L) statements and balance sheets, are accurately produced and delivered on time. Include strong oversight of accruals, reconciliations, and analytical reviews to ensure Group standards-compliant close.
Drive close acceleration to a maximum of five business days, with full compliance with Group standards, documentation, accruals, reconciliations and analytical review requirements.
Prepare and present comprehensive financial reports to senior management, including detailed analyses of sales, margins, indirect costs, and overall financial performance. Provide advanced analytical commentary to explain trends, risks, and opportunities.
Collaborate with the AES CFO to report financial results to the Group, ensuring transparency and accuracy in financial reporting.
Establish and enforce a robust internal control framework across all stations, including approval matrices, three‑way match, and segregation of duties.
Establish and maintain robust internal control systems to safeguard company assets and guarantee the accuracy of financial records. Ensure adherence to all relevant financial regulations.
Ensure full compliance with Group internal control standards, accounting policies and ethics procedures.
Lead the coordination of audits, working with external and internal auditors to ensure smooth audit processes, full compliance, and timely delivery of all required documentation. Drive remediation of audit findings.
Partner with Operations to implement station‑level profitability, labor productivity metrics, and job costing.
Provide financial insights and feedback to the management team, enhancing their decision-making processes. Ensure regular communication between Finance and Operations for effective business collaboration.
Conduct in-depth variance analysis on financial results and act as a trusted business partner to the operations team, translating financial results into clear, actionable operational guidance to improve profitability and cost efficiency.
Perform root-cause analysis and partner with operations to implement corrective actions.
Lead cost-controlling initiatives to ensure expenses are within budget and in alignment with organizational financial goals. Regularly evaluate expenditures and provide insights to improve cost efficiency.
Ensure compliance with all Group and divisional financial processes and procedures. Collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure operational and financial objectives are being met consistently.
Oversee inventory valuation, manage cycle counts, and ensure that all financial processes related to inventory control align with Group rules and best practices.
Lead the development of the annual budget and conduct monthly reforecasting to accommodate changes in business operations.
Ensure alignment of financial objectives with AES and Group strategy.
Oversee the management of working capital, ensuring that AR collections, vendor payments, and inventory controls are executed efficiently to support the financial health of the organization.
Drive continuous improvement in DSO, DPO, inventory turnover and cash forecasting, in line with Group cash-pooling rules.
Work closely with the AES CFO on matters of financing, capital structure, and financial planning for AES USA.
Manage the accurate and timely filing of sales tax declarations.
Work closely with external corporate tax advisors to ensure full compliance with relevant tax regulations.
Supervise a team of accounting professionals, including a Senior Accountant, Sales Admin team and AR/AP Specialists. establish clear processes, priorities, and performance expectations, and provide structured coaching to develop the team.
Act as the primary interface with shared service centers (AP, AR, transactional accounting), defining clear SLAs, KPIs, and escalation paths.
Oversee the finance operations of other countries in Americas Region, ensuring alignment with the overall financial strategy and operational goals of AES USA. Support alignment of accounting policies, and reporting practices across the region.