Chief Financial Officer / Sr. Controller

Position Summary:

Are you a dynamic, hands-on financial leader eager to drive strategic and operational excellence in a global manufacturing powerhouse? We’re seeking a CFO or a Sr. Controller ready for the next that, who thrives in a fast-paced, technically advanced environment—someone who can seamlessly navigate both U.S. and international financial landscapes while overseeing critical functions across accounting, compliance, and fiscal governance. From designing and building cutting-edge machinery to servicing legacy industrial systems, your financial leadership will empower innovation, growth, and global alignment.

Employment Type: Full Time-Salary

Key Responsibilities:

• Manufacturing-Focused Financial Leadership: Leverage deep knowledge of the manufacturing industry’s financial practices, including cost accounting, work-in-progress tracking, inventory valuation, and production-based revenue recognition, to drive accurate reporting and operational efficiency.
  • Strategic Financial Oversight: Direct all financial, administrative, and budgeting functions, ensuring rigorous compliance with U.S. GAAP, tax laws, and corporate standards.
  • Global Financial Integration: Serve as the financial bridge between U.S. operations and European counterparts, harmonizing financial practices in accordance with both US GAAP and IFRS.
  • Percentage of Completion (POC) Accounting: Lead and review complex POC calculations, ensuring timely revenue recognition for long-term manufacturing and engineering projects.
  • Taxation & Compliance: Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations, supporting tax planning, preparation, and interaction with external advisors.
  • Financial Reporting & Audit Readiness: Oversee the timely preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements; lead internal and external audit efforts.
  • Operational Finance: Provide hands-on leadership in areas such as accounts payable, vendor payments, inventory management, payroll, and resource allocation.
  • Cost Allocation & Analysis: Manage accurate allocation of costs and revenues across ledgers and cost centers, providing actionable insights for operational efficiency.
  • Team Leadership & Development: Inspire and mentor a high-performing finance and administrative team. Assign objectives, evaluate performance, and champion professional development in alignment with Group-level standards.
  • Stakeholder Communication: Maintain transparent communication with auditors, tax consultants, financial institutions, and executive leadership.
  • Governance & Record-Keeping: Oversee the integrity of corporate records, including financial books, Board of Directors and Shareholder meeting minutes, audit documentation, and statutory filings.

    Qualifications:

    • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA strongly preferred.
    • 8+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership or controller-level role.
    • Solid experience in manufacturing or industrial sectors, including project-based accounting and inventory management.
    • Deep expertise in US GAAP, working knowledge of IFRS, and practical knowledge of POC accounting principles.
    • Strong understanding of corporate, payroll, and transactional taxes; experience managing tax advisors and regulatory filings.
    • Demonstrated ability to work independently while also collaborating across departments and geographies.
    • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and leadership skills with a proven track record of building effective teams.

      Preferred Skills:

      • Veteran or Military Spouse background highly valued and encouraged.
      • Experience in international business environments or global finance coordination.
      • Fluency in financial systems and advanced Excel or ERP toolsets.
      • Ability to thrive in a complex, evolving, and highly technical business setting.

        Location & Compensation:

        • Rockford, IL
        • Pay: $150-212K
        • Benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life insurance, and a 401(k) match.
        • Minimal travel requirements (5% or less).
        • Join the team to work on groundbreaking projects known for its innovation.

          About Lean Synergy: Lean Synergy Staffing is a Veteran-owned & operated recruiting firm dedicated to aligning top-tier talent with high-impact roles across diverse industries. Our team, comprised of experienced military professionals and industry specialists, brings a mission-driven approach to workforce solutions. With a specialized focus on placing skilled change management professionals, we help organizations navigate transformation with precision. We are committed to supporting transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses and civilian professionals by providing access to meaningful, long-term career opportunities that drive success for government, public and private sector clients.