Controller- Confidential Entertainment & Live Events Organization

Controller | Confidential Entertainment & Live Events Organization

LHH Recruitment Solutions has been retained to identify a Controller for a highly recognizable Chicago organization operating at the intersection of live events, premium guest experiences, and hospitality.

This is an opportunity to join a visible and highly collaborative organization where finance plays a critical role in supporting business operations, enhancing processes, and delivering exceptional experiences to thousands of people throughout the year.

Position Overview

The Controller will lead the monthly close process, oversee financial reporting activities, strengthen controls and audit readiness, and drive process improvement, automation, and operational efficiency initiatives. This individual will manage and develop a team that includes an Accounting Manager, Staff Accountant, and Accounts Payable professionals while serving as a key business partner across the organization.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on accounting leader who enjoys building teams, driving accountability, improving processes, and partnering cross-functionally with operational and executive leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close process

• Oversee financial reporting and accounting operations

• Drive process improvement, system optimization, and automation initiatives

• Ensure strong internal controls and audit preparedness

• Develop, mentor, and hold accounting team members accountable for performance and results

• Partner closely with operational and executive leadership across the organization

• Support strategic initiatives and organizational growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting required

• CPA strongly preferred

• Public accounting foundation preferred

• 7-10+ years of progressive accounting experience

• Experience leading the close process within a mid-sized or larger organization

• Prior people management experience required

• Strong understanding of financial controls, reporting, and accounting best practices

• Experience with NetSuite strongly preferred

• Demonstrated success driving process improvements, automation initiatives, and scalable accounting operations

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

While many Controller opportunities offer similar responsibilities, few offer this type of environment.

The successful candidate will work from one of Chicago's most recognizable venues and be part of an organization that creates memorable experiences for thousands of people each year. The role offers exceptional visibility across the business, meaningful interaction with leaders across multiple functions, and a workplace experience unlike a traditional corporate accounting environment.

Beyond the scope of the role, employees enjoy complimentary breakfast and lunch daily, unique industry-related experiences and perks, and the opportunity to work in an energetic environment that few accounting professionals ever get to experience.

Given the location and collaborative nature of the organization, this opportunity will likely be most attractive to professionals who live in Chicago or the nearby suburbs and enjoy being immersed in the energy of an active, highly visible workplace.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $150,000 to $175,000

• Target bonus: 10%

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid sick leave where applicable by state law.

• 401(k) retirement plan

• Complimentary breakfast and lunch provided daily

• Additional perks and experiences unique to the live events and entertainment industry

Search being run by Brian Esko – LHH

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance