Corporate Controller

Greater Chicago Area | $250,000–$300,000 Base + Equity

Lincoln Search Consultants has been retained by a large, private equity‑backed enterprise software company to identify an experienced Controller to lead its global accounting organization.

Reporting to the CFO, this individual will oversee an approximately 100‑person accounting team distributed between the Chicago area and India, with responsibility for consolidated financial reporting across approximately 30 legal entities and operations in roughly 20 international jurisdictions.

This is a permanent, highly visible leadership opportunity within an acquisitive organization approaching $1 billion in revenue. The Controller will partner closely with executive leadership, private equity sponsors, lenders, auditors and cross‑functional business leaders.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the global monthly, quarterly and annual close and consolidation process
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting under US GAAP
• Oversee technical accounting, including ASC 606, ASC 718, purchase accounting and debt‑related matters
• Manage adjusted EBITDA reporting, lender reporting and covenant compliance
• Partner with Sales, Legal and Deal Desk on complex software and SaaS contract structures
• Lead global audit, statutory reporting, tax, treasury, payroll and operational accounting
• Strengthen internal controls and improve the speed, accuracy and scalability of the close
• Lead accounting activities associated with acquisitions, including diligence, purchase accounting and integration
• Drive greater automation and continued optimization of NetSuite and related financial systems
• Develop and retain a large, geographically distributed accounting organization

Required Background

• 12+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience
• Current or recent Controller, Corporate Controller, Global Controller, Chief Accounting Officer or senior Assistant Controller experience
• Technology company experience is required; software or SaaS experience is strongly preferred
• Deep ASC 606 revenue recognition experience involving subscription, license, usage‑based or other complex technology arrangements
• Experience in a private equity‑backed, leveraged or similarly performance‑driven environment
• Significant M&A, purchase accounting and integration experience
• Experience managing global, multi‑entity and multi‑currency accounting operations
• Demonstrated success leading a sizable, geographically distributed team
• Big Four or large public accounting foundation strongly preferred
• Ability to travel internationally approximately once annually

The successful candidate will combine strong technical accounting capabilities with operational discipline, executive presence and the ability to lead at scale. This person must be comfortable challenging existing practices, holding teams accountable and partnering beyond the traditional accounting function.