Overview
Controller/Finance Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL at Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Title: Controller/Finance Manager
Company: Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Location: Chicago, IL
The Mission
We are seeking a hands-on, high-integrity Controller to build and lead a modern, lean finance function in a chocolate manufacturing environment. You will be responsible for bringing financial clarity, discipline, and speed to decision-making during a critical pivot in our company’s history.
The right candidate will treat the finance function as their own blank canvas, architecting forward-looking systems and internal controls that transform the department into a high-impact strategic partner.
Key Responsibilities
1. Financial Foundation and Cleanup
- Own and improve the integrity of the balance sheet and P&L.
- Rationalize and simplify the chart of accounts to reflect the reality of the business.
- Establish accurate, timely monthly close processes and ensure inventory/cost accounting is reliable.
2. Build the Finance Engine
- Implement budgeting and rolling forecast processes across all departments.
- Build weekly cash forecasting and working capital visibility.
- Introduce practical cycles, such as Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), to align the team.
3. Drive Profitability and Decision Support
- Develop SKU-level and channel-level profitability models.
- Analyze pricing, promotions, and wholesale economics; partner with sales and marketing to protect and grow margins.
- Translate raw data into clear, strategic recommendations for the CEO and leadership team.
4. Systems, Data, and AI Leverage
- Automate reporting and leverage modern tools, including AI, to accelerate analysis without adding headcount or complexity.
- Improve how data is captured and structured across systems to ensure a "single source of truth."
5. Leadership and Cross-Functional Partnership
- Act as the primary strategic partner to the CEO, providing the financial backbone for all major decisions.
- Raise the financial acumen of the entire organization, coaching managers on accountability and planning.
Qualifications
· Approximately 8 to 10 years of progressive experience in accounting and finance
· Strong foundation in accounting, including inventory and cost accounting
· Experience in consumer products, manufacturing, or a related environment preferred
· Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills
· Demonstrated ability to build processes and systems in a lean environment
· Experience working in a turnaround, high growth, or entrepreneurial setting is a strong plus
· CPA is a plus but not required
