Controller

CONTROLLER – MOTIVATION EXCELLENCE

COMPANY CULTURE
Fun. Innovative. Understanding. It’s in our DNA.

At Motivation Excellence, we inspire extraordinary performance. We are aB2B incentive and engagement strategy company headquartered in Schaumburg, IL, delivering custom incentive programs, reward solutions, incentive travel and engagement strategy services for clients across industries including construction, HVAC, electrical, dental, distribution and financial services.

Our culture is built on our core values of Respect, Integrity, Trust and Exceeding Expectations. Many of our team members have been here for decades, and our client relationships often last just as long. We have been recognized as a Best and Brightest Company to Work For nationally and in the Chicago market for six consecutive years, along with industry recognition for incentive travel and marketing excellence.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Controller is responsible for overseeing the company’s accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal control environment. This role ensures the accuracy and integrity of the company’s financial records while providing timely financial information to leadership to support informed decision-making.

The Controller manages the monthly financial close process, maintains accounting policies and procedures in accordance with GAAP and supervises the accounting team. The position also plays a key role in strengthening internal controls, improving financial processes, and supporting the continued development of the company’s financial infrastructure.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· The Controller oversees the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and ensures the integrity of the company’s general ledger and supporting schedules. This includes reviewing journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial analyses to ensure accuracy and completeness of financial reporting.

· This role is responsible for managing the company’s core accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, fixed assets, and cash management. The Controller ensures transactions are recorded accurately and in accordance with company policies while maintaining appropriate documentation and financial controls.

· The Controller maintains and strengthens the organization’s internal control environment by developing and documenting accounting policies and procedures, monitoring segregation of duties and identifying opportunities to reduce financial risk. The role also helps position the organization for potential future external financial reviews or audits.

· Working closely with the CFO, the Controller supports the annual budgeting process and ongoing financial forecasting. The position assists with financial analysis, monitors budget-to-actual performance and provides insight into financial results and operational trends.

· The Controller supervises and develops accounting staff, establishes clear expectations for performance, and promotes a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the finance function.

QUALIFICATIONS

· A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance and CPA designation is required.

· Candidates should have approximately 7–10 years of supervisory accounting experience, including experience managing financial close processes and supervising accounting staff.

· Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls is required.

· Proficiency with ERP accounting systems, HRIS/payroll platforms, and Microsoft Office 365, including advanced Excel skills, is also expected.

· Experience working with integrated financial systems and process automation is highly valued.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Successful candidates demonstrate strong technical accounting knowledge, attention to

detail, and the ability to analyze financial information and identify trends or issues. The role

requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills, the ability to manage multiple

priorities and deadlines, and the capability to communicate financial information clearly to

both finance and non-finance stakeholders. A collaborative mindset and a focus on

improving processes and systems are also essential.

WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED HERE

At Motivation Excellence, collaboration is our competitive advantage. The people who

thrive here are flexible, willing to jump in where needed and comfortable with clients

through changing priorities and evolving program requirements. You need to be

comfortable with data; detail oriented without losing sight of the bigger picture and

genuinely invested in doing right by the client and your teammates.

We are a small, close-knit team that values accountability, mutual support and people who

take pride in their work. Our core values of Respect, Integrity, Trust and Exceeding

Expectations shape how we show up for each other and for our clients every day. If that

sounds like the kind of place where you do your best work, we would love to hear from you.

BENEFITS

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Company sponsored disability and group life insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid holidays and sick time
• Charity days off
• Flexible working environment
• Companywide events and team building
• Internal reward and recognition program
• Employee referral incentives

If you are committed to professional excellence, we want to hear from you. We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial, energetic, fun, business casual environment.

EOE

Pay: $130,000.00 - $140,000.00 per year

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• supervisory accounting: 7 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person