Controller/Director of Finance

Company Overview
Ardeo partners with colleges and universities across the country to help students overcome the burden of student loans. We provide a unique and effective solution for reducing the anxiety and burden of debt-repayment, empowering students to enroll and graduate from their preferred educational institution, while following their dreams after graduation. LRAP is a tool that provides a safety-net for students and families. If a student graduates to a modest income, LRAP helps repay their educational loans.

Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Controller/Director of Finance to lead our financial operations and ensure the integrity of our financial reporting. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape financial strategies, oversee compliance, and drive fiscal growth within a mission-driven organization committed to expanding educational access. The ideal candidate will bring a comprehensive understanding of accounting principles, financial management, and risk analysis, combined with leadership skills that inspire teams and foster continuous improvement.

Are you looking for a career with a company that’s driven by a powerful mission? At Ardeo, you’ll join a team of high performers looking to make a difference in the lives of college students across the country. We help students go to college by removing the fear of student loans. We want students to realize their greatest ambitions, both on campus and after graduation.

Why join Ardeo? Ardeo provides our unique, innovative Loan Repayment Assistance Programs (LRAPs) to colleges and universities across the country. We help students enroll in their college of choice with the peace of mind to know that if their income after graduation is modest, we will help them repay their student loans.

Why else? Ardeo is a mission-driven company full of dedicated, passionate individuals who delight in working for an organization that makes a difference in the lives of thousands of students and their families. We’ve been recognized by outside organizations for our outstanding work culture. The comprehensive benefits package is nice too!

Tell me about Hybrid work at Ardeo? We prioritize an in-person, collaborative work environment, with team members working together in the office three to four days per week. Accordingly, this role requires candidates to be based within commuting distance of our Lisle office.

We believe that regular face-to-face interaction strengthens connectivity, enhances productivity, and fosters creativity—contributing to a more engaging and effective workplace.

This position will be based in the office full-time for the first six months. Following this initial period, the role will transition to a hybrid schedule, with the option to work remotely one day per week.

Want to learn more about this great opportunity? Visit www.Ardeo.org for more information and check out our recent blog posts about how our program is helping colleges and students.

Position Summary: The position has direct responsibility for all areas of internal and external accounting and finance, including ensuring the efficiency of Ardeo’s internal control environment. This position is tasked with ensuring the company maintains sound financial management practices. It oversees financial reporting, accounts payable/receivable, budget, payroll, and many other related areas. It supervises one direct report, a Sr. Staff Accountant.

Key Areas of Responsibilities

• Manage all corporate accounting and financial functions and develop the preparation of financial reports and analysis for the company.
• Develop and maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain a system of controls over accounting transactions.
• Produce timely and accurate financial statements and related management reports.
• Direct and manage audits; i.e. responding to auditors’ comments concerning finances and operations and overseeing required action to address any deficiencies.
• Manage budget process and produce short-term and long-range forecasts
• Process bi-weekly payroll for both hourly and salaried employees
• Assist in the preparation of federal and state tax returns
• Assist COO in managing investor relations and documentation
• Maintain corporate filings and documents to ensure company is in compliance
• Perform all supervisory responsibilities for the Sr. Staff Accountant
• Partner with company leadership to set and execute finance function strategy

Position Requirements

• BA/BS degree in Accounting or Finance
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Finance/Controller or similar role
• Strong knowledge of GAAP accounting
• Must be an advanced user of Microsoft Excel
• Experience with QuickBooks
• A consummate professional; detail oriented and resourceful
• Self-motivated; a team player with a can-do spirit
• Great at problem solving, planning and organizing
• Flexible, adaptable, dependable and efficient

Preferred

• Certified Public Accounting (CPA) certificate
• Experience working for a public accounting firm
• Experience with insurance accounting and related concepts
• 3+ years of management experience

Compensation and title will be commensurate with experience and includes both base salary and bonus opportunity.

We offer a great work environment and benefits, including:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Retirement Plan (401K and Roth)
• Company-paid Life insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Incentive Stock Option Plan (ISOP)
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Onsite grab-and-go café
• Free in-complex fitness center
• Wellness programs
• Free healthy (and not so healthy) snacks
• Company-provided laptop and home office monitor
• Opportunities for continued career growth and development

Pay: $120,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Military leave
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Please indicate your expectation for Total Cash Compensation (Base pay + Bonus) so that we can ensure we are aligned before pursuing your candidacy. Please avoid answering "negotiable."

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Controller, Finance, or Accounting : 5 years (Required)
• Microsoft Excel: 2 years (Required)
• QuickBooks: 1 year (Required)
• Management: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPA (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lisle, IL 60532