ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Interim Controller Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Topstep

Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

... interim audits. * Own and manage accounting's relationships with key third-party platforms and ... a Controller role. * Extensive knowledge of U.S. GAAP, ASC 606, and financial reporting ...

Topstep

Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

... interim audits. * Own and manage accounting's relationships with key third-party platforms and ... a Controller role. * Extensive knowledge of U.S. GAAP, ASC 606, and financial reporting ...

Wellpointe

Corporate Controller

Chicago, IL

Corporate Controller Company: Wellpointe Inc. ("Wellpointe") Reports to: Chief Executive Officer ... Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly/quarterly/annual, and interim financial ...

Wellpointe

Corporate Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Corporate Controller Company: Wellpointe Inc. ("Wellpointe") Reports to: Chief Executive Officer ... Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly/quarterly/annual, and interim financial ...

CFS

Controller

Northbrook, IL · On-site

Controller Our client is seeking a hands-on Controller to oversee the accounting and financial operations of one of its premier properties in Long Grove. This is a highly visible role responsible for ...

CFS

Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

Ready to step into a high-visibility Controller role where you can influence strategy and build a best-in-class finance function? This is a career-defining opportunity to partner directly with ...

CFS

Controller

Villa Park, IL · On-site

Controller Salary: $120,000 - $140,000 + Bonus Why This Opportunity Stands Out: • Lead the accounting function across three affiliated companies with broad operational exposure. • Partner ...

Brilliant Financial Search - IL

Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Controller | AEC | $130,000 to $150,000 + Bonus/Benefits We are seeking an experienced Controller to join a growing organization within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.

CFS

Controller

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

Controller Schaumburg, Illinois (100% Onsite) $120,000 - $140,000 plus 10-15% performance bonus Our client, is seeking an experienced Controller to lead the organization's accounting and financial ...

Wylander Solutions

Controller

Hainesville, IL · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Wylander Solutions, a recruiting company for the disaster restoration industry, is hiring a Director of Accounting/ Controller for a company in Hainesville, IL. Compensation & Benefits: · Base ...

CFS

Controller

Oak Brook, IL · Hybrid

Controller Location: Oak Brook, IL (Hybrid) Compensation: $115,000-$130,000 + Bonus Why This Role Stands Out * Strong overall benefits package, including generous PTO and retirement match * Hybrid ...

CFS

Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Controller Salary: $140,000 - $160,000 Our client is seeking a skilled Controller to join their U.S. general ledger team. This leadership role ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial ...

CFS

Controller

Northbrook, IL · Hybrid

Step into a Controller role where you'll influence both accounting and FP&A, lead a team, and drive business performance in a growing global organization. If you're ready for a blended leadership ...

CFS

Controller

Northbrook, IL · Hybrid

Step into a Controller role where you'll influence both accounting and FP&A, lead a team, and drive business performance in a growing global organization. If you're ready for a blended leadership ...

MedHQ

Controller

Westchester, IL · Remote

$120K - $140K/yr

Controller Reports to: CFO Department: Corporate Accounting Travel: 15% Work Arrangement: Remote Opportunity About MedHQ MedHQ is healthcare's leading provider of operational and management services ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsInterim Controller JobsInterim Controller Jobs in Chicago, IL

Interim Controller information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27

$68

$102

How much do interim controller jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for interim controller in Chicago, IL is $68.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.22 and $80.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an interim controller?

An Interim Controller is a finance professional hired on a temporary basis to manage a company's accounting operations during a transition period, such as a vacancy, leave of absence, or organizational change. Their main responsibilities include overseeing financial reporting, managing accounting staff, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining internal controls. Interim Controllers help ensure business continuity and may also assist with process improvements or special projects until a permanent Controller is hired.

What is an interim controller?

An interim controller is a financial leader who works on a temporary, contract basis when a controller goes on leave, or an organization is in the process of finding a permanent replacement. As an interim controller, your responsibilities are to oversee the institution’s finances and review financial data. Your other duties include creating reports based on your analysis and research, which you present to executives or other top-level managers. You typically report to the company’s CFO and work with compliance specialists to ensure that the business is adhering to all state and federal laws.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interim controller, and why are they important?

To excel as an Interim Controller, you need a solid background in accounting principles, financial reporting, and management, typically supported by a CPA or similar accounting designation. Familiarity with ERP systems, advanced Excel skills, and experience with financial consolidation tools are often required. Strong leadership, adaptability, and excellent communication skills help manage teams and navigate organizational change. These skills ensure accurate financial oversight and smooth transitions during periods of change or organizational restructuring.

What are typical challenges faced by an interim controller when stepping into a new organization?

As an Interim Controller, you may encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to the company’s existing financial systems, understanding ongoing projects, and aligning with team dynamics on short notice. It's common to be tasked with identifying process inefficiencies while maintaining day-to-day accounting operations. Effective communication and building trust with both the finance team and executive leadership are key to delivering results during your limited tenure.

What is the difference between Interim Controller vs Controller?

AspectInterim ControllerController
CredentialsCPA or equivalent, accounting experienceCPA or equivalent, accounting experience
Work EnvironmentTemporary, project-based, often in multiple companiesFull-time, permanent role within a company
Employer UsageHired for transitional periods or special projectsLong-term financial leadership within an organization

The Interim Controller is a temporary, project-focused role often filled during transitions or special projects, requiring similar credentials as a Controller. In contrast, a Controller is a permanent, full-time position responsible for ongoing financial management. Both roles demand accounting expertise and certifications like CPA, but their employment nature and duration differ significantly.

More about Interim Controller jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Controller jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Controller jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Interim Controller jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Interim Controller jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Interim Controller jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Interim Controller jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Interim Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interim Controller job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,102 per year, or $68.8 per hour.

Accounting Consultant - Engagement Director

Cliftonlarsonallen

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

CliftonLarsonAllen rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 23 rated bookkeepers and accountants

Job description

CLA is a top 10 national professional services firm where our purpose is to create opportunities every day, for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. Even with more than 8,500 people, 130 U.S. locations, and a global reach, we promise to know you and help you.

CLA is dedicated to building a culture that invites different beliefs and perspectives to the table, so we can truly know and help our clients, communities, and each other.

About the role:

CLA is looking to hire Accounting Consultants (Engagement Directors) for our Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS). CAAS provides customized accounting support for our clients (typically larger than $50M) on an interim and project basis. If flexibility, variety, and life balance are important to you...keep reading!

As an Engagement Director, you will:

Serve as a high-level interim or project-based accounting resource for clients in various industries on accounting, finance, tax, and audit roles (Interim Controller, Financial Reporting Manager, Internal Audit Manager, etc.).

Design/improve accounting processes such as: monthly close, management and financial reporting, forecasting, consolidations, and system implementations to name a few.

Take an active andhands-onapproach in executing client engagements.

Have the opportunity to travel - the more open you are to travel, the more opportunities we can present to you!

Pick and choose your engagements - allow yourself to enjoy your career AND life.

Have access to full benefits package as an hourly employee.

What you will need:

Ten years relative work experience including public accounting. Prior industry experience as a CFO, Controller, SEC Reporting or Internal Audit Manager equivalent preferred. We love Big Four alum!

A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field required.

Mastery in Microsoft Excel and experience in a variety of accounting software.

CPA certification is preferred but not required.

Prior project management and exceptional client service management experience preferred.

Our Perks:

Flexible PTO (designed to offer flexible time away for you!)

Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave

Paid Volunteer Time Off

Mental health coverage

Fertility benefits

Our approach to compensation emphasizes collaboration and career growth. We pay competitive wages and view compensation as an investment in our people. Factors such as geography, experience, education, skills, and knowledge may impact position of pay within the range.

The compensation range for this position in Illinois is: $50/hr. - $90/hr.

#LI-JM1, #LI-Hybrid


Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Click here to learn about your hiring rights.


Wellness at CLA

To support our CLA family members, we focus on their physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being and offer comprehensive benefit options that include health, dental, vision, 401k and much more.


To view a complete list of benefits, click here.


What CliftonLarsonAllen employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

CliftonLarsonAllen logo

About CliftonLarsonAllen

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) is a leading professional services company based in Minneapolis, MN, US. CLA operates in the accounting industry and offers a broad range of products and services such as wealth advisory, outsourcing, audit, tax, and consulting services. The company was founded in 1953 with a merger between two firms, Clifton Gunderson and LarsonAllen, in 2012. Working in accordance with their mission to create opportunities for clients, people, and communities, they have established a presence across the US, serving privately held businesses, non-profits, and governmental entities. Recognized for their contributions, CLA has received accolades such as the Innovative Firm of the Year award.

Industry

Accounting services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

2012

View All CliftonLarsonAllen Jobs

Apply