Internship Financial Controller Jobs in Chicago, IL

Directive Consulting is the leading B2B performance marketing agency that delivers real revenue—not just leads.

We use Customer Generation (a marketing methodology developed by us) to cut through the noise. Forget MQLs—we’re here to drive pipeline, fuel SQLs, and scale brands that are serious about growth. From Paid Media and SEO to CRO, RevOps, and Go-To-Market Strategy, we build marketing engines that win in SaaS and across B2B industries.

We move fast. We think boldly. We are elite. We hire people who challenge the status quo and push campaigns past what’s expected - sparking demand for bold, innovative brands. If you live for performance, love solving hard problems, and want your work to actually mean something, you’ll fit right in.

But here’s the fun part—we don’t just deliver results; we’re shaping the future of marketing. Ready to build something that breaks the mold?

About The Role

We’re a fast-growing company looking for a Controller to help shape how our finance function scales. Reporting directly to the Head of Finance, you’ll oversee our accounting operations, lead financial reporting, and drive automation and process improvements that fuel our growth. This is a high-impact role where you’ll work cross-functionally to provide insights into performance, manage team members, and leave your mark on how we build for the future.

What You’ll Do:

● Oversee the Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable functions, ensuring accurate and timely processing of disbursements, client billing activities, and overall cash management

● Own the monthly revenue recognition process and related reporting

● Maintain integrity of the general ledger by overseeing weekly postings, journal entries, and account reconciliations; review and approve balance sheet schedules to ensure completeness and accuracy.

● Manage month-end and quarter-end close processes, including preparation and review of account reconciliations, accruals, prepaids, fixed assets, quarterly tax estimates and debt schedules

● Lead preparation of financial statements, management reporting, and variance analysis to provide insight into financial performance

● Supervise compliance-related filings (e.g., 1099s, business registrations, sales/use tax, other periodic filings)

● Support payroll processing through review of deductions, benefits, and reconciliation of payroll-related accounts

● Monitor vendor relationships, including contract compliance, W-9 collection, and timely payment execution

● Ensure adherence to internal controls, accounting standards, policies, and procedures; recommend and implement process improvements for efficiency and scalability

● Provide support for client audits, tax preparation, and other external reviews

● Collaboratively work with department leaders to understand financial performance

● Collaborate with HR on new hire onboarding, payroll system administration, and employee-related financial processes

● Mentor and manage accountant & two (2) interns, helping develop technical skills, ensuring accuracy in their work, and fostering professional growth

What You’ll Bring:

● Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Accounting

● 5+ years experience in relevant professional experience in general corporate accounting, experience in service-based company preferred

● Public accounting or Audit experience is a plus, but not required

● Experience or familiarity with GAAP accounting and monthly closing processes

● Ability to drive process improvements in efficiency & effectiveness

● Experience with NetSuite & proficiency in excel required, experience with Datarails is a plus.

● Exposure to automation tools and use of AI within Finance/Accounting disciplines

● Proven and measurable success in organizational skills and ability to adhere to timelines

● Meticulous attention to detail is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of financial records

● Takes initiative and responsibility to be self-motivated

● Equal parts competitive and curious; you’re a true problem solver

● Ability to communicate effectively with team members, upper management, and external partners, as well as to supervise and guide accounting staff

● Ability to organize, prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and operate with a sense of urgency for high priority items

● Strong ability to analyze financial data, identify discrepancies, and make informed predictions

What We Offer:

• We have a set living wage at Directive; The annual base salary range for this position based in the United States is $125,000- $140,000 USD. This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on Directive's compensation practices, job related skills, and depth of experience.

• 🙏 Medical, dental, vision plans, disability, and life insurance coverage for you and your family that fit your lifestyle

  • Including a 100% employer-paid plan for you and a 50% employer contribution for your dependents (US, CAD, MX)

• Benefits to Support the Whole Person:

  • 🧠 Mental - Access to certified therapists through Spring Health, membership to Headspace

  • 💪 Physical - Physical therapy through Omada, thousands of Aaptiv virtual workouts, complimentary One Medical membership for primary and virtual care

  • 🛫 Time Off - Unlimited PTO (2-week minimum), Paid Company Holidays, Your Birthday Off, End of Year Recharge (Closed December 24 - January 1), Paid Parental Leave

  • 💰 Financial - Traditional and Roth 401(k) with a 3% company match

  • 🌟 Bonus - Annual bonus based on tenure, which scales in total amount over time

  • 🌴 Annual Company-wide Retreat

Work Environment Requirements

As a remote-first company, you’ll have the ability to work from your home office. For some positions, as posted, we will accommodate global opportunities where we have established businesses, including Canada, Mexico, and the UK. For global locations, you must have established and current work authorization and permanently reside in that country.

This role has the opportunity to operate 100% virtually from your home office. We primarily collaborate with our colleagues through virtual meetings (Zoom), and Slack. In this role, you will be required to operate a laptop computer (PC or Mac available), computer software platforms, and other office productivity tools as necessary. Due to the nature of this role, you must be able to remain stationary for extended periods, must be able to observe and interpret written and/or verbal communication, must have reliable internet access, and a professional background.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

If you require reasonable accommodations in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, direct your inquiries to recruiting@directiveconsulting.com.

Additional Information

At Directive, one of our core values is People First. We’re committed to fostering a more diverse and inclusive culture in the digital landscape. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
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