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Virtual Controller Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Wow Bao

Senior Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Senior Controller also partners with operations and commercial leaders on inventory, cost ... virtual kitchens, and universities. We continue to expand across all verticals-including ...

Wow Bao

Senior Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

The Senior Controller also partners with operations and commercial leaders on inventory, cost ... virtual kitchens, and universities. We continue to expand across all verticals--including ...

Socket.dev

Senior Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

The Senior Controller also partners with operations and commercial leaders on inventory, cost ... virtual kitchens, and universities. We continue to expand across all verticals--including ...

New

Wow Bao

Senior Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

The Senior Controller also partners with operations and commercial leaders on inventory, cost ... virtual kitchens, and universities. We continue to expand across all verticals--including ...

Wow Bao

Senior Controller

Chicago, IL

The Senior Controller also partners with operations and commercial leaders on inventory, cost ... virtual kitchens, and universities. We continue to expand across all verticals-including ...

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All JobsController JobsVirtual Controller JobsVirtual Controller Jobs in Illinois

Virtual Controller information

See Illinois salary details

$53.3K

$115.8K

$170.1K

How much do virtual controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for virtual controller in Illinois is $115,795.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $134,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a virtual controller do?

A virtual controller works from a remote location to oversee bookkeeping or accounting operations for a company or client. Your responsibilities can vary depending on the needs of your employer. A virtual controller (VC) or virtual chief financial officer (virtual CFO) oversees the setup of virtual bookkeeping and accounting systems and reviews the work of bookkeepers and accountants on the accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll teams. Your duties in this telecommute position often involve working in a cloud-based environment. In addition to the management of accounting operations, you also ensure data security by using VPN connections and firmware updates.

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

To thrive as a Virtual Controller, you need strong accounting expertise, financial analysis skills, and a relevant degree or CPA certification. Proficiency with cloud-based accounting platforms like QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, or Xero is typically required, along with experience in financial reporting systems. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and time management are vital soft skills for remote collaboration and effective client service. These abilities ensure accurate financial oversight, compliance, and valuable strategic guidance for organizations operating in virtual environments.

How does a virtual controller typically collaborate with remote teams and clients to ensure accurate financial reporting?

A Virtual Controller works closely with both internal remote teams and external clients by leveraging cloud-based accounting software, video conferencing, and secure document sharing platforms. Regular check-ins, scheduled reviews, and clear communication protocols help maintain transparency and accuracy in financial reporting. This collaborative approach ensures that all stakeholders are aligned on deadlines, deliverables, and compliance requirements, while also allowing the Virtual Controller to proactively address any discrepancies or financial concerns as they arise. Building strong relationships and establishing trust are key to successfully managing finances in a virtual environment.

What is the difference between Virtual Controller vs Bookkeeper?

AspectVirtual ControllerBookkeeper
CredentialsCPA, CMA, or similar financial certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications like Certified Bookkeeper (CB) are common
Work EnvironmentRemote or client-site, strategic financial managementPrimarily remote or office-based, transactional record-keeping
Employer & Industry UsageBusinesses seeking financial oversight, CFO supportSmall businesses, accounting firms, non-profits
Common Search & ComparisonFinancial management, strategic planningRecord-keeping, bookkeeping tasks

The Virtual Controller typically handles high-level financial management, strategic planning, and oversight, often requiring advanced certifications. In contrast, a Bookkeeper focuses on day-to-day transaction recording and maintaining financial records. Both roles may work remotely and are essential for business financial health, but they differ significantly in scope and responsibilities.

More about Virtual Controller jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Controller jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Controller jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Virtual Controller jobs in Illinois?

For Virtual Controller jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Virtual Controller jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Virtual Controller jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Virtual Controller jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Virtual Controller job openings:

Virtual Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Virtual Controller job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 32% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 66% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,795 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

Senior Controller

Chicago, IL • On-site

Wow Bao
Restaurants • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Wow Baoexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Ready to make a big impact? Wow Bao is seeking a passionate and hands on Senior Controller to lead accounting, financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, and compliance for a fast-growing, multi-channel CPG and food manufacturing company. This role owns the integrity of the books and a disciplined close, protects liquidity and working capital, and delivers accurate, timely reporting to the CEO, Board, and investors - while building and leading the finance and accounting team.
The Senior Controller also partners with operations and commercial leaders on inventory, cost accounting, and trade spend, and supports forecasting, budgeting, and performance reporting across business channels. Deep CPG and/or food manufacturing experience is essential.
This position will report directly to the CEO/President and requires 5 days a week on-site in Chicago, Illinois.
Why Join Wow Bao?
  • Join the adventure! Be part of a fast-growing, innovative brand that's shaping the future of food
  • Make an impact. Opportunity to shape financial strategy during a pivotal expansion phase.
  • Collaborative and creative. Thrive in an entrepreneurial culture that values bold ideas and big growth.
  • Bao-tastic perks! Enjoy all the delicious, flavorful bao you can handle!

Innovative. Fast Pace. Growth.
At Wow Bao, we believe food should be bold, exciting, and anything but ordinary. We're on a mission to reinvent the Asian Street Food experience-bringing inventive flavors and high-quality ingredients to every bite.
As the fastest-growing Frozen Asian Snack brand in the U.S., Wow Bao achieved over 370% retail sales growth in 2024, and our products are now available in 16,000+ grocery stores nationwide thanks to strong partnerships with leading retailers.
Our journey began in 2003 with the opening of our first restaurant, and today Wow Bao is a thriving omni-channel brand with a presence in Chicago restaurants, airports, virtual kitchens, and universities. We continue to expand across all verticals-including foodservice, retail, and corporate operations.
Wow Bao is proud to be the only brand recognized three times by Fast Casual magazine as a Top 100 Movers & Shakers-earning the #1 spot in both 2019 and 2022, and #4 in 2023. This recognition reflects our commitment to innovation, growth, and excellence in what we do.
Join us and be part of a team that's transforming the way the world experiences Asian cuisine-one bao at a time.
We foster a culture of caring.
Whether it's our guests or our employees, we put people first. We strive to inspire, to motivate, and to appreciate one another every day. We live by the golden rule and treat everyone with kindness, empathy, respect, and a healthy dose of humor. We take our work, not ourselves, seriously.
Requirements
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (Other duties will be assigned as needed)
Accounting, Close & Financial Reporting
  • Own the full accounting cycle and general ledger, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and flux analysis.
  • Lead the monthly close process; establish and run a close calendar that delivers timely, decision-ready financial statements.
  • Prepare and review GAAP financial statements and management reporting packages for accuracy, completeness, and clarity.
  • Coordinate the annual external audit; own PBC schedules, auditor requests, and remediation of findings.
  • Coordinate tax compliance and filings with external advisors (income, sales & use, and other applicable taxes).
  • Establish and maintain internal controls appropriate to company size, with clear documentation and compensating controls where the team is lean.

Cash Management & Working Capital
  • Own cash management, including bank reconciliations, payment controls, and reliable short-term cash visibility.
  • Maintain a rolling cash forecast (e.g., 13-week) and partner with leadership on liquidity and working-capital priorities.
  • Oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable processes, including payment runs, collections cadence, and credit/collections risk.
  • Monitor working-capital drivers (receivables, inventory, payables).
  • Inventory, Cost Accounting & Plant Partnership
  • Own inventory accounting, valuation, reserves, and obsolescence analysis across raw materials, WIP, and finished goods.
  • Lead cost accounting processes and margin analysis; partner with operations to understand and improve manufacturing and distribution cost.
  • Partner closely with the plant accountant and operations leadership on inventory accuracy, physical/cycle counts, cost variances, and plant reporting into the corporate books.
  • Support pricing and margin decisions with clear cost and channel economics in partnership with commercial and operations leaders.

Team Leadership & Process Improvement
  • Lead, mentor, and develop accounting team; set clear goals, close ownership, and coverage plans.
  • Strengthen systems and processes (close checklist, inventory/cost workflows) to improve accuracy, speed, and control.
  • Foster a culture of care, accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional partnership.
  • Revenue, Trade Spend & Gross-to-Net
  • Oversee accounting and reporting for retailer discounts, promotional allowances, rebates, scan-downs, chargebacks, slotting, co-op, and related trade programs.
  • Review and validate retailer deductions, claims, and payment discrepancies; drive root-cause resolution with commercial and customers as needed.
  • Implement and maintain controls around customer contracts, pricing agreements, and promotional funding commitments.
  • Improve visibility and forecasting of trade investment and net revenue by channel/customer. Oversee accounting and reporting for retailer discounts, promotional allowances, rebates, scan-downs, chargebacks.

Planning, Forecasting & Stakeholder Reporting
  • Lead the annual operating budget and ongoing forecasting process in partnership with the CEO and functional leaders.
  • Prepare monthly financial reporting packages for the Board of Directors and investors, including performance vs. plan, cash, and key risks/opportunities.
  • Prepare regular management reporting (e.g., weekly flash / operational summaries) covering performance across business channels.
  • Build and maintain practical financial models and analyses to evaluate initiatives (e.g. product launches, supply chain or cost actions).
  • Maintain string working relationships with banking partners, auditors, and other external advisors.
  • Other duties will be assigned as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
  • CPA required.
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance, with the majority of experience in accounting.
  • 5+ years of accounting experience in CPG, food & beverage, manufacturing, and/or multi-unit retail.
  • Demonstrated ownership of the full accounting cycle and monthly close, including general ledger, reconciliations, and issuance of accurate financial statements.
  • Hands-on experience with cash management and working capital, including cash forecasting and oversight of AP/AR processes.
  • Experience establishing or maintaining internal controls and leading the external audit process from the company side.
  • Experience with inventory accounting and cost accounting in a manufacturing or CPG environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain financial results clearly to the CEO, operators, and Board/investors.
  • Ability to work on-site in Chicago, IL per company schedule, with periodic travel to the Forest City, NC manufacturing facility as needed.

PREFERRED:
  • Experience with large retail partners such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Kroger, or regional grocery chains
  • Advance proficiency in ERP systems and Microsoft Excel
  • Experience with managing retail deductions, trade spend, rebates, chargebacks, and gross-to-net revenue accounting

Compensation for this position is between $140,000.00 to $170,000.00 per year.
Wow Bao is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Benefits
  • Competitive salary
  • Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision)
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Voluntary Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability
  • Domestic Partner Benefits
  • Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
  • Restaurant Discounts
  • Employee Discount Programs
  • We foster a culture of CARE

Apply