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ZwillGen

VP of Finance and Controller

ZwillGen, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290

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ZG Subpoena Solutions (ZGSS) is a closely-knit team of dedicated professionals working collaboratively to design, implement, and manage customized solutions for business processes, such as legal process compliance and third-party requests for access to user data. Our clients rely on us to tackle this critical yet non-revenue-generating work, allowing our clients to focus on providing their customers with outstanding products and services.

We love working here because we like standing at the intersection of user data and law enforcement demands. We are driven to provide better service each and every day, and we genuinely like being part of a team at the center of the action. Our business has expanded rapidly over the past few years and we are eager to capitalize on our continued growth and position as the leader in legal process response solutions.

We are seeking a VP Finance & Controller to serve as the company’s first senior finance leader after a carveout from a founder-led organization. This role combines hands‑on controllership and accounting ownership with select forward‑looking financial responsibilities, including budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.

This is a pivotal role for a finance leader who thrives in high‑growth, hands‑on environments and wants broad ownership across accounting, planning, and financial decision support. The role requires comfort operating in ambiguity and building structure where processes and systems are still evolving.

Company Overview As a private equity‑backed organization in a critical growth phase, we are focused on scaling responsibly, improving margins, and building the financial foundation required to support future growth and potential liquidity events.

The VP Finance & Controller will play a central role in establishing financial discipline, improving visibility into performance, and supporting value creation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities Accounting & Controllership

Own and execute all core accounting and controllership responsibilities, including designing and formalizing processes as needed, with direct involvement in the month‑end close

Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes, ensuring GAAP compliance and accuracy in all financial statements

Complete cash to accrual conversions and the creation of supporting schedules

Validate the existence of assets and prepare associated roll forwards

Prepare balance sheet reconciliations (intercompany, inventory, cash, prepaids, etc.)

Oversee and execute accounting compliance, including tax forms, sales tax exemptions, 1099s, etc., while also contributing to the preparation of financial statements and the development of internal controls and policies

Prepare comprehensive financial reports for executive leadership, board members, and private equity sponsors

Oversee general ledger operations, maintain chart of accounts, and review journal entries for accuracy

Coordinate external audits and manage relationships with auditors and tax advisors

Oversee cash flow management, banking relationships, and capital planning

Process, Systems & Infrastructure Build‑Out

Design, document, and implement more advanced core finance and accounting processes where limited or rudimentary formal processes exist today

Reduce reliance on manual workflows and disconnected spreadsheets by introducing scalable, repeatable processes

Own evaluation, implementation, and optimization of finance and accounting systems (including billing, time tracking, and general ledger integrations)

Partner cross‑functionally to improve data flow between operational systems and financial reporting

Establish controls, documentation, and operating cadence appropriate for a growing, private equity‑backed business

Financial Planning & Performance Management

Partner with leadership to develop annual budgets and periodic forecasts

Perform variance analysis and explain financial results versus plan

Build and maintain lightweight financial models and reporting appropriate for the company’s stage

Support pricing, cost management, and margin improvement initiatives through financial analysis

Provide scenario analysis to support growth and operational decision‑making

Strategic Finance & Private Equity Support

Prepare clear, decision‑oriented financial materials for executive leadership and the Board of Directors, including the private equity sponsors

Support M&A activities including financial diligence, integration planning, and post‑acquisition accounting

Act as a financial thought partner to the CEO and leadership team on key initiatives

Compliance & Risk Management

Own compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations

Maintain adherence to GAAP standards and internal accounting policies

Required Qualifications Education & Certifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required

CPA certification strongly preferred

MBA in Accounting or Finance preferred

Experience Requirements

8–12 years of progressive accounting and finance experience, with increasing responsibility across accounting, reporting, and financial planning

At least 2–4 years in a hands‑on, operational accounting role with direct responsibility for day‑to‑day close and reporting activities, preferably in a growth‑stage environment

Private equity or investor‑backed company experience strongly preferred

Experience designing finance and accounting processes from scratch and implementing systems to support them in a growth‑stage, resource‑constrained environment

Technical Skills

Strong knowledge of US GAAP and financial reporting standards

Advanced proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems

Strong Excel capabilities

Hands‑on experience with budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis in a growth‑stage environment

Key Competencies Leadership & Communication

Excellent communication skills with ability to present financial information to non‑financial stakeholders

Strong collaborative skills to work effectively across departments

Strategic & Analytical Thinking

Results‑oriented approach with strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities

Strategic mindset with hands‑on execution capabilities

Ability to identify cost savings opportunities and process improvements

Personal Attributes

Thrives in fast‑paced, high‑growth environments

Strong work ethic with attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

Demonstrated integrity, credibility, and professional ethics

Adaptability and resilience in dynamic business conditions

Applies critical thinking and experience to evaluate complex decisions, balancing factors, outcomes, and organizational impact

Drives accountability by owning decisions, holding others responsible, honoring commitments, and communicating effectively with stakeholders

Practices emotional intelligence through self‑awareness and growth by embracing feedback, building on strengths, and demonstrating empathy

Collaborates effectively with diverse personalities by maintaining a positive, professional attitude

Growth Opportunities This role represents a foundational finance position within the company. As the business grows, the VP Finance & Controller will help define when and how additional accounting and finance resources are added and will play a key role in shaping the company’s evolving finance function.

What We Provide You

A hybrid work arrangement

Work‑life balance, generous PTO (earn up to 15 days annually), and 11 paid holidays

Competitive compensation and discretionary bonus

A full range of generous benefits including medical, flexible spending accounts, dental, vision, short‑term and long‑term disability, employee assistance program (EAP), commuter benefits, and more

401(k) retirement plan and profit sharing

Onsite fitness center (Chicago)

Weekly DoorDash meal allowance

Employee discount program

Quarterly volunteer opportunities

A proud commitment to employee well‑being

Reporting Structure This position reports directly to the CEO and works closely with the executive team and private equity sponsors.

Ready to drive financial excellence in a high‑growth environment? Join our team and play a crucial role in our continued success and value creation journey. We offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a dynamic, private equity‑backed organization positioned for significant growth and eventual liquidity event.

Location: Chicago preferred. Open to candidates based elsewhere who are willing to travel to Chicago regularly and be closely embedded with the operating team. Compensation: $200,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year based on experience, education, and geographic location.

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