Controller

Job Title: Controller
Department: Finance
Reports To: EVP Finance
Location: This position is 100% in-office based out of the United Center in Chicago IL
Hours: Standard business hours are 9:00 am - 5:00 pm / Monday - Friday. However this position will require occasional non-traditional hours including nights weekends and holidays based on the Finance calendar and company event schedule.
Status: Fulltime Exempt
# Direct Reports: 3
Compensation: The expected annual salary range for this position is $170000 - $200000 with final compensation offer based on the candidates years of experience skills qualifications and overall fit for the role. This role is eligible to participate in the Companys annual bonus program.

*Search being led by LHH - please send resume to for consideration.

Role Summary:

The Controller is a senior leader within the accounting and finance team responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial operations reporting compliance and internal controls across the Chicago Blackhawks and affiliated entities. This role serves as a strategic partner to executive leadership driving financial integrity operational efficiency and long-term fiscal health. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership and thrives in a fast-paced high-performance sports environment.

Primary Responsibilities:

Commercial

• Serve as a key financial advisor to the EVP Finance and executive team providing insights to guide strategic decisions
• Evaluate and implement financial systems and technologies to enhance automation scalability and reporting capabilities
• Develop and enforce accounting policies that align with GAAP league standards and organizational goals
• Partner with department heads to support financial literacy cost management and resource allocation

Operational

• Oversee all accounting functions including general ledger accounts payable/receivable revenue recognition and accounting systems
• Direct monthly quarterly and annual close processes ensuring accuracy and timeliness of financials
• Ensure compliance with GAAP league reporting requirements and regulatory filings (e.g. Sales & Use Tax Amusement Tax)
• Lead annual audits and liaise with external auditors league officials and tax authorities
• Monitor and strengthen internal controls risk management practices and financial governance

Leadership

• Lead mentor and develop a high-performing accounting team
• Foster a culture of accountability innovation and professional growth
• Align team objectives with broader organizational strategy and performance metrics

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree in Accounting Finance or related field required; Masters Degree or MBA preferred
• CPA certification required
• 10 years of progressive accounting experience including leadership roles and public accounting background
• Experience in sports entertainment or multi-entity environments strongly preferred
• Expert knowledge of GAAP financial reporting and internal controls
• Advanced proficiency in ERP systems (NetSuite preferred) and Excel
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage complex projects
• Exceptional analytical organizational and communication skills
• Passion for sports and understanding of the business of professional athletics a plus
• Ability to adapt to occasional variations in schedule including working nights weekends and holidays as business needs dictate based on the event calendar.
• Must demonstrate our organizational values of integrity curiosity empathy collaboration and originality

The Chicago Blackhawks is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals regardless of personal characteristics are encouraged to apply. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender race religion or religious creed color gender identity gender expression national origin ancestry physical or mental disability medical condition marital status registered domestic partner status age sexual orientation military or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal state local law ordinance or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.

What Its Like Working Here:

The Chicago Blackhawks experience isnt just on the ice. Our office located in the United Center promotes a fun engaging fast-paced and collaborative atmosphere where we can celebrate both hockey and each other. Our commitment to curating an environment where all individuals feel empowered to bring their best self to work each day can be seen throughout our organization. Whether you are a job seeker looking to join the organization a current member of our amazing team or someone looking to help support our mission our goal is the same to reimagine the potential of hockey through memorable inclusive experiences.

Perks and Benefits:

Competitive total rewards package full benefits (medical dental vision 401k matching paid life insurance) employee assistance program (EAP) comprehensive PTO package social events volunteer opportunities and learning and development. Employer-paid breakfast lunch parking on-site gym and training classes employee ticket program and more.

The Team:

The Chicago Blackhawks started their journey as one of the NHLs Original Six professional ice hockey teams in 1926. Members of the Central Division in the NHLs Western Conference and six-time Stanley Cup Champions () the team calls the United Center home.

Each day the Team works to uphold our mission to reimagine the potential of hockey. At its core the team and greater organization uphold its mission through its core values centered around integrity curiosity empathy collaboration and originality. They are fiercely dedicated to evolving and delivering new and legendary fan experiences and captivating new and diverse audiences both on and off the ice. As part of their unwavering commitment to drive impact and purpose in the Chicago community the organization opened the Fifth Third Arena (the teams official practice facility and community space for youth hockey development) continues to make expansions to the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation and acquired the AHL team the Rockford IceHogs.

The Chicago Blackhawks continue to grow in its commitments to honor and celebrate Black Hawks legacy by offering our platforms making meaningful contributions collaborating with Native American people and reimagining ways to support the many Native American people and communities they live amongst and alongside. They engage in this work through their formal partnership with Black Hawks ancestral tribe the Sac and Fox Nation of Oklahoma which the tribe established with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2021.