Finance Leadership Career Surge is accelerating momentum across industries. As businesses respond to economic shifts, embrace AI-driven operations, and navigate increasing regulatory pressure, the demand for decisive, visionary finance leadership continues to rise.
More than ever, organizations need finance leaders who act—not just analyze. Controllers and CFOs no longer simply close the books or forecast the future. Instead, they lead enterprise-wide transformations, optimize resource allocation, shape data strategy, and drive measurable growth.
In addition, finance leaders now champion transparency, resilience, and agility. From evaluating tech investments to re-engineering outdated processes, they act as both risk managers and innovation catalysts. Consequently, those who pair financial discipline with strategic foresight are rising to the top.
“Finance leaders don’t just report—they drive.”
— Kristin Rivera, Global Forensic Leader, PwC
This shift reflects a broader trend. According to Deloitte’s 2025 CFO Signals Report, 73% of CFOs are actively restructuring their teams for hybrid work models, digital finance capabilities, and leaner, faster decision-making.
Therefore, the opportunity is clear: Senior finance professionals who lead with both data and direction are positioned to influence everything—from M&A strategy and ESG reporting to AI adoption and stakeholder trust.
🔎 Chicago’s Finance Job Market: Snapshot
Chicago’s finance job market is surging. As companies streamline operations and scale growth, they urgently seek experienced controllers, CFOs, and senior finance leaders.
At the same time, hybrid work models and digital finance tools are reshaping hiring priorities. Employers now favor candidates who drive strategy, lead transformation, and deliver insights—not just reports.
Meanwhile, salaries continue to rise. Top listings regularly exceed $200K, especially in sectors like healthcare, SaaS, and logistics. As demand intensifies, Chicago stands out as a high-impact hub for finance leadership.
“Controllers are now strategic operators, not back-office number crunchers.”
— Mark Partin, CFO, BlackLine
✅ Top Finance Leadership Career Surge Job Listings
Across the U.S., remote CFO roles are expanding fast as companies prioritize flexibility, digital finance, and strategic oversight. Simultaneously, Chicago’s finance market remains red-hot, offering high-paying controller and finance leadership positions in hybrid and on-site models. As demand rises, both national and local employers seek bold financial leaders who can drive transformation, optimize performance, and lead with confidence—anywhere.
- Indeed: 360+ active listings for Controllers and CFOs
- Salary Range: $90K–$280K+
Featured Roles:
“CFOs must be technologists, strategists, and agents of change—simultaneously.”
— Frank Friedman, Former CFO, Deloitte
Examples of Hybrid and Remote Jobs available now
Top Controller & CFO Roles (with Application Links)
| Company | Role | Salary Range | Work Mode | Apply / Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE HealthCare | Controller | $139K–$209K | Hybrid | Apply on Built In Chicago / Search on Indeed |
| Cresco Labs | SVP, Corporate Controller | $250K–$280K | On-Site | Apply on Indeed / ZipRecruiter |
| Merit America | Controller | ~$202K | Remote | Apply via Greenhouse / Remote Rocketship |
| Connectly.ai | Global Financial Controller | Not listed | Remote | Apply on Built In / Company Careers Page |
| MPN Research Foundation | Financial Controller | ~$90K–$120K | Hybrid | Apply on TriNet / Company Info on Indeed |
| Daniels Health | Corporate Controller | $170K–$190K | Hybrid | Apply on Built In / ZipRecruiter |
✅ Salary Benchmarks
| Platform | Avg. Salary | High Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZipRecruiter | $114,494 | $162K+ | City-wide average |
| Built In Chicago | $139K–$220K | Remote/hybrid | GE, Connectly, Merit |
| Glassdoor | $106K–$280K | On-site firms | Mondelēz, Cresco |
✅ Leading Employers
| Company | Role | Pay Range | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| GE HealthCare | Controller | $139K–$209K | Hybrid |
| Cresco Labs | SVP, Corporate Controller | $250K–$280K | On-Site |
| Daniels Health | Corporate Controller | $170K–$190K | Hybrid |
| Mondelēz Intl. | Manufacturing Controller | $106K–$146K | On-Site |
| Northern Trust | Finance Leadership Roles | Competitive | Hybrid |
| West Monroe | FP&A Director | Competitive | Hybrid |
🔗 Top Executive Agencies With Finance Leadership Career Surge
These firms consistently place high-level finance professionals in Chicago and nationwide:
| Recruiter/Agency | Specialties |
|---|---|
| LaSalle | CFOs, Controllers, FP&A Leaders |
| Robert Half | Interim & Full-Time Finance Executives |
| Hirewell | Chicago-Based Finance Leadership |
| Lucas Group | CFOs, SVPs, PE-Backed Roles |
| Michael Page | Directors, Controllers, FP&A |
| Addison | Interim Controllers, Finance Projects |
| CFS (Creative Financial Staffing) | Controllers, Accounting Leaders |
| Brilliant | Chicagoland Finance Talent |
| Kforce | SEC Reporting, FP&A, Controllers |
| Vaco | Turnaround CFOs, M&A Finance Roles |
📰 Resources for the Finance Leadership Career Surge
- Agent assist in Finance Operations Workspace
- Approaching ServiceNow Finance Integration
- CFOs Embrace AI & Data Strategy Explore How CFOs Are Testing AI in Finance
- Chicago’s Best Companies to Work For See Built In’s 2025 Best Large Companies to Work For
- CFOs Must Move Beyond Comfort Zones Why Finance Leaders Must Embrace AI – Workday Blog
- Digital Business Process Center of Excellence
- Exploring Financial Services Operations
- Finance Executive Trends Deloitte CFO Signals Survey – Deloitte
- Financial Services Operations
- Global Executive Women’s Network
- Hot Careers in Service
- How can financial controllers transform for confidence? | EY – US
- Jobs n Career Success
- ServiceNow’s Generative AI Revolution
- ServiceNow University
- Top Remote Controller Employers
