Controls Specialist at Blitt and Gaines, P.C. – Vernon Hills, Illinois

The Controls Specialist supports the execution, monitoring, and continuous improvement of the firm’s internal control reporting framework. This role is responsible for maintaining control documentation, performing control testing, and ensuring accurate, timely reporting aligned with regulatory requirements, client expectations, and internal policies.

Working under the direction of the Controls Manager, the Controls Specialist partners closely with Compliance to ensure the effectiveness of the firm’s control environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and update control documentation, including control narratives, matrices, and evidence repositories.
• Assist in the implementation and ongoing maintenance of the firm’s control reporting framework.
• Ensure control activities are properly documented, standardized, and aligned across departments.
• Perform routine control testing to validate design and operating effectiveness.
• Document testing results and identify control deficiencies or gaps.
• Track and escalate issues identified during testing to the Controls Manager.
• Assist in preparing documentation and evidence for client audits and regulatory reviews.
• Support onsite and remote audit activities, including coordinating requests and responses.
• Track remediation actions resulting from audit findings and ensure timely follow-up.
• Assist in updating control documentation in response to policy or operational changes.
• Identify opportunities to enhance control efficiency, consistency, and automation.
• Communicate control-related updates, issues, and progress to the Controls Manager.
• Support preparation of reports and summaries for leadership as needed.

• High School diploma or GED is required; college is a plus
• 2–3 years of experience in internal controls, audit, compliance, or risk management.
• Familiarity with control frameworks.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to audit processes or regulatory compliance activities.
• Experience supporting control automation or reporting tools.