Advice to advance my accounting career

A director and controller (senior manager) manage people. You will need people management skills. This means that you will have to manage people/ teams to build this skill.

Senior management in any organization are responsible for managing 3 things: Human Resources, Financial resources and the Product or Process. You need experience in all 3 areas to be successful. You might be an excellent technician in getting the work done but until you prove yourself in the other two areas you wouldn't be considered. That involves a lot of other skill sets and traits as being the best worker doesn't necessarily translate to being a good manager.

While it may not be a good time to look for new opportunities, always keep an eye out.

As for opportunities to advance, why not try suggesting bringing on an intern, or junior hire for you to train and supervise? At the Controller level, that's a big responsibility to review other's work.

As for East Coast, Irving is the big name and all their many businesses.

I hate "you do realize" replies to people genuinely looking for advice. Just sounds too condescending IMO.