Controller - Restaurants

Position Overview:

The Controller will oversee all accounting and financial reporting functions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. This role is critical in maintaining financial integrity, supporting strategic decision-making, and improving processes to optimize financial performance. The Controller will work closely with leadership and operational teams to provide actionable insights and maintain strong fiscal controls across all locations.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Manage the general ledger, reconciliations, and financial close processes.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax regulations, and industry-specific financial standards.
• Monitor and analyze financial performance, identifying trends and improvement opportunities.
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes, providing financial insights for strategic planning.

Operational & Cost Control

• Develop and maintain cost control strategies, focusing on food & beverage costs, labor, and operational expenses.
• Work closely with operations leadership to track and improve restaurant-level profitability.
• Optimize cash flow management, including vendor payments, inventory management, and working capital optimization.
• Implement and improve financial systems, reporting tools, and internal controls.

Leadership & Process Improvement

• Lead and mentor the accounting team, ensuring high performance and professional development.
• Improve financial processes, automation, and reporting efficiencies to scale with company growth.
• Collaborate with the CFO, VP of Operations, and restaurant GMs to provide financial insights and decision support.
• Lead annual audits, tax filings, and compliance initiatives, working with external auditors and tax advisors.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 7+ years of accounting/finance experience, preferably in multi-unit restaurant, hospitality, or franchise industries.
• Strong understanding of restaurant financial operations, including P&L management, COGS, and labor cost analysis.
• Experience with restaurant accounting systems (e.g., Restaurant365, Compeat, NetSuite, QuickBooks).
• Expertise in GAAP, financial reporting, and tax compliance.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or CMA preferred).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.