CONTROLLER

Controller Position

Ponte Family Estate Winery opened in 2003 and is a California based company operating in the heart of the Temecula Wine Country. We have been farming our vineyards since 1984 and are a real working winery, growing and producing over 20 estate grown varietals within certified sustainable facilities.

We are located right next to our Four Diamond, 90 room, boutique hotel Ponte Vineyard Inn. We are surrounded by 300 acres of mature vineyards and views of rolling hills. We are a short drive from most of Southern California and enjoy hosting folks who want a break from city life. Our guests visit us seeking a relaxing day or overnight stay in the country.

We have become the benchmark for great service among Temecula wineries. Our associates are dedicated to delighting guests by providing excellent hospitality and serving great wine and food in a beautiful environment.

We are seeking a collaborative, detail-driven, and results-oriented Controller to manage the accounting, financial reporting, and internal control functions of our multi-entity hospitality and wine company in Temecula. The Controller is both a strategic partner and a hands-on leader who ensures the accuracy, transparency, and integrity of all financial data across four operating brands.

This role provides financial insight, process oversight, and operational support to drive performance and accountability throughout the organization. The Controller is expected to lead the accounting and IT teams in executing day-to-day operations while improving systems, strengthening controls, and maintaining compliance with all regulatory standards.

Beyond core accounting responsibilities, the Controller plays a key role in advancing financial efficiency, supporting business growth, and maintaining the company's reputation for excellence in hospitality and financial stewardship.

Compensation:

• Salary: $120,000 – $140,000 (DOE)
• Bonus tied to KPI performance, including:
• Close timeliness and accuracy
• Reduction in exceptions and rework
• SOP adherence and completion
• System stability across QBO, Bill.com, and ADP

Schedule:

• Monday – Friday, based on business needs.
• Flexibility is required to meet deadlines and ensure critical financial tasks are completed accurately and on time.

Benefits Per Company Plan Details:

• Health, Dental & Vision
• 401K Matching Plan
• Life Insurance
• Hospital Confinement Plan
• Pet Insurance
• 3 weeks of PTO
• 2 Paid Holidays (Thanksgiving + Christmas) + 6 Floating Holidays

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Accounting Operations
• Oversee and manage all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll accounting, and bank reconciliations.
• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with GAAP.
• Maintain a robust system of internal controls that safeguards company assets and ensures the integrity of financial data.
• Manage intercompany transactions, allocations, and consolidations across multiple entities.
• Direct the preparation and review of journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Ensure accurate and compliant payroll processing in collaboration with HR and department leadership.
• Financial Reporting & Analysis
• Prepare and distribute timely, accurate financial statements for all entities and consolidated operations.
• Provide meaningful analysis of financial results to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop, monitor, and report on key financial metrics that support operational decision-making.
• Partner with department leaders to ensure alignment between operational results and financial performance.
• Compliance & Audit
• Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local tax and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate annual financial audits and act as a primary liaison with external auditors.
• Maintain proper documentation and audit-ready financial records.
• Oversee sales tax, property tax, and other compliance filings as required.
• Systems & Process Improvement
• Lead the ongoing improvement of accounting systems, workflows, and reporting tools to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Oversee integrations with property-level systems such as POS, payroll, and inventory platforms (e.g., ADP Workforce Now, Toast, OpenTable).
• Evaluate and recommend enhancements to accounting software and procedures that support scalability and growth.
• Leadership & Team Development
• Directly supervise and mentor accounting team members, fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Provide clear direction, training, and feedback to ensure professional growth and high performance.
• Lead by example—working alongside the team during peak periods and month-end closings.
• Promote strong cross-departmental relationships that enhance collaboration and service delivery.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Managing Partner.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA preferred.
• Minimum of seven years of progressive accounting experience, including three+ years in a leadership or Controller role.
• Background in hospitality, food & beverage, or multi-entity operations strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and develop accounting teams in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Experience managing IT teams and systems infrastructure is required.
• Deep understanding of GAAP, internal controls, and consolidated financial reporting.
• Hands-on experience with accounting and ERP systems (e.g., Sage Intacct, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics).
• Familiarity with payroll and POS systems such as ADP Workforce Now, Toast, and OpenTable strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across departments.
• Demonstrates integrity, confidentiality, and sound professional judgment.

Company Standards:

• Understand our Values, and Service Standards.
• Ensure the safety of guests and associates.
• Follow the environmental standards set by the Company
• Treat all associates and guests in a respectful manner.
• Exhibit integrity (honesty and truthfulness).