Controller - Multi-Unit Restaurant Organization

Job Description

Job Description

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Controller to lead the accounting and financial operations of a growing multi-unit restaurant organization. This is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining strong internal controls, managing the accounting team, and supporting the company's continued growth and strategic initiatives.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in multi-location restaurant accounting, excels in a fast-paced environment, and enjoys partnering with operational leadership to drive financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting

• Oversee the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process.
• Prepare and review financial statements, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.
• Analyze financial performance and identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Prepare executive-level financial reporting packages and business analyses.

Accounting Leadership

• Lead and develop the corporate accounting team, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, and General Ledger functions.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial records.
• Develop, implement, and improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Maintain compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

Restaurant Financial Operations

• Oversee daily sales reconciliation and cash management processes.
• Monitor restaurant-level financial performance and investigate operational variances.
• Review labor reporting, payroll allocations, and inventory accounting.
• Partner with operations leadership to improve financial performance and reporting accuracy.

Cash Management & Treasury

• Monitor cash flow and daily cash balances.
• Oversee bank reconciliations and treasury activities.
• Assist with debt management and financing activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve cash flow and working capital.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Strengthen internal controls and financial processes.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate annual audits and support relationships with external accounting firms.
• Oversee sales tax, property tax, business licenses, and other regulatory filings.

Growth & Strategic Initiatives

• Support acquisitions, new unit openings, and other strategic growth initiatives.
• Assist with financial due diligence and post-acquisition integration.
• Coordinate accounting setup for new business entities and operational expansions.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Manage and optimize accounting and financial reporting systems.
• Improve reporting automation and operational efficiency.
• Develop dashboards and financial reporting tools using Excel, Power BI, or similar platforms.
• Lead continuous process improvement initiatives across the finance function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including leadership responsibilities.
• Experience in multi-unit restaurant, hospitality, retail, or franchise organizations is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Proven experience leading accounting teams and managing month-end close processes.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting systems.
• Experience with restaurant accounting platforms such as Restaurant365 or similar ERP systems is preferred.
• Experience with Power BI or other business intelligence tools is a plus.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to partner effectively across departments.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k) with company participation
• Professional development opportunities
• Collaborative leadership team
• Opportunity to play a key role in the continued growth of a successful multi-unit organization

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organization where you'll have a direct impact on financial strategy, operational performance, and long-term growth. If you're a collaborative finance leader who enjoys building strong teams and improving business performance, we'd love to hear from you.

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.

Company Description

The Restaurant Zone is a leading hospitality recruitment agency specializing in connecting top-tier talent with restaurants, hotels, and hospitality groups across the United States. We partner with growing brands and established operators to deliver high-quality candidates for management, executive, and specialized roles. Our team combines industry expertise, a vast candidate network, and a results-driven approach to help businesses build strong, reliable teams. At The Restaurant Zone, we focus on speed, quality, and long-term fit—ensuring both clients and candidates succeed.