Controller

Controller Role Overview We are hiring a Controller to be the first dedicated back office hire and take full ownership of the function end-to-end. This role is responsible for making sure the numbers are right, bills are paid correctly and on time, processes are followed, and issues are identified and resolved quickly. This is a hands-on role in a growing environment where you will be expected to build structure, enforce standards, and take ownership across accounting, compliance, and HR-related administration. You will have the option to leverage outsourced resources or build a team over time, but you are accountable for the output. Key Responsibilities Financial Accuracy and Reconciliation Ensure all financial data is accurate and complete across POS systems, bank accounts, and third-party platforms Accountable for the month end close and reconciliation process end-to-end and investigate discrepancies until fully resolved Comply with bank and franchisor reporting requirements Maintain clean, reliable books across all locations Work through issues in detail and ensure nothing remains unresolved Back Office Operations (AP & Cash Discipline) Oversee accounts payable across multiple locations Review invoices for accuracy and validity before payment, including identifying billing errors, duplicate charges, or inconsistencies Ensure bills are paid on time with no late fees or service disruptions Maintain organized vendor records and supporting documentation Direct and manage resources responsible for invoice entry and routine processing Ensure all work is completed accurately and on time Judgment and Exception Handling Review and approve non-routine or unclear items Validate vendor invoices, especially for repairs, maintenance, and other variable costs Act as the escalation point when something does not make sense For example, when a vendor invoice does not align with expected work or cost, you will be expected to review, question, and validate before approval Compliance and Reporting Accountable for required filings and reporting, including state taxes, payroll-related taxes (SUTA, FUTA), OSHA, other BLS reports, etc. Ensure deadlines are met and submissions are accurate Maintain compliance with all applicable laws and regulations Coordinate with external partners where needed HR Administration Oversee back office HR processes including employee records and unemployment claims Coordinate with payroll providers Support operations on administrative HR matters Process Development (SOPs & Controls) Build and document clear, repeatable SOPs across accounting, compliance, and HR Establish and enforce proper cash controls and approval processes Improve workflows between stores, vendors, and the back office Establish structure that will scale from 20 to 50 locations Operations Partnership Work directly with store and area managers to ensure processes are followed Provide clear, usable reporting Help resolve issues that impact day-to-day operations What Success Looks Like All systems (POS, bank, delivery platforms) reconcile consistently No unresolved discrepancies across reporting periods All invoices are accurate, reviewed, and approved appropriately before payment Bills are paid on time with no late fees or vendor disruptions Clear, organized SOPs are in place and followed across the business Strong cash controls are implemented and consistently enforced Compliance filings are accurate and consistently submitted on time Store and area managers are operating with reliable data Treasury is actively managed, including cash positioning and oversight of bank accounts Payroll administration is accurate, timely, and fully compliant Books are closed on time each month with reliable financial reporting Quarterly bank reporting and lender requirements are completed accurately and on schedule Qualifications 5–10+ years of relevant experience Experience in a multi-unit environment (restaurant, retail, or similar preferred) Strong reconciliation and problem-solving skills Comfortable managing high transaction volume Familiarity with tax and compliance reporting requirements Profile Takes ownership and follows through Comfortable operating in detail and resolving issues directly Uses judgment and does not rely on assumptions Able to work across accounting, operations, and HR Effective in a growing, unstructured environment Additional Information This is the first dedicated back office hire. You will have the opportunity to build processes and, over time, determine the right structure for the team, whether through internal hires, external support, or a combination of both. If you are someone who takes responsibility for getting the details right, resolving issues fully, and building processes that hold up as a business scales, we would like to speak with you. Work Schedule Monday to Friday Weekend availability Benefits Paid time off Health insurance Dental insurance Vision insurance