Controller - Multi-Unit Restaurant Company

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Controller to lead the accounting and financial operations of a growing multi-unit restaurant organization. This strategic leadership role is responsible for overseeing all accounting functions, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, internal controls, regulatory compliance, and audit coordination.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on finance leader with strong technical accounting expertise, exceptional analytical skills, and experience supporting multi-location restaurant operations. This individual will partner closely with executive leadership to provide financial insights, improve business performance, and ensure the integrity of the company's financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Financial Operations

• Oversee all accounting operations for the company and related entities.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger, chart of accounts, and financial records.
• Develop, implement, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Manage the company's ERP system and continuously improve accounting processes.
• Oversee outsourced accounting functions and ensure timely completion of financial activities.
• Supervise accounts payable, bank reconciliations, fixed assets, and depreciation schedules.
• Partner with Payroll to resolve reporting and accounting discrepancies.

Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
• Develop executive reporting packages, KPIs, dashboards, and operational performance metrics.
• Analyze financial results, identify trends and variances, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Support executive leadership with financial modeling, forecasting, and strategic decision-making.
• Present financial performance and operational insights to senior leadership.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process across all departments.
• Prepare rolling forecasts, financial projections, and scenario analyses.
• Monitor budget performance and investigate significant variances.
• Recommend financial benchmarks and performance improvement initiatives.

Cash Management & Treasury

• Manage daily cash flow and liquidity planning.
• Maintain banking relationships and oversee treasury functions.
• Monitor debt schedules and ensure timely loan and financing payments.
• Ensure compliance with debt covenants and financing agreements.
• Identify opportunities to improve cash flow and working capital management.

Audit, Tax & Compliance

• Coordinate annual financial statement audits with external auditors.
• Support CPA firms with tax preparation, annual audits, and 401(k) audits.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations and reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation for regulatory filings and financial compliance.

Business Administration & Risk Management

• Assist with annual insurance renewals and risk management initiatives.
• Ensure timely renewal of business licenses and permits.
• Monitor lease agreements, CAM reconciliations, and real estate-related financial obligations.
• Support financial due diligence for acquisitions and strategic business initiatives as needed.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting team.
• Establish clear performance expectations and promote accountability.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Evaluate departmental processes and implement efficiencies through automation and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience , including leadership responsibilities.
• Previous experience within the restaurant, hospitality, franchise, retail, or other multi-unit business environment strongly preferred.
• CPA and/or CMA certification preferred.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal controls.
• Experience with ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with the ability to partner effectively across departments.

Preferred Experience

• Multi-unit restaurant or franchise accounting.
• Cash flow forecasting and treasury management.
• External audit coordination.
• Financial planning and operational analysis.
• Lease accounting and real estate financial management.
• Process improvement and ERP implementation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Frequent use of computers, financial software, and office equipment.
• Ability to review detailed financial reports and analyze large amounts of data.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Career advancement within a growing multi-unit restaurant organization

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity for a strategic finance leader to play a key role in a growing multi-unit restaurant organization. You'll partner closely with executive leadership, influence strategic decision-making, and help build scalable financial processes while leading a talented accounting team in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

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.