Controller

Job Description

Job Description

Robert Half Management Resources is looking for an experienced interim Controller to join a privately held multi-unit restaurant organization in Encino, California on a contract basis. This on-site engagement is designed for a hands-on finance leader who can evaluate the current accounting environment, confirm the reliability of financial information, and identify practical ways to strengthen reporting and operational performance. The role requires an independent, detail-oriented individual who is comfortable working on-site, partnering with leadership, and delivering clear recommendations that support informed business decisions.

Responsibilities:

• Review accounting workflows across internal staff and external support providers to identify inefficiencies, control gaps, and areas for improvement.

• Examine financial statements, chart of accounts structure, and system reporting within Restaurant365, Toast POS, and related platforms to verify consistency and accuracy.

• Assess internal controls, including separation of responsibilities and approval practices, to determine whether current procedures adequately protect financial integrity.

• Observe the day-to-day activities of the existing Controller and accounting team to gain a clear understanding of responsibilities, dependencies, and workflow execution.

• Monitor a complete month-end close cycle and evaluate the timing, quality, and reliability of reporting deliverables.

• Collaborate with the outside accounting firm to review service quality, work products, and the effectiveness of the current outsourced support model.

• Analyze how financial data moves across operational and accounting systems, including POS, delivery, and invoicing tools, and identify reporting or reconciliation issues.

• Prepare a structured assessment of the current accounting function that highlights operational risks, process breakdowns, and opportunities to improve efficiency.

• Present actionable recommendations to leadership regarding process enhancements, reporting improvements, control strengthening, and future organizational design for the finance function.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required; CPA strongly preferred.

• 5+ years of prior experience serving in a Controller or senior controllership capacity within a complex operating environment.

• Strong background in restaurant, hospitality, or multi-location retail accounting, with restaurant industry experience highly preferred.

• Demonstrated success evaluating accounting processes, strengthening controls, and improving relationships with outsourced accounting partners.

• Deep knowledge of month-end close, financial statement preparation, management reporting, and account reconciliation practices.

• Hands-on experience with Restaurant365, POS environments such as Toast, and financial processes that span multiple operating systems.

• Ability to work independently, assess issues objectively, and translate findings into practical recommendations for leadership.

• Strong communication skills and attention to detail, with the ability to interact effectively with executives, staff, and external stakeholders.