Assistant Controller

Who are we:

We are part of the Wonderfield Group which includes the YO! Taiko, Bento, Zenshi Sushi, and SNOWFOX/SNOWFRUIT brands - we operate more than 1500 kiosks, and 60 restaurants, our grab-and-go sushi is available in over 3,700 locations and we have 50 major retail partners. Our key markets are the USA, Canada, and the UK with additional geographic presence in Europe and Australia. Our JFE Franchising, Inc. brands are:

• SNOWFOX - the franchisor of over 1,000 full-service sushi kiosks in 25 states throughout the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Alaska.
• SNOWFRUIT - the franchisor of over 1,000 fresh cut fruit and vegetables throughout the U.S. - Refreshingly, Crisp and Flavorful!

Our Purpose:

We Believe in Better Food for Everyone, The Japanese Way...

We continue to capitalize on consumer trends, spearheading category growth by bringing our proposition to more people around the world across more channels, in more locations, on more occasions, and in more innovative ways. We are committed to purposeful progress and profit for the benefit of our people, our communities, and our planet and we have a clear ESG strategy that delivers progress against nine UN sustainability development goals.

Our Values:

Own it

We are accountable and make no excuses - We always look to improve. We take the initiative and are courageous and confident.

Care about it

We do the right thing, avoiding unnecessary shortcuts- We act with integrity and respect our communities, people, and our planet.

Make it Exceptional

We build relationships and make people smile- We say thank you - We're positive and kind

Win Together

We're open-minded and inclusive. We communicate clearly. We take time to look out for others and celebrate the good stuff

Overview of the role:

The Assistant Controller assists and reports to the Controller, is responsible for overseeing full-cycle accounting operations in a multi-location co-working environment. This role requires deep technical accounting expertise, strong leadership, and experience in transaction-oriented and frequent partner and trade-condition changing businesses. You will own the integrity of financial reporting, ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, provides accurate financial information assisting management decisions, and drive process improvements across accounting operations

Key Accountabilities:

Leadership & Team Management

• Directly manage and mentor a team of several accounting professionals working in multi-locations.
• Establish accountability, structural stability, and professional development within the team
• Drive a culture of accuracy, timeliness, and continuous improvement

Full-Cycle Accounting & Close

• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP
• Review journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements
• Maintain and improve financial close timelines and controls
• Interact with other accounting managers to carry out daily accounting process

Technical Accounting knowledge

• Understand and apply USGAAP rules in the accounting processes
• Own lease accounting for regional office and storage locations (ASC 842)
• Maintain lease schedules, ROU assets, and liabilities to ensure compliance with ASC 842 and manage related reporting
• Recognize properly and timely intangible assets (i.e. ASC985-20)
• Work with the professional advisor to come up with income tax provisions (ASC 740)

COGS Management

• Oversee cost accounting across central kitchen and corporate-running retail kiosks
• Manage costing, shrinkage, waste, and inventory controls
• Partner with operations to improve cost accounting accuracy and reporting
• Analyze and monitor margins and COGS drivers

Intercompany & Multi-Entity Accounting

• Manage intercompany transactions and eliminations across entities
• Ensure proper entity-level reporting and consolidations

Audit & Compliance

• Assist the Controller for external audit process and act as primary accounting contact
• Maintain strong internal controls and documentation
• Ensure compliance with accounting policies and procedures
• Provides relevant information to CPA firm to meet tax deadlines

Process Improvement & Systems

• Identify and implement process improvements in accounting workflows
• Assist in system enhancements and automation initiatives
• Develop scalable processes for a rapidly growing footprint

What You'll Need:

• Active CPA license
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience
• 3+ years in a leadership role managing accounting staff
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, especially ASC 842 (lease accounting)
• Experience with inventory accounting in retail, food manufacturing, distribution, or multi-location environments
• Experience managing full-cycle close and financial statement preparation
• Experience with intercompany accounting and consolidations
• Advanced Excel skills
• High levels of integrity and trustworthiness
• Attention to detail
• Ability to deal with ambiguity
• Excellent team player
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to manage time and resources effectively
• Highly organized and process driven
• Able to handle confidential information appropriately

Preferred:

• Experience in franchise, retail, restaurant, grocery, or food production environments
• Experience in high transaction volume, multi-location businesses
• ERP system experience (QuickBooks or Business Central preferred)

What's in it for you?

• We're committed to building inclusive Teams and giving our People the opportunity to grow their careers alongside us
• Employer Paid Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401 (K) Matching
• Hybrid work environment
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Fitness stipend
• Book allowance
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development assistance
• Training/Advancement Opportunities

Wonderfield Houston is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to ensuring that our technology is made available and accessible to everyone. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, religion, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, marital status, family status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.