Controller - Multi-Unit Restaurant & Fast Casual Concepts
Job Description
Job Description
About the Opportunity
A well-established, family-owned restaurant group with over 40 years of success is seeking a Controller to lead financial operations across two distinct concepts—a high-volume full-service restaurant brand and a growing fast-casual concept.
This organization is entering an exciting phase of next-generation leadership and expansion, creating a unique opportunity for a finance professional who values both legacy and growth. The ideal candidate will serve as a key business partner, helping guide financial strategy while maintaining operational excellence across multiple locations.
This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role suited for someone who thrives in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment and is eager to grow alongside the business.
Position Overview
The Controller will oversee all accounting and financial functions across multiple restaurant locations. This role is responsible for ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in financial reporting, while supporting strategic decision-making and long-term growth initiatives.
You will lead the accounting team, manage financial systems, and provide timely, actionable insights to senior leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Reporting
- Oversee preparation of financial statements including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow
- Deliver accurate and timely financial reporting (biweekly, monthly, annual)
- Analyze financial performance and provide actionable insights to leadership
Accounting Operations
- Manage day-to-day accounting functions across all locations
- Oversee payroll processes, ensuring accuracy and compliance
- Maintain general ledger integrity and financial controls
Budgeting & Forecasting
- Develop and manage annual budgets and forecasts
- Monitor financial performance against targets and recommend corrective actions
- Establish financial benchmarks and reporting standards
Compliance & Controls
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax regulations
- Maintain and improve internal controls and accounting procedures
- Support audits and implement process improvements
Systems & Process Optimization
- Oversee and optimize accounting systems and financial tools
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through technology and automation
- Ensure accuracy and reliability of financial data across platforms
Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting team
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance culture
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
- 5+ years of accounting experience, preferably within multi-unit restaurant operations
- Strong understanding of:
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- Financial reporting and analysis
- Revenue management and cost controls
- Payroll and tax compliance
- Experience with restaurant financial systems such as Restaurant365 and Toast strongly preferred
- Proven leadership and team development experience
- High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information
Preferred
- CPA certification strongly preferred
- Experience supporting both full-service and fast-casual restaurant models
- Background in multi-entity or multi-brand environments
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary: $100,000 – $125,000
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Paid Time Off:
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- 2 weeks PTO (3 weeks after 3 years)
- Daily meal benefit
- Mileage reimbursement
- Free parking
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Hands-on Controller or Senior Accounting Leader in a multi-unit restaurant group
- Strong operator mindset—not purely corporate or back-office focused
- Comfortable working closely with ownership and senior leadership
- Thrives in growth environments with evolving processes
- Values culture, legacy, and long-term impact
Company DescriptionThe 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.