Controller, Accounting, Financial Compliance

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.

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

• 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

• 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

• Takes ownership and follows through
• Comfortable operating in detail and resolving issues directly
• Uses…