Junior Controller - MI - On Site

Position Summary

The
Junior Controller will report directly to the Sr. Corporate Controller and will execute the strategic vision of the executive team, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and a timely structure to the operation. The Junior Controller will be accountable for full cycle accounting operations of the company, including the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the company's reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

• Lead and oversee the accounting function across ELIA Group's hospitality operating companies, real estate entities, and corporate entities.
• Establish clear responsibilities, workflows, deadlines, and accountability throughout the accounting department.
• Oversee the delegation and execution of day-to-day accounting activities while maintaining ultimate responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the Company's accounting records.
• Establish, maintain, and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls consistent with GAAP and sound accounting practices.
• Identify accounting and reporting risks and proactively implement processes and controls to address them.
• Oversee general ledger, AP/AR, payroll accounting, revenue recognition, cost accounting, and fixed assets.

• Manage complex accounting needs across restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and real estate holdings.
• Oversee location-level P&Ls, inventory accounting, food & beverage cost controls, tip and service charge accounting, and labor reporting.
• Coordinate intercompany transactions, eliminations, and consolidated financial reporting.
• Support new concept launches, acquisitions, and entity formations from an accounting and systems perspective.

• Design, implement, and continuously improve scalable accounting infrastructure, including ERP/accounting systems, reporting tools, and workflows.
• Ensure accounting systems integrate effectively with POS, payroll, inventory, and property management systems.
• Build dashboards and reporting packages that provide leadership with clear, actionable financial insight.

• Partner closely with executive leadership, operations, and real estate teams to support growth initiatives and capital allocation decisions.
• Provide proactive financial guidance in a fast-paced environment requiring disciplined resource management.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and working capital optimization.
• Serve as a key point of contact for external auditors, tax advisors, banks, and other financial partners.

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team.
• Establish clear roles, accountability, and performance expectations within the department.
• Foster a culture of ownership, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 5-7 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a multi-entity environment.
• Proven experience in hospitality and restaurant accounting.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple business entities simultaneously.
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting.
• Experience building or scaling accounting systems and processes in a growth environment.

• CPA or equivalent certification.
• Experience with private, founder-led, or entrepreneurial organizations.
• Exposure to real estate accounting, including property-level reporting and lease accounting.
• Hands-on experience with POS, inventory, and hospitality-specific financial systems.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort operating in a fast-moving, evolving organization.
• Detail-oriented yet able to think strategically and see the bigger picture.
• Confident leader who can roll up their sleeves while building structure and discipline.
• Strong communicator able to partner effectively with non-financial operators.
• Thrives in environments that require close management of resources and rapid scaling.