Controller

Position Title: ControllerLocation: Onsite Austin, TX (Central Office – Shoal Creek & Steck Avenue)Reports To: Executive LeadershipPosition Summaryvcfo has partnered with a client in the restaurant industry. The Controller will play a key role overseeing financial leadership over mulitple locations and responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, period close activities, cash management, compliance, and financial controls across a multi-entity restaurant organization.This individual will partner closely with the President, Operations Leadership, Culinary Leadership, and other department heads to deliver accurate and timely financial information that drives operational performance and business growth. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on, with experience in professionally managed, multi-unit restaurant organizations and a passion for leveraging technology and financial data to improve decision-making.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Leadership & ReportingLead all accounting and financial reporting functions for multiple restaurant concepts and locations.Own the month-end and period-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.Produce weekly flash reports, monthly financial statements, and executive reporting packages.Prepare consolidated financial reporting and analyze results against budgets, forecasts, and operational metrics.Deliver actionable financial insights to leadership that support profitability and growth initiatives.Accounting OperationsManage general ledger, journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and intercompany transactions.Oversee cash management, banking relationships, and daily cash reporting.Ensure accurate accounting treatment across all restaurant locations and concepts.Establish and maintain strong internal controls and financial processes.Systems & Process OptimizationServe as the financial systems expert for Restaurant365 (R365) and related business applications.Support the continued enhancement and optimization of accounting processes and reporting systems.Partner with leadership on initiatives involving Toast POS, Aloha, and other restaurant technology platforms.Lead and support the transition and integration of accounting functions currently managed through outsourced resources, including QuickBooks-related processes.Utilize technology, automation, and reporting tools to improve efficiency and data accuracy.Compliance & Risk ManagementOversee sales tax filings and related compliance requirements.Ensure compliance with GAAP and company accounting policies.Maintain audit-ready financial records and documentation.Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and other financial partners as needed.Planning & Business PartnershipSupport budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes.Collaborate with Operations, Culinary, Human Resources, and Executive Leadership to evaluate business performance and opportunities.Provide financial modeling and analysis to support growth and expansion initiatives.Identify operational trends and recommend improvements that enhance profitability and scalability.QualificationsRequiredBachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.8+ years of experience across finance and accounting rolesProgressive accounting leadership experience, including experience serving as a Controller or Assistant Controller.Demonstrated experience within a multi-unit restaurant, hospitality, or food service organization.Experience supporting organizations with five or more locations and multiple business entities.Strong understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, and internal controls.Advanced proficiency with accounting and financial systems.Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial leaders and operational teams.PreferredCPA certification.Experience with publicly traded restaurant groups or highly professional, private equity-backed, or professionally managed hospitality organizations.Direct Restaurant365 (R365) experience strongly preferred.Experience with Compeat or similar restaurant accounting platforms.Experience integrating and reporting data from Toast POS systems.Familiarity with Aloha POS environments.Experience managing or transitioning accounting functions from outsourced providers to in-house operations.Experience supporting organizations undergoing growth, expansion, or new location development.