Controller (National Restaurant Chain – Franchise Finance and Accounting)

Controller (National Restaurant Chain – Franchise Finance and Accounting)

We are conducting a confidential search for a hands-on Controller to join a private equity-backed, multi-unit business entering a major growth and integration phase. This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who can oversee core accounting operations, financial reporting, audit management, inventory accounting, and team leadership in a fast-paced environment.

This role will be especially attractive to candidates who enjoy building structure, improving processes, and operating in a visible finance leadership seat within a growing, sponsor-backed company. The Controller will play a key role in helping the business scale through acquisition and integration while maintaining strong financial discipline and reporting accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes
• Oversee accounting operations across the general ledger, reconciliations, accruals, AP oversight, and financial reporting
• Lead external audits and serve as the primary point of contact for auditors
• Own inventory accounting, including controls, reconciliations, reserve analysis, and related reporting
• Oversee franchise-related accounting and support continued buildout of those processes
• Support private equity ownership reporting and bank / loan covenant reporting
• Strengthen internal controls, reporting rigor, and accounting processes in a lean, growth-oriented environment
• Help support acquisition integration and ongoing process standardization
• Manage and develop a team, including 1-2 senior accountants in New England and an offshore accounting team of 8-10
• Partner cross-functionally with finance leadership, operations, and executive management

Qualifications

• Prior experience in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior accounting leadership role
• Strong background in accounting operations, close management, and financial reporting
• Inventory accounting experience is required
• Experience leading external audits is required
• Restaurant and/or franchise experience is preferred
• Experience in multi-unit, consumer, hospitality, retail, distribution, or other inventory-intensive environments is highly relevant
• Prior experience in a private equity-backed company is strongly preferred
• Exposure to lender reporting, debt reporting, and loan covenant compliance is highly attractive
• Experience managing both onshore and offshore teams is a plus
• Systems-oriented and process-improvement minded, with strong ERP experience
• Comfortable operating both strategically and hands-on

Confidential search. Company details will be shared with qualified candidates.

Candidates without direct restaurant or franchise experience but with strong inventory-heavy, multi-unit accounting backgrounds are encouraged to apply.