Franchise Controller

A rapidly growing and operating platform in the restaurant and franchise space is seeking a Controller to lead and build the accounting function for a newly acquired, large-scale restaurant business. This role sits at the center of a lean, high-impact finance team and will play a critical part in shaping how accounting, audit, and controls operate across a complex, multi-unit platform.

The ideal candidate enjoys working in a hands-on, build-oriented environment where leadership requires both strong technical accounting expertise and practical execution. This individual will take ownership of the accounting foundation, oversee audit readiness, and help scale a distributed team, all while partnering closely with senior leadership to support ongoing growth, acquisitions, and operational decision-making.

Company Overview & Benefits

The firm offers a compelling compensation package and the opportunity to operate in a high-visibility, growth-oriented environment:

• High-visibility position within a lean, operator-oriented organization
• Opportunity to build and lead the accounting function for a newly acquired platform
• Exposure to a growing multi-brand, multi-unit restaurant portfolio with ongoing acquisition activity
• PTO, company holidays, and a benefits structure designed to support a growing team

Responsibilities

• Accounting Leadership: Lead all core accounting, close, audit, and control activities for a newly acquired franchise restaurant platform, establishing the financial discipline and operating cadence needed to support a complex, multi-unit business
• Function Buildout: Build and scale the accounting function, including process design, ownership structure, review procedures, and team workflows across a lean but growing organization
• Financial Reporting & Close: Own the accounting foundation of the business, including general ledger oversight, balance sheet integrity, account reconciliations, monthly reporting, and the timely execution of monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes
• Audit & Controls: Manage the external audit process from planning through completion while assessing, designing, and strengthening internal controls across key accounting and operational cycles, particularly in areas such as cash, payroll, accounts payable, and revenue recognition
• Team Leadership: Oversee and help scale a distributed accounting organization across offshore and U.S.-based resources, creating structure, accountability, and strong execution as the team evolves
• Process Improvement: Improve and standardize workflows across high-volume transactional areas common to multi-unit restaurant businesses, with an emphasis on scalability, accuracy, control, and practical execution
• Leadership Partnership: Partner closely with senior leadership to implement scalable accounting processes, improve financial visibility, and support better decision-making across the platform
• Hands-On Execution: Serve as a hands-on leader who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves when needed, while also developing the team and helping shape a finance function that can support future growth and increasing complexity

What We’re Looking For

• Significant progressive accounting, audit, or controllership experience
• Strong audit background, ideally in public accounting
• CPA strongly preferred
• Experience with franchises required: restaurant or other multi-unit operating environments strongly preferred
• Proven ability to manage audits, external auditors, and audit-ready financial processes
• Strong technical accounting foundation across close, reconciliations, financial reporting, and internal controls
• Experience building or improving accounting processes in lean, high-growth, or newly acquired businesses
• Demonstrated success leading distributed teams, including offshore accounting support
• Comfortable operating as both a strategic leader and hands-on doer