The Controller will lead accounting operations, design systems, ensure GAAP compliance, and support financial reporting in a growing restaurant group.
GHJ Search and Staffing serves as the recruitment division of GHJ, a prominent national accounting and advisory firm. Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis across a broad range of industries. GHJ’s relationship with our Global Advisory and Accounting Network provides the resources needed to better understand client’s needs, attract a higher caliber of candidates and assess candidate potential.
An innovative, fast-scaling restaurant group based in the Westside of Los Angeles is looking for its first in-house Controller to build and lead the company’s accounting function from the ground up. The business has grown rapidly, operating over a dozen locations across California with more expansion planned on both coasts.
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of accounting operations at a high-growth, people-centered organization backed by a well-known lifestyle brand. You’ll work directly with an accomplished leadership team — including a CFO with public accounting, investment banking, and multi-unit restaurant experience — and play a key role in preparing the company for its next stage of growth.
Why This Role Stands Out
- Be the foundation: This is the company’s first internal accounting hire — a true builder’s role where you’ll establish structure, processes, and controls from day one.
- High visibility: Direct partnership with the CFO, VP of Finance, and operations leaders across the business.
- Growth-minded environment: The company has doubled locations in the past year and aims to expand nationally next year.
- People-first culture: A genuinely caring team environment — supportive, collaborative, and grounded, from the corporate office to every kitchen.
What You’ll Do
- Lead all day-to-day accounting operations, including AR/AP, reconciliations, and period-end close.
- Design and implement scalable accounting systems and processes as the organization grows.
- Partner closely with operations to ensure timely vendor payments, accurate P&Ls for each location, and clear communication across departments.
- Support quarterly reviews and coordinate with external accounting partners.
- Prepare financial reports and analysis in collaboration with finance leadership.
- Ensure GAAP compliance and maintain strong internal controls.
- Lead annual independent audit processes and tax provision preparation, ensuring accurate and compliant reporting across all direct and indirect tax areas.
What You’ll Bring
- CPA with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
- 7–10 years of experience, including public accounting from a well-known firm.
- Proven background in multi-unit industries —ideally restaurant, retail, or healthcare.
- Strong operational accounting skills and comfort working hands-on in a high-growth, fast-moving business.
- Entrepreneurial mindset and the confidence to build systems, not just maintain them.
What’s Offered
- Competitive base salary plus likely equity and bonus potential.
- Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, PTO and holidays.
- Hybrid work schedule: 3–4 days onsite in the Westside LA area.
- Real opportunity to shape the accounting function and grow your career alongside an expanding national brand.
If you’re a CPA who wants to help drive a rapidly scaling multi-unit business, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact in a Controller role!
#GHJSS #LI-AS1
Top Skills
Accounting Systems
Financial Reporting
Gaap
GHJ Los Angeles, California, USA Office
700 S. Flower St., Suite 3300, Los Angeles, CA, United States, 90017
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