Controller

Santa Monica, CA - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

Job Summary

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. GHJs relationship with our Global Advisory and Accounting Network provides the resources needed to better understand clients 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 companys 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. Youll 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 companys first internal accounting hire a true builders role where youll 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 Youll 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 Youll Bring

CPA with a bachelors degree in accounting or finance.
710 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.

Whats 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: 34 days onsite in the Westside LA area.
Real opportunity to shape the accounting function and grow your career alongside an expanding national brand.

$160000 - $185000 a year

If youre 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

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.