Controller

Job description

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.

$160,000 - $185,000 a year

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!

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