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BGR Hospitality, LLC

Controller / Bookkeeper

BGR Hospitality, LLC, Boston, Massachusetts, us, 02298

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We are seeking an experienced Financial Comptroller and Bookkeeper to manage the complete accounting and finance function for a growing fast‑casual restaurant group (two concepts, 25 locations) based in the Massachusetts–Rhode Island region. The Financial Controller will oversee all day‑to‑day financial operations – acting as the sole finance professional – and ensure accurate books and timely reporting. This role requires advanced credentials (e.g. CPA) and strong familiarity with restaurant accounting. The successful candidate will maintain QuickBooks as the core accounting system, coordinate with store managers and outside accountants, and handle all in‑house and outsourced tax filings. The position reports directly to ownership/management and is based on‑site in the MA/RI area.

* This position will begin as remote with the potential to move to in office. Must be able to travel to locations and attend in‑person meetings.

Key Responsibilities

General Accounting & Bookkeeping: Serve as the lead accountant and sole record‑keeper for both restaurant concepts (up to 25 units). Maintain all financial records in QuickBooks Online/Desktop, including the general ledger, charts of accounts, and subsidiary ledgers. Post daily sales, expenses, vendor invoices and customer receipts, ensuring accuracy and completeness.

Daily Transactions: Oversee full‑cycle bookkeeping: process accounts payable and receivable, prepare invoices and payments, and reconcile supplier statements. Manage payroll and labor‑cost accounting – track employee hours, wages, tips and related taxes – and ensure compliance with labor laws and tipping regulations. Record and code all overhead and operating expenses (rent, utilities, permits/licenses, marketing, etc.).

Reconciliation: Perform regular bank and credit‑card reconciliations for all business accounts. Reconcile daily POS sales and cash deposits against accounting records to ensure revenue accuracy. Investigate and resolve any discrepancies promptly to maintain data integrity.

Financial Reporting: Prepare timely financial statements (monthly, quarterly, annual) – including Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow reports. Compare actual results to budgets and prior periods, analyze variances, and summarize findings. Provide detailed reports and analysis to management for decision‑making and strategic planning.

Budgeting & Forecasting: Lead the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasts for the business. Work with owners to set targets, project revenue/cost trends, and model cash flow. Continuously update forecasts based on actual performance and new information.

Financial Analysis: Analyze key restaurant performance metrics (food‑cost percentage, labor‑cost percentage, average check size, table turnover, etc.) to identify trends and opportunities. Use data to advise on pricing, staffing, purchasing and waste reduction. Monitor KPIs and prepare variance analysis or ad‑hoc reports as needed.

Internal Controls & Compliance: Establish and maintain strong internal controls, standardized accounting procedures and financial policies to safeguard assets. Ensure all accounting activities comply with GAAP and regulatory requirements. Oversee the annual audit or review process and work with external auditors/CPA to provide required documentation.

Tax and Regulatory Filings: Coordinate all tax‑related activities. Prepare and review periodic sales tax, payroll tax and other compliance filings. Work with external CPA/tax preparer to complete federal and state income tax returns for the businesses. Ensure timely submission of all in‑house and outsourced tax filings.

Interdepartmental Liaison: Communicate regularly with store managers and vendors to collect necessary financial information (e.g. daily sales reports, inventory counts, vendor invoices). Serve as the primary contact for external accounting professionals and financial institutions. Provide clear, professional communication of financial policies and procedures to non‑financial staff.

Systems & Technology: Utilize QuickBooks as the main accounting software. Integrate QuickBooks with the restaurant POS and other systems to automate data entry wherever possible. Adopt best‑practice accounting tools (receipt scanners, bank feeds, expense tracking apps) to streamline workflow. Continuously seek to improve financial processes through technology (e.g. implementing automated reporting, new modules, or apps).

Qualifications

Education & Certification: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or related field; master’s degree (MBA, MS Accounting/Finance or similar) preferred. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required. Additional credentials (e.g. CFA, CVA, or JD with accounting focus) are a strong plus.

Experience: Minimum 5–7 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least a few years as a controller or senior accountant. Prior experience in restaurants, retail or multi‑unit hospitality operations is highly desirable. Exposure to fast‑paced, multi‑location business environments (such as fast‑casual chains) is preferred. Proven ability to manage full‑cycle accounting single‑handedly in a small finance department.

Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in QuickBooks Online (or Desktop) – including restaurant‑specific features like POS sales tracking and inventory management. Expert‑level Microsoft Excel skills for analysis, reporting and modeling. Experience with accounting software integrations (POS systems, payroll solutions, etc.). Working knowledge of general ledger accounting, financial statement preparation and multi‑entity management.

Analytical & Detail‑Oriented: Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with an unwavering attention to detail. Ability to interpret financial data and translate it into actionable business insights. Comfort working with large sets of data and reconciliations on a regular basis.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication. Able to liaise effectively with restaurant managers, vendors, and outside professionals (CPA, bankers, auditors). Must be highly organized and capable of explaining financial concepts in clear terms to non‑accounting staff.

Self‑Starter & Team Player: This is a sole‑contributor role, so the candidate must be highly self‑motivated and capable of independently running the finance function. At the same time, one should be a collaborative team player, supporting other departments and building relationships across the organization.

Compensation & Logistics

Location: This full‑time position is based in the Massachusetts–Rhode Island area (candidate must be local to commute to offices/locations as needed).

Salary: Competitive base salary (commensurate with experience), plus benefits (details to be discussed).

Benefits: Standard benefits package to be offered, including health insurance, retirement plan contributions, and paid time off.

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter highlighting relevant experience in multi‑unit restaurant accounting and any certifications. We are looking for a highly qualified finance professional ready to take full ownership of the company’s accounting and financial reporting.

Seniority level Mid‑Senior level

Employment type Full‑time

Job function Accounting/Auditing and Finance

Industries Hospitality

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