Corporate Controller, Sr Dir. of Accounting

I. Overview

Miller’s Ale House ( www.millersalehouse.com ) is looking for a Corporate Controller (“Controller”, VP-Level) to optimize the accounting processes and realign the finance organization by adding efficiency and accuracy to the processes and assessing, and hiring the right team members, to get the right people in the right roles, and with each role properly defined to support the business.

Miller’s Ale House is an American bar and restaurant chain with $500M+ rev, 6,000 emp, and 112 units owned and operated in ten states. They offer steaks, seafood, pasta, salads, burgers, and sandwiches, along with a large beer selection and custom cocktails.

The role is based in Orlando, FL. 

The Controller reports to the CFO and has a team of 13 people. 

The mandate for the controller over the next 12-18 months is focused on the re-design of the organization and getting the right people in right roles. Key areas include:

1)    Assess the structure and individuals within the finance organization

2)    Re-align and re-design the organization to support business needs

3)    Hire and re-align people to right roles

4)    Improve financial processes to do the above efficiently

5)    Lead the implementation of this project by going deep to understand what is being done today, and what the future state should be

The Controller is responsible for managing the corporate and restaurant accounting function, overseeing the maintenance of general ledger accounts, and evaluating internal accounting controls and restaurant processes to ensure they are in line with the overall goals and policies of the organization and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  They’re responsible for ensuring all accounting tasks follow financial regulations and reporting requirements to keep the company in compliance. The Controller is responsible for all financial reporting and analysis of performance versus targets, cash management, management and completion of the annual audit, and tax compliance and filings. They are responsible for establishing internal financial policies, procedures, and controls. The work completed in this role helps management make sound financial decisions for the company. The Controller will help save Miller’s money by decreasing costs, managing debt effectively and identifying and correcting inefficiencies.

This individual will be familiar with a variety of accounting concepts, practices, and procedures and will rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals while performing a variety of tasks. In this position, the Controller leads and directs the work of others, both on their team, and across the Miller’s organization.

This person needs to have following key cultural attributes:

·        High quality of work

·        High integrity

·        Very team oriented

·        Desire to grow and looking to learn in terms of career and skills development

If interested, please email me your resume to juan@gonzasearch.com with a short email write-up on why you are a good fit.  Don’t just click on easy-apply, as that is a black hole.  We will respond within 1 week of your application. Thank you, in advance. 

II. Key Responsibilities & Essential Requirements

·        Ensures accurate and timely monthly accounting close.

·        Reviews general ledger accounts and transactions, balance sheet and income statement schedules, and the required adjusting journal entries/accruals prepared by accounting staff for accuracy, and completeness and to ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and organizational policies.

·        Prepares and/or reviews assigned account reconciliations and analyses on a monthly or quarterly basis to ensure accurate financial reporting and timely resolution of outstanding items.

·        Oversees the process and data flow between accounting systems and sub-systems.

·        Manages AP shared services provider, to ensure accuracy and efficiency of AP processing and vendor payments.

·        Oversees monthly sales and use tax filings for all states.

·        Coordinates financial/accounting tasks related to new restaurant construction and openings.

·        Directs the daily activities of staff, provides guidance and support to team members, and evaluates their performance relevant to agreed-upon goals and accountabilities.

·        Recommends, implements, and monitors internal controls, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with organizational policies and GAAP and to ensure the most effective, accurate, and efficient operations.

·        Acts as a liaison with field management, providing support and research, and assisting in the development and enforcement of specific accounting/financial policies, best practices, process improvements, and internal controls.

·        Coordinates and supports the annual financial statement audit, and periodic audits by various regulatory agencies

·        Recommends and provides training for staff as needed.

·        Ensures accurate and timely monthly/quarterly/yearly financial reporting for investors and lenders

·        Provides timely, accurate information and meaningful variance analysis within the area of assignment; creates and presents reports to senior management and makes recommendations in support of the mission.

·        Oversees maintenance of Fixed Asset and Lease Accounting systems, reviews Fixed Assets transactions ensuring appropriate authorizations and coding, adequate supporting documentation, and compliance with GAAP and organizational policies.

·        Manages banking and treasury functions; performs cash management and forecasting activities.

·        Assists in the preparation and analysis of general and administrative expense budgets and related reporting.

III. Candidate Profile & Qualifications

·        5+ years as parent level Corporate Controller for $100M-$500M rev, multi-unit organization

·        12+ years of experience in accounting/finance including 5+ years in supervisory role

·        2-4 years of public accounting experience early in career

·        Industry agnostic – either Multi-unit Retail, Hospitality, or other industry experience

·        Consolidation experience for a multi-business unit or multi-division company

·        5+ years of GAAP experience - preparation of financial statements within GAAP context

·        Working knowledge of restaurant operations, preferred not required

·        Working knowledge of accounting systems; specifically general ledger, fixed assets and leases.

·        PE-backed experience NOT required

·        BA in Accounting or Finance

·        CPA preferred, but not required

IV. About Roark Capital (PE Firm Ownership)

www.roarkcapital.com

Miller’s Ale House is backed by Roark Capital, a private equity firm with over $30B of AUM, across 88 portfolio company brands, with over 60,000 units and $47B in revenue. Brands include Subway, Dunkin Donuts, Inspire Brands ( Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic Drive-In, Jimmy John's, and Rusty Taco), Focus Brands ( Schlotzsky's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Moe's Southwest Grill, McAlister's Deli, Auntie Anne's, Jamba Juice), CKE (Carl’s Jr, Hardee’s), MassageEnvy, OrangeTheory Fitness, Drybar, Anytime Fitness, Fitness Connection, Atkins Nutritionals, Batteries Plus Bulbs, Driven Brands (Take 5 Oil, Uniban, MAACO, Meineke, ABRA), FASTSIGNS, Pet Valu, Pet Supermarkets, and more.

If interested, please email me your resume to juan@gonzasearch.com with a short email write-up on why you are a good fit.  Don’t just click on easy-apply, as that is a black hole.  We will respond within 1 week of your application. Thank you, in advance.