Job Title: Controller
Location: Durham or Raleigh, NC

About Us:
The Cast Iron Group is a home grown, family-owned hospitality group with a diverse portfolio of restaurants, the Ponysaurus breweries, and event spaces. Founded in 2010 and led by a local husband and wife team we have grown from a single location with zero employees to a team of around 200.  We opened our newest two locations in markets outside of Durham in 2024. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional guest experiences centered around food and drink while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration and teamwork.  We are a forward-facing and thinking company seeking to continue to grow without compromising the quality of our products or our ability to provide an enjoyable, safe, and inclusive work environment while having a positive and mutually beneficial relationship with our vendors and service providers.

Position Overview:
The Controller will be responsible for and manage all accounting and financial functions for the organization, ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial information. This role will be responsible for managing the accounting staff, leading the monthly close process, producing financial reports, maintaining strong relationships with external partners, and ensuring optimal cash management. The Controller will also ensure effective internal controls, processes, and compliance practices are in place to support a dynamic and growing hospitality business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the full-cycle accounting process, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and general ledger functions.

• Direct the monthly and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines.

• Prepare and analyze financial statements and reports, providing insights to senior leadership for strategic decision-making.

• Lead and manage the accounting staff, providing direction, training, and professional development.

• Manage relationships with external partners including banks, insurance providers, payroll service providers, and service providers.

• Work with external tax accountants to ensure all federal, state, and local tax filings are prepared and filed accurately and on time.  Remain informed of applicable tax laws and updates.

• Develop, implement, and enforce internal controls and accounting processes that will scale with company growth.

• Set up and refine accounting systems and procedures to improve efficiency and reporting.

• Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax, and regulatory requirements.

• Oversee and optimize cash flow and cash management across all entities.

• Partner with operations leadership to develop process improvements that drive profitability and efficiency.

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow planning processes.

• Oversee and optimize the company’s use of QuickBooks Enterprise, ensuring accurate and efficient reporting.

• Manage leases for rented and owned properties.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting (CPA strongly preferred).

• 7+ years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.

• Proven experience leading the finance and accounting function for a company, including establishing new processes and internal controls.

• Highly Proficient with QuickBooks, ideally QuickBooks Enterprise.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and explain complex financial concepts to non-finance colleagues.

• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Track record of building and developing accounting staff.

• Hospitality, food & beverage, or multi-entity industry experience highly desirable.

• Experience with Microsoft 365, Ekos, Toast, Square and/or Fintech systems a strong plus

• Experience with a financial system upgrade/conversion a bonus.
  

Job Type:

·      Full-time: Monday – Friday
·      Hybrid: 2-3 days in office

Working Conditions:

·      Office-based. Hybrid. Offices available in Raleigh and Durham
·      Must be able to sit for long periods of time and lift up to 15 pounds.

Pay: Competitive Salary dependent on skills and experience

Benefits:

·       Health insurance, dental and vision insurance
·       Flexible schedule
·       Paid time off

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability status of an otherwise qualified individual, citizenship status, membership or application for membership in a uniformed service, or any other protected characteristic or category protected by applicable law.