Job Title: Controller
Reports To: President
Location: Chicago (multi-location-Alsip, Chicago, Oak Brook) In-office position
Rich Labriola, the visionary behind Doughboy Restaurant Group, including Labriola Chicago, Labriola Ristorante, and Stan's Donuts, is embarking on an exciting journey of expansion and refinement in the hospitality industry. With new concepts on the horizon and a commitment to setting new standards for excellence, we are seeking talented individuals to join us in shaping the future of hospitality. We are continually thinking about the next challenge to tackle that will help us excel in the space. We've grown tremendously over the years and we're looking for a qualified Controller who wants to continue on this exciting path with us.
The Controller will play a key leadership role in overseeing all financial operations, including accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting of our full-service restaurants, quick-service donuts shops, and commercial bakery division. This position is responsible for ensuring accuracy and integrity in financial management, helping to guide the company toward profitability and growth. The Controller will work closely with senior leadership to develop financial strategies that support the company's short- and long-term goals, with a specific focus on cost control, margin improvement, and operational efficiency within a multi-unit restaurant and bakery environment.
Key Responsibilities:
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Financial Management:
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Oversee all aspects of financial operations, including general ledger, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and financial reporting.
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Prepare, analyze, and present timely and accurate financial statements to senior management, highlighting key business drivers.
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Manage month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring completeness and accuracy of financial data.
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Develop, implement, and maintain internal financial controls to safeguard assets and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
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Budgeting & Forecasting:
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Lead the annual budgeting process, working closely with department heads and senior management to align financial goals with business objectives.
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Provide regular financial forecasts to predict future performance and cash flow needs.
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Monitor and report on budget variances and suggest corrective actions where necessary.
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Cost Management:
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Collaborate with operational teams to identify and implement cost control initiatives in both restaurant and bakery operations.
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Review and analyze cost structures and pricing strategies to optimize profitability across product lines and locations.
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Monitor inventory controls, food, and labor costs to ensure operational efficiency and margin improvement.
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Compliance & Risk Management:
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Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal tax regulations, including sales tax and payroll filings.
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Oversee annual audits and serve as the primary point of contact with external auditors.
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Assess and manage financial risks, providing recommendations for mitigating risk exposure.
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Strategic Financial Planning:
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Provide financial analysis and strategic input to support business development initiatives, including expansions, new locations, or product launches.
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Evaluate and recommend financial strategies for capital investments and equipment purchases.
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Support leadership in evaluating business performance through metrics, KPIs, and financial analysis.
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Leadership & Team Management:
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Lead and develop the accounting team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and excellence.
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Provide training and mentoring to ensure the team stays current with financial best practices and industry trends.
Qualifications:
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Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or CMA preferred.
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7+ years of experience in financial management, with a background in restaurants, hospitality, or food services preferred, including 3+ in supervisory roles.
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Strong understanding of GAAP, accounting principles, and regulatory requirements.
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Proficiency with financial software (Restaurant 365, FlexiBake and/or Vena Solutions a plus) and Excel.
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Experience with cost accounting and inventory management.
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Excellent analytical skills with the ability to turn complex data into actionable business insights.
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Strong leadership and team management experience.
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Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to clearly present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
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Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits:
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Competitive salary and growth opportunities.
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Health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
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401(k) with dollar-for-dollar company match up to 4% with immediate vesting.
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Paid Time Off
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25% dining discount at all restaurants and donut stores
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Monthly transportation allowance
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Monthly cell phone reimbursement