Corporate Controller – Restaurants, Liquor Stores & Gaming Operations
The Johnson Restaurant Group is a regional restaurant company based in Casper, Wyoming, operating five different brands in Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota, with a total of 14 restaurants and 3 liquor stores.
Position Summary
The Corporate Controller is responsible for leading all accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, cash management, inventory control, payroll oversight, and regulatory compliance functions for a diversified hospitality and retail organization operating restaurants, liquor stores, and gaming locations. This position serves as a key member of the leadership team, partnering with ownership and operations management to provide financial insight, strengthen internal controls, improve profitability, and support strategic growth initiatives.
The Controller oversees the accounting department and is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting, safeguarding company assets, maintaining compliance with applicable regulations, and delivering actionable financial analysis across all business units.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Accounting
- Direct all accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, fixed assets, and bank reconciliations.
- Prepare and review monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements.
- Consolidate financial results across multiple restaurants, liquor stores, gaming operations, and legal entities.
- Lead month-end and year-end close processes and ensure timely reporting.
- Maintain accounting policies and procedures in accordance with GAAP.
- Coordinate annual tax preparation and financial reviews with external accounting firms.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Analysis
- Develop annual budgets, forecasts, and long-range financial plans.
- Monitor operating results and analyze variances against budgets and forecasts.
- Provide financial analysis and recommendations to ownership and senior management.
- Develop location-level and company-wide performance metrics.
- Evaluate business performance, capital investments, and growth opportunities.
- Prepare financial presentations and reports for executive leadership.
Restaurant & Retail Operations Accounting
- Monitor restaurant food costs, beverage costs, labor costs, and operating expenses.
- Analyze liquor store sales, margins, inventory turnover, and profitability.
- Develop reporting tools that assist operational leaders in managing financial performance.
- Support pricing strategies and cost-control initiatives.
Inventory Management & Cost Controls
- Oversee inventory accounting for food, alcohol, retail merchandise, gaming supplies, and operating inventories.
- Establish and maintain inventory control procedures and audit processes.
- Monitor inventory variances, shrinkage, spoilage, and theft prevention measures.
- Coordinate periodic physical inventory counts and reconciliations.
- Ensure accurate valuation of inventory and cost of goods sold.
Gaming Operations Accounting & Compliance
- Oversee accounting and reconciliation of gaming revenues, payouts, commissions, and related liabilities.
- Review gaming activity reports and ensure accurate recording of gaming transactions.
- Monitor gaming cash controls and reconciliation procedures.
- Ensure compliance with gaming regulations, reporting requirements, and licensing obligations.
- Coordinate audits and examinations by gaming regulatory agencies.
- Analyze gaming performance and profitability by location.
Cash Management & Treasury
- Manage company cash flow, liquidity, and banking relationships.
- Oversee cash handling controls across all locations.
- Review daily cash activity, deposits, reconciliations, and cash forecasting.
- Develop procedures to safeguard company assets and reduce financial risk.
Payroll & Human Resources Support
- Oversee payroll administration and payroll tax reporting.
- Ensure compliance with wage and hour regulations.
- Monitor labor costs and staffing efficiency metrics.
- Support employee benefits reporting and administration as needed.
Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.
- Oversee sales tax, liquor tax, gaming tax, payroll tax, and other regulatory filings.
- Maintain compliance with alcohol beverage control requirements and gaming regulations.
- Assist with licensing, permit renewals, and regulatory reporting requirements.
Internal Controls & Risk Management
- Design, implement, and maintain effective internal control systems.
- Develop policies and procedures that protect company assets and ensure financial accuracy.
- Conduct periodic internal audits and operational reviews.
- Investigate discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
- Support fraud prevention and risk mitigation initiatives.
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and develop accounting and administrative staff.
- Establish department goals, priorities, and performance standards.
- Promote cross-functional collaboration between accounting and operations teams.
- Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
- CPA, CMA, or equivalent professional certification preferred.
Experience
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
- Previous Controller, Assistant Controller, or Senior Accounting Manager experience preferred.
- Experience in restaurant, hospitality, liquor retail, gaming, casino, convenience store, or multi-unit operations strongly preferred.
- Experience managing multiple entities and locations.
Knowledge & Skills
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
- Experience with multi-unit hospitality and retail accounting.
- Knowledge of gaming accounting and regulatory compliance.
- Strong understanding of inventory-intensive business operations.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial modeling skills.
- Experience with ERP, accounting, POS, inventory, and payroll systems.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- EBITDA and Operating Profit Margin
- Revenue Growth
- Food Cost Percentage
- Beverage Cost Percentage
- Liquor Store Gross Margin
- Gaming Revenue Performance
- Labor Cost Percentage
- Inventory Variance and Shrinkage
- Cash Flow Performance
- Budget Variance
- Financial Reporting Accuracy and Timeliness
- Regulatory Compliance Metrics
- Audit Results and Internal Control Effectiveness
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $96,000 – $150,000 annually, depending on experience.
Benefits May Include:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
- Relocation assistance (if applicable)
This role is ideal for a hands-on financial leader capable of managing the complexities of a multi-unit organization that combines hospitality, retail alcohol sales, and regulated gaming operations while supporting strategic growth and operational excellence.
Pay: $96,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Relocation assistance
- Vision insurance
Education:
Ability to Relocate:
- Casper, WY 82601: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
