GHJ

Controller

GHJ Santa Monica, CA 1 day ago
finance
GHJ Search and Staffing serves as the recruitment division of GHJ, a prominent national accounting and advisory firm. Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis across a broad range of industries. GHJ’s relationship with our Global Advisory and Accounting Network provides the resources needed to better understand client’s needs, attract a higher caliber of candidates and assess candidate potential.

An innovative, fast-scaling restaurant group based in the Westside of Los Angeles is looking for its first in-house Controller to build and lead the company’s accounting function from the ground up. The business has grown rapidly, operating over a dozen locations across California with more expansion planned on both coasts.
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of accounting operations at a high-growth, people-centered organization backed by a well-known lifestyle brand. You’ll work directly with an accomplished leadership team — including a CFO with public accounting, investment banking, and multi-unit restaurant experience — and play a key role in preparing the company for its next stage of growth.

Why This Role Stands Out

  • Be the foundation: This is the company’s first internal accounting hire — a true builder’s role where you’ll establish structure, processes, and controls from day one.
  • High visibility: Direct partnership with the CFO, VP of Finance, and operations leaders across the business.
  • Growth-minded environment: The company has doubled locations in the past year and aims to expand nationally next year.
  • People-first culture: A genuinely caring team environment — supportive, collaborative, and grounded, from the corporate office to every kitchen.
  • What You’ll Do

  • Lead all day-to-day accounting operations, including AR/AP, reconciliations, and period-end close.
  • Design and implement scalable accounting systems and processes as the organization grows.
  • Partner closely with operations to ensure timely vendor payments, accurate P&Ls for each location, and clear communication across departments.
  • Support quarterly reviews and coordinate with external accounting partners.
  • Prepare financial reports and analysis in collaboration with finance leadership.
  • Ensure GAAP compliance and maintain strong internal controls.
  • Lead annual independent audit processes and tax provision preparation, ensuring accurate and compliant reporting across all direct and indirect tax areas.
  • What You’ll Bring

  • CPA with a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
  • 7–10 years of experience, including public accounting from a well-known firm.
  • Proven background in multi-unit industries —ideally restaurant, retail, or healthcare.
  • Strong operational accounting skills and comfort working hands-on in a high-growth, fast-moving business.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset and the confidence to build systems, not just maintain them.
  • What’s Offered

  • Competitive base salary plus likely equity and bonus potential.
  • Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, PTO and holidays.
  • Hybrid work schedule: 3–4 days onsite in the Westside LA area.
  • Real opportunity to shape the accounting function and grow your career alongside an expanding national brand.
  • If you’re a CPA who wants to help drive a rapidly scaling multi-unit business, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact in a Controller role!

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