Restaurant Controller Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Position Description: COMPANY SUMMARY ELIA Group is a multi-faceted, fully integrated real estate and hospitality company that acquires, develops, and manages commercial properties in landmark locations throughout the United States. In Real Estate & Development and Hospitality, we don’t sit back and let things happen, we make things happen! Whether we’re crafting deals or cocktails, our unparalleled attention to detail leads to award-winning real estate development and hospitality projects.Come join our expanding team that is located in Birmingham, MI and has a growing presence in Nashville and play a meaningful role in continuing ELIA’s legacy of creating unique opportunities and iconic experiences!POSITION SUMMARYThe Controller will execute the strategic vision of the executive team, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and a timely structure to the operation. The Controller will be accountable for full cycle accounting operations of the company, including the production of periodic financial reports, maintenance of an adequate system of accounting records, and a comprehensive set of controls and budgets designed to mitigate risk, enhance the accuracy of the company's reported financial results, and ensure that reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).KEY RESPONSIBILITIESAccounting Leadership & Oversight• Lead and manage the Accounting department across ELIA Group’s hospitality operating businesses and real estate entities.• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes for multiple entities, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness.• Establish and enforce accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls aligned with GAAP and best practices.• Oversee general ledger, AP/AR, payroll accounting, revenue recognition, cost accounting, and fixed assets.Hospitality & Multi-Entity Financial Management• Manage complex accounting needs across restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and real estate holdings.• Oversee location-level P&Ls, inventory accounting, food & beverage cost controls, tip and service charge accounting, and labor reporting.• Coordinate intercompany transactions, eliminations, and consolidated financial reporting.• Support new concept launches, acquisitions, and entity formations from an accounting and systems perspective.Infrastructure & Systems• Design, implement, and continuously improve scalable accounting infrastructure, including ERP/accounting systems, reporting tools, and workflows.• Ensure accounting systems integrate effectively with POS, payroll, inventory, and property management systems.• Build dashboards and reporting packages that provide leadership with clear, actionable financial insight.Strategic Partnership & Resource Management• Partner closely with executive leadership, operations, and real estate teams to support growth initiatives and capital allocation decisions.• Provide proactive financial guidance in a fast-paced environment requiring disciplined resource management.• Support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and working capital optimization.• Serve as a key point of contact for external auditors, tax advisors, banks, and other financial partners.Team Development• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team.• Establish clear roles, accountability, and performance expectations within the department.• Foster a culture of ownership, accuracy, and continuous improvement.QUALIFICATIONSRequired• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.• 8–12+ years of progressive accounting experience, with significant leadership responsibility.• Proven experience in hospitality and restaurant accounting.• Demonstrated success managing multiple business entities simultaneously.• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and financial reporting.• Experience building or scaling accounting systems and processes in a growth environment.Preferred• CPA or equivalent certification.• Experience with private, founder-led, or entrepreneurial organizations.• Exposure to real estate accounting, including property-level reporting and lease accounting.• Hands-on experience with POS, inventory, and hospitality-specific financial systems.Ideal Candidate Profile• Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort operating in a fast-moving, evolving organization.• Detail-oriented yet able to think strategically and see the bigger picture.• Confident leader who can roll up their sleeves while building structure and discipline.• Strong communicator able to partner effectively with non-financial operators.• Thrives in environments that require close management of resources and rapid scaling.WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FORAt ELIA, we use our unique experience and contributions to deliver more than value – we set new standards! We seek someone that is looking for more than a job – we want to work with someone who is as passionate as us about what we do and how we go about doing it.COMPENSATION & BENEFITS• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance• 401(k)• Opportunity for long-term growth within a multi-venue hospitality groupWORK ENVIRONMENTWe’re a bold and imaginative team with a proven record. Our robust team has extensive subject matter expertise and cohesive team chemistry in every facet of our business. We’re strategic-planners and boundary-pushers in the best possible way. It’s important to our culture to have fun while also exceeding everyone’s expectations. This is a full-time position working in an office environment that is as unique and iconic as our business model. You will typically work Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Work is primarily conducted in F&B venue settings and the corporate office.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSAt ELIA, we are all about setting you up for success! The physical demands described here are representative of those you must possess to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. This is primarily an office role that requires you to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time although standing in, and moving between, work areas may be required. You will need to be able to operate a computer and other office productively machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer, for a significant part of each day. This role frequently requires you to move around our office or our other properties. This role occasionally requires the ability to move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. You will also need to be able to operate a motor vehicle to visit various properties and meeting sites and communicate effectively in person, before groups, and over the telephone.OTHER DUTIES Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. $110,000.00 - $140,000.00 Annually