Restaurant Controller Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Corporate Controller
Location: Washington, D.C. (In-Office)
Salary Range: $180,000 – $230,000 + Benefits
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Travel: Occasional regional market visits

About José Andrés Group

José Andrés Group is a global hospitality company founded by Chef José Andrés, dedicated to changing the world through the power of food. With a portfolio of award-winning restaurants and hospitality concepts across multiple markets, JAG is driven by innovation, excellence, and a commitment to delivering unforgettable guest experiences.

Position Overview

José Andrés Group is seeking a dynamic, highly analytical, and forward-thinking Corporate Controller to lead and elevate the organization’s accounting function during an exciting phase of strategic growth and expansion.

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this critical leadership role will oversee all core accounting operations, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, treasury, tax, financial reporting, and compliance. The Corporate Controller will play a key role in strengthening financial processes, enhancing internal controls, and supporting the continued growth of a multi-unit hospitality organization.

This individual will be responsible for driving operational excellence across the accounting function while developing and mentoring a high-performing accounting team.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical accounting expertise—grounded in a Big 4 or top-tier public accounting foundation—with a modern, solutions-oriented mindset. This role requires a leader who embraces innovation, process optimization, and emerging technologies, including advanced Excel automation and AI-driven tools, to enhance operational efficiency and scalability.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Accounting Operations

• Oversee and optimize all day-to-day accounting operations, including Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), treasury management, sales tax, corporate tax, and general ledger functions.
• Design, implement, and maintain robust internal controls, accounting procedures, and standardized operating processes (SOPs).
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting in accordance with US GAAP and organizational standards.
• Serve as a key financial liaison for legal agreements, investor-related requests, and capitalization table management.
• Manage relationships with external auditors and coordinate annual audit processes to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely completion.

Team Leadership & Process Optimization

• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team, fostering a culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, operational excellence, and professional development.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the accounting function with a strong automation-first mindset.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows through advanced Excel capabilities, systems optimization, and emerging digital or AI-enabled tools.
• Partner cross-functionally with operational and executive leadership teams to support strategic decision-making and organizational growth.

Qualifications & Experience

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Chartered Accountant designation required.

Professional Experience

• 2–3 years of foundational experience within a Big 4 or top-tier public accounting firm strongly preferred.
• 3–5 years of progressive corporate accounting leadership experience, ideally within a Corporate Controller, Assistant Controller, or Director of Accounting capacity.
• Experience within a multi-unit restaurant, hospitality, retail, or similarly complex operational environment strongly preferred.
• Proven experience supporting organizations with 20+ locations and/or workforces exceeding 800 employees is highly desirable.

Technical & Digital Proficiency

• Deep understanding of US GAAP, financial controls, and corporate accounting practices.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including demonstrated success automating manual processes and improving reporting efficiency.
• Strong interest in leveraging AI automation, emerging technologies, and digital tools to modernize and streamline accounting operations.

Core Competencies & Leadership Attributes

Ownership & Execution

• Highly self-motivated professional with exceptional accountability, initiative, and the ability to independently lead complex projects in a fast-paced environment.

Process & Systems Orientation

• Strong operational mindset with a passion for building scalable systems, improving structure, and creating clarity within evolving organizations.

Communication & Collaboration

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex financial information into actionable insights for both financial and non-financial stakeholders.

Analytical & Strategic Thinking

• Exceptional analytical capabilities, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail with the ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.

Equal Opportunity Employer

José Andrés Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the federal E-Verify Program.