Senior Controller

Thompson-Hospitality; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/Dental/Vision

Paid Time Off

401(k), matched up to 4%

Short and Long Term Disability

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Referral Program

Pet Insurance

Discounts: Hotels, Travel, Tickets, &{

Job summary

Thompson Hospitality is seeking a Senior Controller to lead accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls. Reporting to the CFO, you will guide a team, ensure GAAP compliance, and provide strategic financial insights to executive leadership.

You will oversee audits, budgeting, treasury, and cross-functional initiatives to improve profitability across a multi-location hospitality portfolio. A CPA with 10+ years in finance is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA or CMA certification is expected.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Minimum 5 years in a Controller or senior finance leadership role.
• Experience leading financial reporting, audits, and multi-entity environments.
• Hospitality, food service, or multi-location operational experience preferred.
• Strong GAAP knowledge and internal controls expertise.
• Proficient with NetSuite or similar ERP and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, payables, receivables, fixed assets, payroll, and month-end close.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual GAAP financial statements.
• Ensure timely financial reporting to executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain internal controls and compliance with regulations.
• Coordinate external audits and tax filings; manage auditors and advisors.
• Partner with FP&A and operations on budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.
• Lead and develop the accounting team; ensure proper segregation of duties.
• Oversee cash flow management, treasury, and working capital.
• Provide financial insights to support strategic decisions and growth.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Internal controls

Multi-entity consolidation

Excel

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance or related field

Master's degree in Accounting/Finance or MBA preferred

Tools

NetSuite or similar ERP

Advanced Excel

Job description

Overview

The Senior Controller is responsible for directing and overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, and financial administration for the organization. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this position ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial records, compliance with GAAP, and the timely delivery of financial information to executive leadership. The Senior Controller leads a team of accounting professionals and serves as a strategic business partner in supporting organizational growth and profitability.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Reporting

• Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, payroll accounting, and month-end close.
• Prepare and oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to executive leadership and stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and controls.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish and maintain a strong internal control environment.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial regulations.
• Coordinate annual external audits and tax filings.
• Manage relationships with auditors, tax advisors, banks, and regulatory agencies.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Partner with FP&A and operational leaders in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
• Support strategic initiatives, acquisitions, and business growth.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, develop, coach, and evaluate accounting staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Ensure proper segregation of duties and efficient workflow across the accounting function.

Cash Management & Treasury

• Oversee cash flow management and liquidity planning.
• Monitor banking relationships and debt compliance.
• Ensure effective management of working capital.

Strategic Partnership

• Provide financial insight and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Support business decisions through financial analysis and operational reporting.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives to improve processes, systems, and profitability.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred.

Certifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
• Minimum 5 years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior finance leadership role.
• Experience leading financial reporting, audits, and multi-entity accounting environments.
• Hospitality, food service, restaurant, retail, or multi-location operational experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Expert knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
• Strong understanding of internal controls, audit practices, and multi-entity consolidation and reporting.
• Advanced proficiency in accounting systems (NetSuite or similar) and Microsoft Excel.
• Demonstrated leadership and team development capabilities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) & Attributes

• Timely completion of month-end and year-end close.
• Employee engagement and retention within the accounting team.
• Bias towards Action and Solution Orientation – willingness to make recommendations and drive change within an organization.

Competitive Benefits:

• Health/Dental/Vision
• Paid Time Off
• 401(k), matched up to 4%
• Short and Long Term Disability
• Tuition Reimbursement

• Employee Referral Program
• Pet Insurance
• Discounts: Hotels, Travel, Tickets, Restaurants
• Employees and their relatives are eligible for a discounted meal plan at any of our HBCU client locations while they are attending school

Who We Are:

Thompson Hospitality is one of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.