Job Description
Job DescriptionABOUT US
Aviva Hospitality Group (AHG) is headquartered in Setauket, NY, in the heart of Long Islands desirable Three Village area. We own and operate premium private event venues across New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, with a strong focus on the wedding market.
Since opening our first location in 2019, weve grown to four venues with annual sales approaching $20 million. Backed by committed investors and a track record of strong returns, we are now poised to expand nationally and build a truly distinguished hospitality company. As we reach critical growth milestones, we expect to revisit AHGs structure in ways that will create lucrative opportunities for top performers who help drive our success.
The properties are, in order of acquisition:
Grand View , Mendon, Massachusetts 2019
Harrington Farm, Princeton, Massachusetts 2021
River Stone Manor, Glenville, NY 2023
Westmount Country Club, Woodland Park, NJ 2025
POSITION OVERVIEW
AHG seeks a senior leader to serve as the Group Controller, reporting directly to ownership. This executive team member will foster a culture of accountability, advise senior leaders, and ensure sound, compliant decision-making. Candidates should have strong accounting and finance expertise, ideally in food & beverage, hospitality, or restaurants. As the company grows, responsibilities will expand based on performance, with the opportunity to lead the development of our accounting team and systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Phase I (Immediate Responsibility)
Closing the Books Complete month-end/quarter-end close verify all transactions are recorded such as revenue, expenses, accruals, and any adjustments and ensure cutoff is correct.
Reconciliations Complete month-end bank reconciliations for all accounts ensuring accounts receivables and accounts payables are in order, loan balances are accurate, fixed assets and depreciation schedule is recorded properly, and intercompany transaction balance.
GAAP Compliance and Review Review books for compliance with accounting policies and GAAP identifying any unusual or nonrecurring transactions and properly classifying expenses both on the profit & loss statement and in balance sheet.
Team Leadership Supervise accounting staff, payroll, and AP/AR functions; provide training and development.
Cost Control & Profitability Analysis Work with ownership to analyze margins, labor costs, and operational expenses to improve profitability at each venue.
Communication with Ownership and CPA Provide a trial balance with supporting schedules, contracts, leases, debt covenants.
Internal Controls Implement and monitor controls to safeguard assets, prevent fraud, and ensure accurate reporting.
Capital Expenditure Oversight Track property improvements, expansions, and major purchases.
Cash Flow Management Monitor cash position daily and manage working capital to support operations and capital projects.
Compliance & Audit Ensure adherence to tax, licensing, and hospitality regulations; manage relationships with external auditors.
Phase II (Future Responsibility)
Revenue Management Support
Budgeting & Forecasting
Strategic Financial Planning
WHO YOU ARE
5+ years in accounting/finance with progressive leadership, including foodservice or hospitality experience managing food costs, labor, inventories, and seasonal cash flows.
3+ years managing accounting/finance teams, aligning strengths and roles, and implementing training.
Expertise managing financial and managerial reporting, budget development and analysis, accounts payable and receivable, general ledger, cash flow, and payroll.
Deep sense of accountability, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of all work, with the flexibility to step into hands-on tasks when required.
Strong affinity for technology and experience working with financial systems.
Proven ability to think strategically, seize opportunities, manage risks, streamline systems, and reduce costs.
Excellent written and oral communication skills and an ability to connect with and present to a variety of stakeholders.
Bachelors degree in a relevant field; CPA, CMA or Masters preferred.
Brings integrity, credibility, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to the organizations mission.
DETAILS
Hours: 40-50 hrs/week
Start Date: ASAP (flexible)
Compensation: $125,000 - $150,000 (commensurate with experience)
Location: In office, with occasional travel to venues
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Aviva provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.