Controller

Location: Liverpool, NY; Full-Time On-Site

About the Role

The Controller will serve as the senior-most technical accounting leader within American Food & Vending and partner closely with the Chief Financial Officer to ensure the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all internal and external financial reporting in accordance with GAAP. The role has full responsibility for maintaining compliance with all applicable tax and regulatory requirements, including the accurate collection and remittance of state sales and use taxes and oversight of timely and accurate income tax reporting. As the organization’s accounting policy and internal control authority, the Controller will establish and enforce consistent accounting practices, strengthen the control environment, and proactively manage financial risk. This individual will bring deep technical expertise and disciplined execution to ensure reliable financial information and scalable processes across a multi-location organization.

Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & Compliance
  • Own the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of all financial reporting across the organization.
  • Lead the monthly and year-end close processes in full compliance with GAAP.
  • Prepare and review internal management and external financial reporting packages.
  • Serve as the technical accounting authority, researching and applying complex GAAP guidance.
  • Drive internal financial reporting, including P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs.
  • Design and implement segmented P&L reporting to support operational and strategic decision-making.
  • Oversee accounts payable through partnership with the A/P Manager, ensuring accuracy, controls, and timely processing.
  • Lead and manage the year-end audit process with the external audit firm.
  • Coordinate and oversee preparation of all audit schedules, workpapers, and supporting documentation.
  • Directly manage and mentor a team of 15+ accounting and accounts payable professionals across the organization.
• Internal Controls, Systems & Risk Management
  • Establish, implement, and continuously update standardized accounting policies, ensuring consistent application across all entities while guiding financial and operational decision-making in evolving business and regulatory environments and ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations.
  • Own and manage the company’s accounting systems and general ledger platform, with full accountability for chart of accounts structure, system configuration, data integrity, and financial reporting accuracy.
  • Design, implement, and enforce internal controls across all financial processes, enhancing and evolving the control environment as needed to safeguard company assets and ensure adherence to established policies and procedures.
  • Ensure organization-wide compliance with inventory policies while actively monitoring reporting and variances to drive accuracy, accountability, and operational discipline.
• Tax Compliance (Federal & State)
  • Ensure accurate calculation, collection, and remittance of Federal Income Tax and State Sales & Use Tax.
  • Oversee multi-state tax compliance and reporting requirements across all jurisdictions.
  • Partner with external advisors as needed to ensure compliance and optimize tax positions.
• Acquisition Accounting & Strategic Growth
  • Serve as the financial lead on acquisition accounting, due diligence, and integration.
  • Oversee purchase accounting, valuation coordination, and post-acquisition financial reporting.
  • Support the CFO and executive team in strategic growth initiatives and expansion efforts.

Requirements

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation (required).
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership roles.
• Proven experience managing audits and working with external auditors.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local tax compliance regulations and reporting.
• Advanced proficiency in accounting software and ERP systems.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience in multi-unit, high transaction, food service, hospitality, or similar industries preferred.
• Must work full-time, on-site at the corporate headquarters office (Liverpool, NY 13088).

About Us

Together, American Food & Vending and American Dining Creations form one of the nation’s largest privately held dining and refreshment service organizations. Family-owned and headquartered in Syracuse, NY, we have served clients nationwide for more than 80 years, delivering customized dining and refreshment solutions across business, education, healthcare, and cultural environments. Recognized by NAMA and our peers as Operator of the Year, we combine national capabilities with a personal, responsive approach to create exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.

Our Mission
To create moments of happiness through customized hospitality experiences that delight guests and bring people together.

Our Vision
To be the best in the industry at elevating hospitality experiences for places where people want to be.

Our Values: F.I.R.S.T.

• Family – Treat people as family.
• Integrity – Do the right thing.
• Responsiveness – Listen first. Then act with urgency.
• Service Excellence – Deliver exceptional experiences every day.
• Teamwork – Win together.

Pay

$165,000 per year - $200,000 per year

Benefits

• Weekly Pay
• 401K with company match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Eligible employees offered Medical, Prescription, Dental, and Vision Plans, FSA/HSA
• Ongoing training and development programs
• Bonus Programs for eligible positions