Controller

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Fransmart is a franchise development company specializing in identifying and scaling emerging restaurant and retail brands into national and global chains, with a track record of growing concepts like Five Guys, QDOBA, and The Halal Guys from a handful of units into powerhouse franchises. One of our newest, and fastest growing brands, HB Protein Smoothies is in full-scale national growth mode. We are preparing to launch 4 new corporate locations while scaling toward approximately 500 franchise units. 

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking a strategic, hands-on Controller to join our leadership team as we scale from one corporate unit to 2–3 new corporate locations and a national network of approximately 500 franchise locations. This is a pivotal role for a finance and operations leader who not only excels in traditional controllership but also has the vision to build scalable systems for a large-scale franchise operation. You will serve as the primary architect of our financial infrastructure, HR processes, and board-level governance while overseeing outsourced legal, bookkeeping, and tax functions. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking professional who has “seen what a 500-unit chain looks like” and can help position the company for private equity due diligence, investment, and long-term growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Leadership & Traditional Controller Duties 

• Oversee all accounting operations, including month-end close, general ledger, financial reporting (monthly, quarterly, annual), budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and internal controls. 
• Develop and maintain scalable financial systems, processes, and reporting packages designed for a high-growth multi-unit franchisor. 
• Prepare accurate, timely financial statements and variance analysis to support executive decision-making and board presentations. 
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, regulatory requirements, and franchise-specific standards. 

Financial Reporting, Compliance & Board Support 

• Manage all financial reporting and compliance obligations. 
• Maintain organized board-level files, corporate records, governance systems, and prepare comprehensive board decks and supporting materials. 
• Lead preparation for financial due diligence, audits, and private equity readiness initiatives. 

HR Leadership 

• Own all human resources functions for the growing corporate team, including talent acquisition, onboarding, employee relations, performance management, benefits administration, payroll coordination (with outsourced support), and compliance with federal/state employment laws. 
• Build scalable HR policies, systems, and culture that support rapid expansion. 

Oversight of Outsourced Functions 

• Directly manage and oversee relationships with external providers for legal, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax services. 
• Ensure seamless integration of outsourced work into internal reporting, compliance, and strategic planning. 

Strategic Scaling & PE Readiness 

• Design and implement financial and operational processes that will support a 500 unit franchise system. 
• Partner with the executive team on growth initiatives, new corporate store openings, franchise sales support, royalty/fee structures, and long-term financial modeling. 
• Identify and drive process improvements, technology implementations (ERP, franchise management systems), and internal controls to prepare the company for private equity investment or exit. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA strongly preferred. 
• 8 years of progressive accounting/finance experience, with at least 3–5 years in a Controller (or equivalent) role. 
• Demonstrated experience in franchising, multi-unit operations (restaurant, retail, service, or hospitality preferred), or high-growth scaling companies. 
• Hands-on experience preparing organizations for private equity due diligence, audits, or significant capital events. 
• Strong working knowledge of HR principles and employment compliance in a growth-stage environment. 
• Proven ability to manage outsourced service providers while maintaining internal ownership and accountability. 
• Advanced proficiency in financial systems, Excel, and reporting tools; experience implementing scalable technology solutions a plus. 
• Visionary mindset with the ability to think at both the tactical (day-to-day controllership) and strategic (500-unit chain) levels. 

Strongly Preferred

• Prior experience in a franchisor or franchisee environment with rapid unit growth. 
• Familiarity with franchise royalty reporting, multi-state operations, and PE-backed company metrics. 
• MBA or advanced degree a plus. 

COMPENSATION

Base Salary: $125,000 – $175,000 annually (depending on experience, franchise background, CPA credentials, and demonstrated PE-readiness/scaling expertise). 

Total Cash Compensation: Typically includes performance-based bonus of 20–35% of base. 

Additional Incentives: Competitive benefits package (health, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO), potential equity participation or long-term incentive plan tied to company growth/PE milestones, and relocation assistance if needed. 

This range is informed by 2026 market data for Controllers and Corporate Controllers in the Phoenix/Scottsdale metro area, adjusted upward for franchise/multi-unit growth companies and PE-preparation roles nationally. Actual offer will be based on candidate qualifications and market conditions. 

If you are a results-driven finance leader who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and wants to help build the financial backbone of the next major franchise success story, we encourage you to apply.