Controller

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
  
  
  

Summary

The Controller (Franchise Group) at Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is responsible for leading all financial operations and reporting for the franchise system. This role oversees royalty and fee management, financial reporting, compliance, and financial support for franchisees, ensuring the financial health and integrity of the Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Franchise Group (JIIFG).

This position serves as a strategic partner to leadership, providing financial insights that support decision-making, system growth, and franchisee success. The Controller will ensure compliance with Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) requirements, oversee audits, and maintain strong internal controls across the franchise system.

This role is distinct from the corporate entity (JIIH – Jeremiah’s Italian Ice Holdings), which manages company-owned stores. The Controller (JIIFG) focuses exclusively on franchise-related financial operations and performance.

This is a full-time, Orlando-based position that requires a high level of ownership, attention to detail, and the ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a growing franchise organization.

Essential Functions

• Oversee the collection, tracking, and reconciliation of royalties, marketing fees, and initial franchise fees from all franchisees.
• Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and transparency in all franchise-related financial transactions.
• Prepare and deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, reports, and analyses for leadership, auditors, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain financial models, budgets, and forecasts to support system-wide planning and growth.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing financial forecasting for the franchise system.
• Monitor financial performance against budget and provide variance analysis and actionable insights.
• Manage cash flow, including monitoring cash balances, debt obligations, and large fund movements.
• Provide recommendations to optimize liquidity and financial stability.
• Oversee internal and external audits, ensuring financial records are accurate, compliant, and audit-ready.
• Maintain strong relationships with external auditors and advisors.
• Ensure all financial data included in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is accurate and compliant with FTC regulations.
• Partner with legal and leadership teams to support annual FDD updates and disclosures.
• Ensure compliance with Financial Performance Representations (FPRs), including proper use and substantiation of earnings claims in marketing and franchise sales materials.
• Establish, implement, and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls to safeguard company assets and ensure consistency across the franchise system.
• Develop and monitor brand financial standards for franchisees to promote consistency, profitability, and operational alignment.
• Serve as a financial advisor to executive leadership on pricing strategies, investments, vendor agreements, and contract negotiations.
• Provide data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making.
• Support franchisees through financial onboarding, training, and ongoing education to ensure understanding of financial obligations and performance expectations.
• Act as a resource for franchisees on financial best practices and reporting requirements.
• Partner cross-functionally with operations, franchise development, and leadership teams to support system growth and performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting, and systems, and implement scalable solutions.
  
  
  

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• 7–10 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in franchising, multi-unit retail, or food service strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of franchise financial structures, including royalties and fee-based models.
• Experience with FDD compliance and Financial Performance Representations (FPRs) preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA preferred.
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting standards.
• Proven ability to lead financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and accountability.
• Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a growing organization.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Ability to build relationships with franchisees and provide consultative financial support.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with accounting systems and financial reporting tools; advanced Excel proficiency required.
• High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
  
  
  

Physical Demands:

• Primarily an office-based role requiring prolonged periods of sitting, with occasional standing or walking.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements with arms, hands, and wrists.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and perceive sound by ear.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull objects occasionally, up to 25 pounds.
• Occasional travel may be required.