Financial Controller (Chinese-Speaking)

Xi'an Famous Foods is a well-known and respected restaurant group based in NYC serving specialty Chinese cuisine in a fast-casual format.

Our Mission Statement:

We strive to provide delicious, high quality, and authentic dishes of the historic city of Xi’an, China, based on proprietary family recipes, through outstanding hospitality. We will satiate cravings and promote appreciation of our unique cuisine and culture.

This is a fully in-person role, as our company has no remote or hybrid positions.

We are seeking a Controller to lead all accounting and financial reporting functions across our multi-unit restaurant operations.

This role will take full ownership of the accounting function, manage and develop a small team, and build scalable financial systems to support continued expansion. The Controller will work closely with the CEO and operations leadership to provide financial visibility, improve processes, and support decision-making.

This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone who can both execute and build, and has the potential to grow into a senior finance leadership position as the company continues to expand.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial Reporting & Close

• Own and manage the monthly close process across all locations and affiliated companies
• Prepare and review consolidated and store-level financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow)
• Ensure all accounts are reconciled accurately and timely
• Maintain and improve close timeline and reporting consistency

Accounting Operations & Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor bookkeeping and accounting staff
• Establish clear processes, documentation, and accountability
• Review journal entries, reconciliations, and financial deliverables
• Improve accuracy and efficiency of accounting operations

Cash Flow & Forecasting

• Monitor and report on company cash position
• Build and maintain rolling cash flow forecasts
• Support capital planning for new store openings and investments

Systems & Process Improvement

• Identify and implement improvements to accounting systems and workflows
• Ensure proper integration between POS, payroll, and accounting systems
• Build scalable financial infrastructure to support multi-unit growth

Operational Partnership

• Work closely with operations leadership to improve financial visibility
• Analyze performance drivers (labor, food cost, store profitability)
• Support budgeting and rolling forecast processes

Licensing, Insurance & Compliance

• Oversee and maintain all business licenses, permits, and registrations across locations (e.g., health permits, business licenses, sales tax registrations)
• Track renewal timelines and ensure all filings and renewals are completed on time
• Manage company insurance policies, including general liability, workers’ compensation, property, and other coverages
• Coordinate with insurance brokers on renewals, policy updates, and claims as needed
• Maintain organized records of all licenses, permits, and insurance documentation
• Support risk management and ensure appropriate coverage as the company expands
• Coordinate with external legal counsel and advisors on compliance-related matters when needed

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with GAAP and internal policies
• Maintain strong internal controls to safeguard company assets
• Coordinate with external CPA firm, tax advisors, and auditors

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Requirements:

• Authorized to work in the U.S
• Able to speak *both* English and Chinese (Mandarin)
• 5–10 years of accounting work experience, working in positions such as Controller, Assistant Controller, or Accounting Manager
• Experience with systems such as QuickBooks, Restaurant365, NetSuite, or similar
• Experience owning monthly close and full financial statements
• Experience managing accounting or bookkeeping staff
• Experience in multi-unit restaurant, retail, or hospitality business
• Able to communicate clearly and concisely
• Able to take initiative when working, identifying issues and finding solutions, and does not require specific directions to solve problems at hand
• Able to work full time (at least 40 hours a week) and flexible as necessary
• Able to work well under pressure and multitask
• Able to work fast/expeditiously
• Able and willing to assist with all aspects of the business operations as necessary

Preferred:

• CPA designation (preferred but not required)
• Experience managing or supporting licensing, insurance, or compliance processes
• Experience working in a restaurant or retail setting

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Hands-on, proactive, and ownership-oriented mindset
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, founder-led environment
• Strong organizational and process management skills
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Comfortable managing administrative and compliance workflows in addition to accounting
• Experience working in bilingual or multicultural environments is a plus

BENEFITS:

• Paid time off (on top of standard paid sick leave)
• Affordable and comprehensive health/dental/vision/pet insurance
• 401K plan
• Option to redeem a free shift meal, while on duty, at any operating company restaurant location. Additional 25% discount at all brick-and-mortar company restaurant locations

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $130,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Our company is a restaurant business, and we highly value cohesiveness between all staff, such as between office staff and front-line staff. As such, all new office staff are expected to go through training as cashiers/cooks in our stores during their first weeks. Once this initial training period is over (although rare for this position), office employees are still expected to help with restaurant operations if necessary, such as in our stores and production facilities. Is this acceptable to you?

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Bookkeeping: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Mandarin (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $130,000 - $150,000