Controller | Hybrid POST NUMBER: 436764
Company - Captain D’s
Position - Controller
Address - 624 Grassmere Park Drive, Ste. 30, Nashville, TN 37211
The office is near the Nashville Zoo.
Website - https://www.captainds.com/
Company, Size, Growth - Captain D's is a prominent seafood restaurant chain in the United States, known for offering a variety of seafood options in a fast-casual dining setting. Founded in 1969, the company has a strong legacy of serving high-quality, affordable seafood, and has grown into a recognizable brand in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. Its menu features items like fish and chips, shrimp, crab, and hushpuppies, all served in a family-friendly atmosphere. With a focus on seafood, Captain D's differentiates itself in a competitive market, catering to customers seeking both fresh and fried fish options.
The company has steadily expanded its reach across the U.S. and operates over 500 locations in more than 20 states. Despite its steady growth, Captain D's remains focused on maintaining a community-oriented presence in the neighborhoods it serves. This size allows the brand to benefit from operational efficiencies and increased brand recognition, positioning itself as a key player in the seafood restaurant market. The company's ability to scale while preserving its core values of quality food and customer service has helped it maintain a loyal customer base over the years.
Captain D's has experienced significant growth in recent years, particularly due to its strategic focus on modernizing its restaurant designs and enhancing its menu offerings. The company has invested in technology, improving the customer experience both in-store and through digital platforms. Additionally, the franchise model has proven successful, allowing the company to expand rapidly without a substantial capital expenditure on company-owned stores. This focus on innovation and franchise growth has positioned Captain D's for continued success, with plans for further expansion into new markets across the U.S.
They are PE backed by PE firm Centre Partners. They initially acquired Captain Ds in 2013, sold it in 2017, then reacquired the chain in 2022. They are around $350M in revenue.
Reports to - CFO
Team - The total accounting/finance team is 7 and includes CFO, Controller, Accounting Manager, Senior Treasury Analyst, Senior Director of FP&A, and two Senior Analysts.
They have a third-party group that handles all of their day-to-day accounting (all AR, AP, GL work, etc.), which is around 10 individuals.
Reason for Opening - Backfill. The prior Controller had been with Captain D’s for over 8 ½ years before receiving an offer with another company he couldn’t turn down. He was very well-liked and respected at Captain D’s and will definitely be missed as he played an instrumental role in getting the accounting function to where it is today.
Target Candidate - Ideally, would love public plus industry experience, but would also consider a Controller level candidate that’s been all industry. CPA highly preferred.
Restaurant, leisure, or hospitality industry experience would be helpful, but not required. They’ve got about 550 locations so some kind of multi-unit level experience would be ideal to have.
They are PE backed so need to have experience working in a similar sized company maintaining a close relationship with PE partners. This individual will have a lot of exposure to the PE team.
Strong accounting experience and understanding required. This position will be managing the relationship with the outsourced accounting group, which does a lot of the work, but needs to have a solid understanding to review and ensure everything looks correct.
They are looking for someone intelligent, firm, timely, accurate, consistent, has an engaging personality, and can command a strong presence and help hold others accountable.
Benefits - Standard healthcare, dental, vision, etc. Free Captain D’s food. They traditionally have not tracked PTO in their department and have no issues as long as everyone is getting their work done.
This position is eligible for a 20% bonus. There is no equity component at this time. If they go through another transaction in the next few years, there would be an opportunity to be considered in the equity pool at that time.
Work Environment - Very laid back and flexible environment. They’ve got a great team and want to ensure whoever comes in is a great culture fit.
No substantial overtime is expected in this role.
They are hybrid with 2-3 days a week in office. These days can be flexible, but everyone is typically in office on Mondays.
Interview Process - First round would be virtual, likely with CFO and Senior Director of FP&A. Should things go well, there would be an on-site interview with a panel of interviewers (likely adding in someone from HR and 1-2 others). There could potentially be a second virtual interview before on-site.
Job Description -
What makes Captain D’s a great place to work?
It’s our people. We understand that our employees are our greatest asset.
We are committed to developing and empowering our people, providing a stable, safe and enjoyable work environment for everyone to achieve their greatest potential. And our culture proves it.
The ?Controller? will play an integral role in financial success of the Captain D’s brand.
A person who fits the role will leverage their proven track record to lead and support the accounting and treasury management and functions for Captain D's. The role will also play a key part in financial reporting and analytics, compliance with all regulations, overseeing outside audits and accounting resources, resulting in direct and measurable contributions to cash flow and profitability.
Responsibilities:
- Maintains a documented system of accounting policies and procedures; implements a system of controls over accounting transactions to minimize risk.
- Oversees the production of periodic financial reports; ensures that the reported results comply with generally accepted accounting principles or international financial reporting standards.
- Recommends benchmarks that will be used to measure the company’s performance.
- Provides financial analysis, with emphasis on capital investments, pricing decisions, and contract negotiations.
- Works with external auditors and provides needed information for the annual audit.
- Files quarterly and annual reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal government requirements.
- Performs other related duties as necessary or assigned.
- Oversee cash management and treasury functions.
- Oversee outsourced accounting functions and responsibilities.
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration required.
- 5 – 10 years of Controller or equivalent experience required.
- Certified Public Accountant or Certified Management Accountant required.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Ability to convey information and provide responses to questions.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Is an account expert and can leverage this with Captain D's Values and Goals.
- Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to analyze complex data and make contracting recommendations based on sound judgment, problem solving, and financial analysis.
- Proficient in Microsoft Software, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Able to create reporting and spreadsheets using excel.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, cross-collaboration, and team skills.
- Are self-motivated and disciplined, holding themselves and others to high standards.
- Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan and paid time off.
- A supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters professional growth and development.
- Opportunities for training and career advancement.
- A collaborative team culture that values diversity, innovation, and open communication.
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Vaco values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
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Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:
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