Controller- Hospitality & Entertainment

WHO WE ARE

Level99 is a real-world gaming venue designed for adults, featuring over 50 mental and physical challenges in artistic environments. Games range from ninja warrior obstacle course style challenges to mental logic puzzles, and everything in between. Each challenge is quick—just 1 to 4 minutes—and Players can do the same room over and over again, or they can move on to something new. Like a video game, Players earn rewards, climb the leaderboard, and make progress – each time a Player comes back, the game remembers where they left off.

Alongside the games, Level99 offers a full-service bar and award-winning restaurant – featuring scratch-cooking, local craft beers, handmade cocktails, and a variety of event spaces. Level99 has locations in Natick, MA, Providence, RI, Tysons, VA, and is opening in West Hartford, CT, Disney Springs, FL, King of Prussia, PA, and Paramus, NJ. Level99 is backed by Act III Holdings, led by Panera founder Ron Shaich, and we have a talented team that has worked on successful entertainment projects ranging from 5 Wits to Walt Disney Imagineering. Visit www.level99.com for more details.

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the VP of Finance, the Controller will play a critical role in supporting Level99’s growth objectives by developing and overseeing the company’s accounting infrastructure. This role requires a strategic thinker who can design and implement scalable accounting processes while also rolling up their sleeves to handle day-to-day financial operations. They are experienced in building and managing the totality of an accounting department, managing accounts payable (A/P), accounts receivable (A/R), and ensuring the company's financial health through strong reporting and controls. Given Level99's ambitious development plans, this role is a unique opportunity whereby this person will see their impact across the entire business.

The Controller is passionate about getting the details right, anticipating team members and management needs, and advancing the Level99 brand. A Level99 leader has honesty and personal integrity that is above reproach, prefers a joyful and positive approach to challenging situations, chooses humility over the need to “be right,” and in all things acts as though they are the Owner and Operator of each Level99 venue.

Note: The interview process may include multiple discussions with Act III & Level99’s senior management team.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Accounting & Financial Oversight

• Develop and manage core accounting policies and procedures.

• Build and streamline accounting processes to support a growing entertainment & restaurant business.

• Oversee A/P, A/R, bank reconciliations, and general ledger management to ensure financial accuracy.

• Manage month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.

• Oversee fiscal year-end financial audit review process and work with outsourced accounting service provider and external audit firm to ensure successful annual financial audits.

• Develop and maintain cash flow forecasting to ensure sufficient liquidity for operations and growth.

• Partner with the FP&A team to monitor and provide ongoing variance analysis.

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Scale the accounting function without excessive resource dependencies in the near term.

• Implement financial controls and best practices to enhance efficiency and compliance across multiple business verticals including restaurant operations, merchandise, and manufacturing.

• Partner with executive leadership to provide financial insights that drive business decisions.

• Ensure tax compliance, including sales tax, payroll tax, and corporate filings.

Operational & Team Management

• Oversee A/P and A/R functions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in vendor payments and revenue collection.

• Create and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for financial operations.

• Work cross-functionally with operations, HR, and supply chain to optimize financial workflows.

• Evaluate and implement financial software/tools to improve automation and reporting capabilities.

MUST-HAVE SKILLS:
• Minimum of 5-10+ years of progressive accounting experience with at least 3 years in the restaurant, retail, or hospitality-equivalent industry

• Deep understanding of restaurant/retail/entertainment economics/operating models, US GAAP, cost accounting, ASC 842 lease accounting, gift card liability, and multi-jurisdiction sales tax.

• Direct experience leading accounting transformation, scaling accounting functions, or implementing new ERP/POS/financial systems.

• Demonstrated success in generating budgets, analyzing P&L results, and reporting financials

• An entrepreneurial desire to learn what makes Level99 tick – the ability to ask great questions to uncover new insights about Level99

• Expert project management, juggling many projects and to-do-list items at once, prioritizing and pivoting for the highest need

• An intense focus on the little details to ensure the highest level of quality/rigor in solutioning and presenting insights

• Strong financial modeling, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a deep understanding of financial statements and performance metrics.

• Proficiency in critical tools and systems (e.g., ThomsonReuters, NetSuite, Toast, Ottimate, Adyen, Shopify, Microsoft 365, Quicksight, etc)

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively present complex financial information to stakeholders at all levels.

• Proven track record of leading teams through cross-functional projects, driving change, and delivering results in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule based on business needs.

• Ability to travel periodically as required for staffing and operations in multiple venues.

• A positive, joyful, upbeat and energetic attitude – leading by example

OTHER DESIRABLE (BUT NOT NECESSARY) SKILLS & EXPERIENCE INCLUDE:
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.

• MBA or relevant professional certification (e.g., CFA, CPA) is strongly preferred

While we don’t expect a candidate to have deep experience in all of the above, we’re looking for someone with the passion and capability to learn quickly in the areas that are new!

YOU MIGHT BE A FIT ON THE LEVEL99 TEAM IF YOU…

• Like to laugh, would be described as a "low maintenance, low drama" person, have a tendency to have a bit of fun while you work

• Have a high tolerance for ambiguity, like to go fast, and are excited to learn on the job

• Are just a little bit obsessive about getting the details right the first time

• Have a high energy personality, the kind of person who is typically smiling, and likes to "get it done now"

Level99 is an E-Verify employer.