Corporate Controller in Franklin, Tennessee at SOUTHALL FARM & INN

Southall is a premier destination bringing nature, produce and people together in a powerful and unique way.

The Corporate Controller is responsible for directing all aspects of accounting, finance, and asset management for Southall. This role serves as the owner's financial representative who bridges Mishkin Family ownership goals with operational performance to maximize property value and return on investment. The position leads the planning, management, and achievement of financial objectives while providing strategic oversight on revenue strategies, operational efficiency, and capital projects. Areas of oversight include Accounting, Finance, Information Systems, Purchasing, Receiving, Audit, and Capital Planning. This position ensures Southall's mission, long-term profitability, asset appreciation, and sustainability by partnering closely with Southall CEO, General Manager, and Departments

Responsibilities

The Corporate Controller will lead and develop the following positions:

• Director of Finance — Provides senior financial leadership and management oversight across all finance and accounting functions; works with department managers in achieving their respective budgets; serves as the primary deputy to the Corporate Controller

• Accounting Manager / Assistant Controller — Oversees day-to-day accounting operations, month-end close, and financial reporting support

• Accounts Payable & Payroll Supervisor — Manages vendor payments, expense processing, and payroll accuracy and compliance

• Accounts Receivable & Credit Manager — Oversees billing, collections, credit approvals, and guest/group account management

• Construction & Fixed Asset Accountant — Manages capitalization policy, fixed asset ledger, depreciation schedules, and accounting for ongoing construction projects and capital improvements

• Purchasing Manager — Leads procurement strategy, vendor relationships, inventory control, and receiving operations

• IT Manager — Supports information systems, property management system integration, and technology infrastructure

• Night Audit Supervisor — Manages overnight reconciliation, daily revenue reporting, and front office accounting interface

• Strategically lead Finance and Accounting operations to advance Southall's mission while safeguarding all company assets

• Develop, manage, and refine annual budgets and rolling forecasts to support sustainable growth

• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting packages to drive profitability and inform strategic decision-making

• Own the full accounting cycle, including balance sheet management, income statements, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and account reconciliations

• Lead audit preparation and coordinate with external auditors to ensure clean, efficient reporting

• Maintain and enforce the monthly controller's checklist and close calendar

• Establish and oversee inventory control systems and internal controls

• Develop and manage purchasing procedures, including turn ratios, days-on-hand benchmarks, and vendor performance across major asset categories

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local tax requirements, including sales, liquor, labor, and hotel taxes

• Review and manage leases, contracts, agreements, covenants, and restrictions to protect company interests

• Oversee accounting software integration with the Property Management System

• Maintain financial databases and management reporting tools

• Evaluate departmental productivity and drive continuous process improvement

• Partner with the Director of Finance to ensure seamless execution of day-to-day financial operations and team development across all accounting functions

• Lead performance management for all direct reports and their respective teams

• Act as the owner's representative, aligning operational decision-making with ownership objectives and long-term asset appreciation goals

• Monitor and analyze operational accounting, Net Operating Income (NOI), identifying opportunities to improve revenue, control costs, and enhance overall property performance

• Provide strategic oversight of capital expenditure planning, prioritization, and execution, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and consistent with asset value objectives

• Evaluate and benchmark operational and financial performance against competitive set and industry standards, recommending corrective actions where needed

• Partner with property leadership on revenue management strategies, including pricing, channel mix, and demand forecasting, to optimize RevPAR and total revenue

• Conduct regular property performance reviews, preparing ownership-level reporting packages that translate operational results into investment-level insights

• Assess and manage risk across the asset, including insurance, deferred maintenance, and capital reserves

• Support ownership in evaluating strategic decisions such as renovations, repositioning, or financing.

• Oversee the Construction & Fixed Asset Accountant in maintaining the fixed asset ledger, depreciation schedules, and capitalization records

• Establish and enforce capitalization policy in accordance with GAAP, ensuring proper distinction between capital expenditures and operating expenses

• Oversee accounting for all construction-in-progress (CIP) activity, ensuring timely and accurate project cost tracking and transfer to fixed assets upon completion

• Partner with project managers and ownership on construction budgets, draw schedules, and variance reporting

• Coordinate fixed asset physical inventories and reconciliations on a scheduled basis

• Ensure proper accounting treatment for disposals, impairments, and write-offs

• Support audit and tax preparation with fixed asset schedules, depreciation reports, and CIP documentation

• 15+ years of progressive accounting, finance, and/or asset management experience, preferably in hospitality, real estate, or single-asset ownership environments

• Prior experience in a CFO, Controller, or Asset Manager role strongly preferred

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop senior finance staff, including Director-level talent

• Strong technical accounting knowledge (GAAP) with demonstrated ability to manage complex financial operations, including fixed assets and construction accounting

• Working knowledge of hotel performance metrics, including NOI, RevPAR, ADR, and GOP

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to present effectively to ownership

• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with ERP or property management systems a plus

• Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Real Estate preferred

• CPA and continuing education in accounting strongly preferred

Our Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, company-provided life insurance
• Generous paid time off accruals
• 9 paid holidays annually
• Weekly pay
• 401k and company match
• Education reimbursement
• Best-in-class Employee Assistance Program
• Free weekly outdoor activities and wellness classes
• 30% internal discounts
• Fresh and free daily meal
• Bountiful internal growth opportunities

Our Team

Assembled intentionally with dynamic expertise, the Southall team is offered the unique opportunity to learn humbly with, and from, each other. We invest in a growth mindset and take it upon ourselves to strengthen our knowledge and grit daily. We honor the cycles of nature, get our hands dirty and taste the earth’s bounty in an effort to connect with the land.

We plan with purpose, seeing past the present day and seeking to consider the planet with each step. We embrace a blend of ancient techniques and modern technologies in our practice of sustainability. We celebrate ingenuity and resourcefulness and approach our roles through the eyes of an entrepreneur, looking beyond our respective corners to the big picture.

Acting with intention, we approach each day with gratitude for the opportunity to serve our guests and each other. A humble holder of our Michelin Key, our team strives to provide a level of luxury that feels effortless and sincere, infusing wellness at every turn. The Southall team cares for our visitors with the same caliber of kindness and respect as we care for the humans that work alongside us.

Southall Farm and Inn is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Southall provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender, national origin, status as a protected veteran, disability or any other classification protected by law. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.