Vice President of Accounting

WHO WE ARE

We are a restaurant group that thrives on creating authentic and inspiring experiences for the communities we serve. Through the contributions of countless incredible people, past and present, we're headed to the moon with a simple mission - to make people feel good. While no one on the team is quite like the other, it's our common values that keep us united.

• Be Authentic and Humble
• Act with Integrity
• Bring Good Energy
• Achieve as a Team
• Get Extraordinary Results
• Inspire with Hospitality

Postino WineCafe, the flagship brand of Upward Projects, currently operates over 30 locations across seven states, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. The brand has announced plans to expand to 70 locations by 2030.

ABOUT THE VICE PRESIDENT OF ACCOUNTING

The Vice President of Accounting will lead the Accounting function for our multi-unit, multi-state restaurant group. This role is responsible for all aspect of financial reporting, internal controls, audit, compliance, and team development. Reporting directly to the CFO, the VP of Accounting will be a key member of Finance leadership team and a strategic partner to cross-functional leaders across the company.

TO BE SUCCESS YOU MUST

• Lead and manage all Accounting operations, including GL, AR/AP, payroll integration, inventory, and month-end close
• Own preparation of internal and external financial statements in accordance with GAAP
• Lead annual audit process and manage relationships with external auditors and tax advisors
• Design and implement scalable internal controls and accounting policies to support a growing business
• Manage and coach a team of accountants, senior accountants, and directors—ensuring development, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration
• Partner with FP&A, Procurement, IT, and Ops to ensure the accuracy, efficiency, and timeliness of financial data
• Support systems initiatives and own ERP/technology optimization across the accounting landscape
• Provide strategic support to the CFO on special projects, M&A readiness, and long-term infrastructure development
• Cultivate a culture of accountability, trust, and performance—serving as a key finance partner to Operations and Restaurant Leadership

WHY YOU'LL LOVE UPWARD PROJECTS

• Excellent benefit and compensation package
• Paid time off and earned paid sick time
• Fitness discount programs
• 401K with company match
• A people focused culture united by our shared values
• Unlimited growth opportunities, with several new restaurant openings
• Having a voice. We provide empowerment and influence to all our team members
• Opportunity to build deep, meaningful, and lasting relationships with colleagues
• Recognition and rewards for your hard work and tenure
• Generous meal benefit program

REQUIREMENTS

• CPA required; public accounting background strongly preferred
• 10+ years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role
• Experience in multi-unit, multi-state environments (restaurant, hospitality, or retail highly preferred)
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP, internal controls, and audit best practices
• Track record of leading ERP/system implementations or transformations
• Clear communicator with executive presence and the ability to simplify the complex
• Experience in private equity or high-growth environments preferred
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, founder-led, in-office culture
• Team-first mindset; must be able to hold others accountable and be viewed as a credible partner by field leaders