Open Job Postings - Kennedy Concepts

Kennedy Concepts’ mission is to enrich the lives of our guests and our team members. We do this through serving the highest level of food quality, bar drink quality, and legendary guest service in a clean and comfortable environment with an energetic ambiance. We believe in treating our team members and guests like family and we know that our success depends upon creating and retaining a team capable of delivering an exceptional dining experience to every guest, every time and creating memories our guests will never forget.

• Coordinate the collection, organization, and response of all guest reviews whether through comment cards or online (Facebook, Google, Yelp, Trip Advisor, Rewards Network, etc.).
• Coordinate with management to resolve guests’ dissatisfaction and complaints (i.e., apology, gift card, merchandise, or refunding a portion or all of the guests’ expenses).
• Thank guests who leave a positive review and invite them back to our locations.
• Create and coordinate with store management incentives to maximize participation in positive reviews and comment cards with the intention of increasing online presence and guest satisfaction.

• Create and post social media marketing posts and campaigns.
• Ensure that social media posts are made on a regular and consistent basis. Adhere to a regular weekly schedule of posting for each restaurant at least once per week not including separate posts for special days, events, or promotions.
• Promote each restaurant separately according to their brand uniqueness, demographics, target markets, and current events schedule.
• Coordinate with performers to receive photos and videos of DJ and Live Entertainment Artists for our online social media content.
• Post monthly food and drink specials, promotional events.
• Responsible for the growth of our friends or followers, online brand reputation and management, in addition to each location’s star ratings on review websites.
• Partner with Human Resources in representing Kennedy Concepts as a great place to work; utilizing social media to attract new team members.
• Coordinate with management and team members to receive photos and videos for our online social media content.
• Creation, scheduling, and oversight of all guest email blasts including growth strategies to increase our guest email list.
• Collection of comment cards to increase e-mail list growth and online sign-ups
• Ensuring that email blasts are sent for such items as food and drink specials (with photos), newsletters, promotions, holidays, and special events (i.e. Cinco de Mayo, July 4th, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, etc.).
• Coordinate with the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce to send out email blasts to all chamber members.
• Network with other Chamber of Commerce in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge.

• Creation, launching, and oversight of all digital marketing campaigns.
• Analysis of digital marketing campaigns for use in target-focused campaign strategies.
• Produce ROI and KPI results on all digital media campaigns

• Collaborate with the Director of Business & Sales, and other outside marketing companies to keep website current.
• Keep an updated calendar of events, photo gallery, merchandise list, food and drink menus, and special menus on the website.

• Collaborate with the Director of Business & Sales, and third-party companies to manage and promote the Loyalty Program.
• Setup email blasts to thank guests, offer discounts and coupons, and celebrate individual celebrations (birthday or anniversary), follow up on dining experiences, and welcome guests back who have not dined with us in a while.

• Collaborate with the Director of Business & Sales and restaurant management teams to develop and implement special promotions according to their brand uniqueness, demographics, target markets, and current events schedule.
• Assist restaurant team management teams and team members in decorating locations for special events and promotions.
• Consistently provide cross promotional efforts throughout all locations on special events and promotions.
• Collaborate with the Director of Business & Sales and graphic design company to develop and design print media and printed media as marketing tools to be used both in-store and out-of-store for the purpose of cross promoting all company owned concepts.
• Order, receive, distribute, and install all printed cross-promotion tools to the appropriate concept locations.

• Collaborate with the Director of Business & Sales and graphic design company to develop and design
• Order, receive, and distribute all printed food and drink menus to the appropriate concepts.
• Design, order, receive, and distribute all menu covers and menu sleeves to the appropriate stores.
• Schedule, coordinate, perform, edit and/or oversee all photography for our food, drink, and concepts for marketing and training purposes.
• Collaborate and stage all food and drinks with the Director of Business & Sales, Director of Culinary, and Corporate Beverage Director on all photos before, during, and after the pictures are taken.
• Review all company photos and collaborate with Director of Business & Sales, Director of Culinary, and Corporate Beverage Director for final approval on all food and drink photos to be used for company marketing.
• Research and develop food photography skills to better improve all media, specifically on the area of staging food and drink items as the most important aspect of the photos.

• Collaborate with the Director of Business & Sales, and outside vendors (graphic design and/or merchandise companies) to design and create our employee uniforms.
• Order, receive, and distribute all logoed merchandise to the appropriate stores.

• Develop relationships with local business partners to cross-promote and advertise.
• Exchange gift cards with local business partners to utilize as team member rewards at all concepts.

• Partner with local schools, groups, and non-profit organizations to organize events and promotions that might better help our local community and its’ citizens (i.e., food drives, children’s home donations, food pantry donations, or volunteering time).
• Coordinate with the city and local Chamber of Commerce events (i.e., Chili Cook-off, parades, etc.)
• Coordinate with restaurant management teams to ensure that all are knowledgeable, prepared, and have appropriate decorations for community events (i.e., chili cook-off, parades, bar crawls, donation areas, etc.).
• Develop ideas to continue to market and solicit our restaurants to local area residents and businesses including direct mail, door to door, visiting local businesses, and scheduling company mascots to walk the parkway or attend local events.

• Collaborate with the Director of Business & Sales, and third-party companies (graphic design company, advertisers, and merchandise companies) to design and create all printed media and marketing tools.
• Order, receive, distribute, and install all printed marketing tools in and to the appropriate outside locations.

• Collaborate with the Director of Business & Sales, graphic design company, radio company, television company, billboard company to design, create and launch all radio, television and billboard marketing campaigns.
• Attend necessary association meetings, conferences, and events.

• Advertise, hire, audition, and book all DJs, live music artists, and performers under the direction of the Director of Marketing.
• Recognize that each restaurant is unique; plan for entertainment needs around each restaurant and stay within budget.
• Work with the Director of Business & Sales and CFO to understand the budget per store and work within that budget.
• Create and maintain an events calendar with all performances and promotions on our website.
• Ensure that all performers deliver high quality entertainment on a nightly basis.
• Coordinate with certain parties and promotions with the entertainers and follow-up to ensure the success of the promotion.
• Communicate both negative and positive feedback from guests, team members, and management to performers.

Oversee, create, launch, update and monitor all in-house digital marketing tools. Digital Marketing tools such as LED screens with all local locations that display visual food and drink options, restaurant pictures, special events, promotions, & cross promotional information.

• Act as the main point of contact for clients, providing exceptional service and guidance throughout the event planning process.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate clients, event planners, and vendors to facilitate event bookings and ensure client satisfaction.

Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote events and drive attendance.

Work closely with the marketing team to create compelling event campaigns across various platforms, including social media, email marketing, and traditional advertising.

• Plan and oversee a wide range of events, including but not limited to private parties, corporate gatherings, chef dinners, and promotional events.
• Collaborate with restaurant managers, chefs, and suppliers to ensure seamless event execution from start to finish.
• Manage event budgets, timelines, and logistics to ensure events are delivered within budget and on schedule.

• Coordinate staffing needs for events, including hiring and training event staff as required.
• Ensure all staff are briefed on event details, roles, and responsibilities to deliver excellent customer service during events.

• Conduct post-event evals and analyze to measure event success, gather attendee feedback, & identify areas for improvement.
• Prepare comprehensive event reports and summaries for management, highlighting key metrics and insights.

• Develop relationships with wedding chapels, bus tour companies, cabin rental companies, time share companies, hotels, banks, city officials, city offices, and other local businesses proposing catering and/or private event options.
• Visit local business partners in a grassroots effort to grow private events & catering functions (utilize gift cards, cookies, chips and salsa, lunches, merchandise, promotional items and pamphlets).
• Sell advertising space and generate income.
• Create, solicit and oversee options to sell advertising space within our restaurants that will generate revenue. Ad space can be sold to local businesses, attractions, dinner theatres, souvenir stores etc. We can sell space on table tents, signage in restroom stalls, signage within the restaurants, digital screens within the restaurants, on our food menus etc.
• Retail merchandise
• Collaborate with Director of Business & Sales in addition to outside vendors (graphic design and/or merchandise company) to design and create our souvenirs and merchandise for resale.
• Order, receive, and distribute all merchandise and souvenirs to the appropriate restaurants (i.e. t-shirts, hats, sunglasses, balloons, glassware, bumper stickers, etc.)
• Oversee picture sales and picture sales employees, including but not limited to researching and developing all picture merchandise, purchasing of all materials, supplies, and equipment, and scheduling of employees and inventory control.
• Collaborate with Director of Business & Sales, and outside vendors (graphic design and/or merchandise company) to design and create our private labeled products (items includes coasters, to go containers, to go backs, seasonings & spices, hot sauces, dressings, sour mix, queso, salsa, chips, marinades, and other items that we feel that we can private label for resale to our guests in stores, online or in the market) that are for use with the stores for sale to our guests.
• Order, receive, and distribute all private labeled products to the appropriate restaurants.
• Manage and monitor all online purchased merchandise, souvenirs, and private-labeled items.
• Communicate with purchaser(s) throughout the entire process ensuring that all items are received correctly, undamaged, & on time.

• Proven experience in event management, preferably within the hospitality industry or restaurant sector.
• Passion for sales, event planning and coordination.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with guests, clients, vendors, management and corporate team.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively within a team and independently.
• Creative thinker with a passion for developing innovative event concepts and experiences.
• Experience using computers for a variety of tasks.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Proficiency in event planning software and tools, as well as Microsoft Office Suite.
• Adept in Adobe Creative Cloud including Photoshop
• Skilled in Social Media technology.
• Knowledgeable in SEO terminology.

Kennedy Concepts’ mission is to enrich the lives of our guests and our team members. We do this through serving the highest level of food quality, bar drink quality, and legendary guest service in a clean and comfortable environment with an energetic ambiance. We believe in treating our team members and guests like family and we know that our success depends upon creating and retaining a team capable of delivering an exceptional dining experience to every guest, every time and creating memories our guests will never forget.

Position Summary

The Accounting Manager serves as the senior financial leader for Kennedy Concepts and is responsible for overseeing all accounting operations across the organization's restaurant, commercial, and residential development companies. This position provides strategic financial leadership, ensures the integrity of all financial reporting, maintains strong internal controls, and delivers meaningful financial analysis to support sound business decisions.

The Accounting Manager directly supervises the Accounting Department, including Accounts Payable and administrative accounting personnel, and works closely with the Owner and senior leadership team to maximize financial performance, improve operational efficiencies, and ensure all companies operate within approved budgets.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Oversee all accounting functions for multiple companies.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of all financial records.
• Develop, implement, and maintain internal accounting controls and financial procedures.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to the Owner and executive leadership.
• Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability.
• Analyze trends, forecast results, and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Assist ownership with strategic planning, budgeting, acquisitions, and other financial initiatives.
• Lead special projects as assigned by the Owner.

Financial Reporting

Prepare, review, and distribute accurate and timely financial reports, including:

• Monthly Financial Statements
• Profit & Loss Statements
• Balance Sheets
• Statement of Cash Flows
• General Ledger Reports
• Budget-to-Actual Variance Reports
• Bank Reconciliations
• Account Reconciliations
• Cash Reports
• Accounts Payable Reports
• Accounts Receivable Reports
• Weekly Key Performance Reports (Labor, COGS, Inventory, etc.)
• Monthly Operating Reports
• Annual Financial Statements
• Year-End Journal Entries in coordination with the Company's CPA

Budgeting & Financial Analysis

• Develop annual operating budgets.
• Monitor departmental spending against approved budgets.
• Analyze financial variances and communicate significant findings to Ownership and Operations.
• Prepare profitability analyses and forecasting models.
• Monitor labor costs, food costs, beverage costs, and operating expenses.
• Recommend operational improvements based on financial data.

Accounts Payable

• Oversee the complete accounts payable process.
• Review, code, and approve vendor invoices.
• Match invoices to purchase orders and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain vendor records.
• Process weekly check runs and electronic payments.
• Audit employee expense reimbursements.
• Maintain organized invoice files.
• Process annual 1099 reporting.

Accounts Receivable

• Manage all customer invoicing.
• Monitor outstanding receivables.
• Collect payments on delinquent accounts.
• Maintain accurate customer account records.

Payroll Administration

• Serve as the secondary payroll administrator and backup payroll processor.
• Review payroll for accuracy and compliance.
• Evaluate payroll systems and recommend improvements.
• Ensure payroll integrates effectively with accounting systems.

Cash Management & Internal Controls

• Develop and enforce company-wide cash handling procedures.
• Conduct regular audits of restaurant safes, petty cash, and cash handling practices.
• Reconcile bank accounts and corporate petty cash.
• Review cash deposits and investigate discrepancies.
• Coordinate and schedule safe audits.
• Identify and report risks involving theft or cash handling violations.
• Recommend improvements to strengthen internal controls.

Tax Compliance

Coordinate and oversee all tax filings, including:

• Sales & Use Tax
• Liquor-by-the-Drink Tax
• Gross Receipts Tax
• Personal Property Tax
• Franchise & Excise Tax
• Local Privilege Taxes
• Annual 1099 Reporting

Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal reporting requirements.

Banking & Treasury

• Maintain banking relationships.
• Manage all company bank communications.
• Process and reconcile company credit card accounts.
• Reconcile all bank accounts.
• Monitor cash flow and liquidity.
• Assist with financing activities as needed.

Fixed Assets

• Maintain the fixed asset register.
• Track acquisitions, disposals, and depreciation.
• Coordinate annual inventory of company assets.
• Oversee month-end inventory adjustments.

Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Maintain the company's Chart of Accounts.
• Coordinate year-end audits with external CPA firms.
• Renew liquor licenses and other required business licenses.
• Ensure compliance with all governmental reporting requirements.

Human Resources & Administrative Support

• Oversee unemployment claims administration.
• Oversee workers' compensation claims administration.
• Maintain personnel files for corporate and management employees.
• Assist Human Resources with onboarding corporate employees.
• Administer company insurance and 401(k) benefit programs.
• Provide administrative support to executive leadership as needed.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Accounting Team.
• Establish departmental goals and performance expectations.
• Ensure deadlines are consistently met.
• Conduct regular team meetings.
• Foster collaboration between Accounting and other departments.
• Coach employees to improve performance before disciplinary action becomes necessary.
• Partner with Human Resources on employee coaching, corrective action, and termination decisions.
• Ensure all accounting personnel comply with company policies, procedures, and ethical standards.

Vendor & Contract Administration

• Assist the Owner in negotiating vendor agreements and business contracts.
• Monitor vendor performance and payment terms.
• Maintain positive relationships with financial partners and vendors.

Intercompany Accounting

• Oversee all intercompany transactions.
• Ensure accurate allocations between entities.
• Maintain consolidated financial reporting across all companies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
• CPA designation preferred.
• Five to seven years of progressive accounting leadership experience.
• Multi-entity or multi-location accounting experience preferred.
• Restaurant, hospitality, or retail industry experience strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls.
• Experience with payroll systems, ERP/accounting software, and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present financial information to executive leadership.

Core Competencies

• Financial Leadership
• Strategic Thinking
• Budget Management
• Financial Analysis
• GAAP Compliance
• Internal Controls
• Multi-Company Accounting
• Team Leadership
• Process Improvement
• Organizational Excellence
• Confidentiality
• Problem Solving
• Integrity and Accountability
• Communication
• Attention to Detail

The Controller is expected to lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to Kennedy Concepts' mission, values, and financial success. This position plays a vital role in supporting the continued growth and long-term profitability of the organization.