Job Opportunities
Senior Bookkeeper
Chef - Kitchen Manager
Senior Bookkeeper
Brys Estate is seeking a detail-oriented, reliable, and highly skilled Senior Bookkeeper to join our team. The Senior Bookkeeper will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial operations of Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery are efficiently managed. This person will manage daily financial transactions, maintain records, handle payroll, track inventory, ensure compliance with direct-to-consumer shipping regulations, and deliver insightful reports to support informed decision-making and drive business growth.
Why Work at Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery?
At Brys Estate, we are a family-owned winery located in the heart of Traverse City’s Old Mission Peninsula, offering an exceptional experience with award-winning wines and breathtaking views. We are dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive work environment where each employee is valued. As part of our team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a company committed to quality, sustainability, and community. We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package—all while working at one of Michigan’s most beautiful vineyards.
Key Responsibilities:
- General Ledger Management
- Maintain accurate financial records and journal entries for all transactions related to winery operations, including sales, inventory, payroll, and operational expenses.
- Reconcile all bank and credit card statements monthly.
- Accounts Payable & Receivable
- Process vendor invoices and track outstanding payables.
- Ensure timely collection of receivables.
- Payroll & Employee Expenses
- Process payroll, including calculations for wages, benefits, taxes, and deductions.
- Manage employee expense reports and reimbursements.
- Sales Reporting & Analysis
- Create detailed wine sales reports to track trends, identify top-performing products, and align production goals with market demand.
- Maintain monthly tasting room performance reports, tracking key metrics such as visitor count, sales per visitor, and overall revenue.
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
- Monitor cash flow and assist with financial forecasting.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports for management review.
- Provide analysis of operational costs, revenue trends, and financial performance.
- Inventory & Cost Management
- Perform monthly inventory counts for both the tasting room and warehouse.
- Track production costs and assist in pricing strategies to optimize profitability while maintaining product quality.
- Compliance for Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping
- Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations related to direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine shipments, including accurate tax collection and required reporting.
- Oversee reporting and record-keeping for DTC sales, ensuring adherence to state-specific laws and regulations.
- Collaboration with External Accounting Firm
- Work closely with an external accounting firm to prepare tax returns, ensure compliance, and manage complex financial matters.
- Provide the necessary documentation and reports for accurate tax filing and coordinate with the firm on audits and tax planning.
Qualifications:
- Education & Experience
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in bookkeeping or accounting, with preference for experience in the hospitality or winery industry.
- Proficiency in QuickBooks, Excel, and other financial tools.
- Skills & Abilities
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial team members.
- Proactive in identifying issues and offering solutions.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate with a team.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the wine industry or a similar agricultural sector.
- Knowledge of payroll processing and tax regulations specific to Michigan.
- Familiarity with winery-specific accounting practices, including inventory management and COGS analysis.
Working Conditions:
- Hours
- Standard business hours (Monday to Friday).
- Location
- Office-based with occasional onsite visits to the vineyard, winery, and tasting room.
- Remote/hybrid work is possible.
- Reports to Brys President/CEO
Compensation:
- Salary
- $50,000 - $55,000 per year, depending on experience
- Benefits
- Medical coverage or a medical stipend
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
To apply, please email a copy of your resume to patrick@brysestate.com.
Chef - Kitchen Manager
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery is searching for an accomplished and creative Chef – Kitchen Manager to lead our culinary program and elevate the food experience for our guests. This position offers a rare opportunity to design and execute a wine-focused culinary program at one of Michigan’s premier vineyards.
As the Chef, you will take ownership of ongoing menu development, kitchen operations, and guest culinary experiences, working closely with our hospitality team to align the food program with the Brys Estate brand. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary professional to grow a food program that expresses the beauty and flavor of Northern Michigan while complementing Brys Estate’s award-winning wines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Menu Design & Culinary Execution
- Develop and execute seasonal menus that pair seamlessly with Brys Estate wines, emphasizing locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.
- Create innovative food offerings such as charcuterie boards, small plates, and wine-pairing experiences.
-
Oversee the planning and preparation of special events, private dinners, and seasonal culinary experiences.
- Kitchen Operations
- Manage daily kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency.
- Maintain compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards.
- Oversee inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships, ensuring cost-effective and efficient kitchen operations.
- Manage kitchen equipment, ensuring cleanliness, functionality, and longevity.
- Team Leadership
- Recruit, train, and lead a small kitchen team, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Supervise and support staff in executing culinary tasks to maintain high service standards.
- Guest Experience
- Collaborate with the hospitality team to ensure a cohesive and memorable guest experience.
- Engage with guests during wine-pairing events, dinners, and other culinary-focused programs to showcase the food and wine connection.
- Program Development
- Expand and refine Brys Estate’s culinary program to align with the winery’s vision and reputation for excellence.
- Stay informed about culinary trends and incorporate new ideas to enhance the food and wine experience.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience as a Chef or Sous Chef in a high-quality dining or hospitality setting.
- Strong knowledge of food and wine pairings, with a passion for wine and the culinary arts.
- Proven experience in creating and executing menus, sourcing local ingredients, and managing costs.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Comprehensive understanding of food safety and health regulations.
- Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience in a winery, farm-to-table, or similar environment preferred
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional training.
- Familiarity with Northern Michigan’s culinary landscape and local ingredients.
- Passion for wine and willingness to deepen wine knowledge.
Schedule:
- Wednesday - Sunday
- Full time
- Salary
Compensation:
- Total compensation (including gratuity share) $50,000 - $55,000 per year, depending on experience.
- Benefits: Medical coverage or a medical stipend.
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Wine Discounts
At Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, we believe in crafting exceptional experiences that celebrate the art of food and wine. Join our team and bring your culinary vision to life in one of Michigan’s most scenic and celebrated wineries!
To apply, please email a copy of your resume to patrick@brysestate.com.