Staff Accountant

We are seeking a detail-oriented Staff Accountant to join our growing team and thriving Portillo’s family. The ideal candidate will have a solid foundation in accounting principles, advanced excel skills, organizational/analytical skills, and an eye for accuracy. The Staff Accountant role significantly contributes to the monthly financial close process including the processing of journal entries and the reconciliation of balance sheet accounts. The position is primarily responsible for leases and accrued expense entries.

This is a collaborative role that will work cross-functionally with various departments as we expand our capabilities in general accounting, compliance, and analysis.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Enable our Purpose to create lifelong memories by igniting the senses with unrivaled food and experiences:

 Family:  Work together to make everyone feel at home, and we step up when someone needs help

·       Work cross functionally with departments throughout the company. Build relationships by establishing connections with others to build trust, share ideas, and accomplish work.

·       Responsible for general ledger accounting, including but not limited to leases and operating expenses.

·       Analyze accrued expenses including, but not limited to utilities and accrued benefit accounts.

·       Assist in preparing supporting schedules for external auditors and responding to audit inquiries including financial schedules, analysis, or other disclosures.

·       Coach others to help them gain an understanding; provides feedback and encouragement.

Greatness:  We’re obsessed with being the best and work hard to continuously improve.  Our greatness is rooted in Quality, Service, Attitude and Cleanliness

·       Review leases, prepare monthly ASC 842 rent entries and schedules, complete escrow reconciliations, and coordinate with other departments on new lease activity.

·       Prepare sales tax returns including, but not limited to completing sales tax work papers, reviewing out-of-state invoices for tax implications.

·       Complete assigned reconciliations to ensure accuracy of the balance sheet.

·       Support and promote policies and procedures related to SOX controls, corporate policies and procedures and related GAAP requirements.

·       Proactively review related accounting policies, procedures, and systems for efficiency and effectiveness on an ongoing basis, and recommend updates and improvements to those policies, procedures, and systems; identify process improvements and assist in implementation of improvements.

·       Be a change advocate by making suggestions for improving the Team Member experience and how work gets done.

Energy:  We move with urgency and passion, while maintaining attention to detail

·       Perform research and analysis of outstanding reconciling items and working with internal and external partners on timely resolution and documentation of variances.

·       Manage multiple activities simultaneously and ensure all deliverables are completed (i.e., quarter end tasks, internal audit compliance, and other projects as requested)

·       Work on ad hoc projects as needed, such as implementation of technology tools.

Fun:  We entertain our guests, we connect authentically, and we make each other smile

·       Participate in quarterly restaurant support center “Ketchup Week” activities to build relationships, promote collaboration, and enhance communication.

·       Emphasis on accountability by holding Team Members and self accountable for everything you do.

·       Other work or projects as assigned.

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Accounting Manager and is part of the Accounting team, under the overall Finance department. The Staff Accountant interacts with various departments including executive leadership, Operations, People, Legal, Payroll, and Information Technology.

Travel Requirement

• None

QUALIFICATIONS

Educational Level/Certifications

·       Bachelor’s Degree with emphasis in Accounting

·       Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or actively pursuing, a plus

·       Sox compliance experience, preferred

Work Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

·       Minimum 2 years’ experience in corporate or public accounting

• Experience in a public company reporting environment
• Thorough understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and experience with general ledger, financial close process, and account reconciliations
• Sales & use tax experience, a plus
• Strong attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities simultaneously in a deadline driven environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; Proficient in Microsoft Excel formulas and functionality
• Think critically by seeking information, critically evaluate information, apply knowledge, and solve problems
• Ability to adapt quickly and learn new tasks independently
• Goal focused mindset to achieve company and personal goals

·       Small/Medium group presentation skills, a plus

• Experience with contributing to the creation of reports, dashboards, and presentations, preferred

·       Multi-unit experience (e.g. restaurant, retail, hospitality) and/or multi-state experience is ideal

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

·       Small/Medium group presentation skills.

·       Experience with contributing to the creation of reports, dashboards, and presentations.

Educational Level/Certifications

·        

Work Experience and Qualification

• Multi-unit experience (e.g. restaurant, retail, hospitality)
• Multi-state employer experience

Note

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job.  This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required.  The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned. This job may be reviewed as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity.