Senior Accountant

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Senior Accountant plays a key role in preparing financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and is a strategic partner in driving operational and financial performance. This role has ownership over fixed asset accounting and monthly close activities, while providing cross-functional support to departments including Real Estate, Construction, and Operations.  The Senior Accountant contributes to process improvements, ensures accuracy and compliance, and offers financial insights that support business decisions. 

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

• Serve as a key point of contact for Real Estate, Construction, and Operations teams to track capital project activity and ensure timely and accurate capitalization of restaurant openings, remodels, and upgrades
• Serve as a trusted resource to the field and corporate teams for questions related to fixed asset processes and policy
• Collaborate closely with team members to meet shared deadlines and support monthly and quarterly close processes
• Act as a business partner for the assigned Market Manager/General Manager to optimize monthly accruals. Provide variance explanations for assigned restaurant income statements

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

• Maintain and reconcile the fixed asset sub-ledger, ensuring proper recording of acquisitions, disposals, transfers, and depreciation in accordance with GAAP
• Review capital expenditures and construction-in-progress (CIP) balances to ensure accurate project tracking and capitalization
• Investigate operating expenses for potential capital expenditures to ensure proper recording of new purchases
• Prepare journal entries and month-end account reconciliations with precision and ownership
• Analyze accrued expenses including, but not limited to utilities and various other items
• Drive process improvement initiatives within the Accounting team to enhance efficiency and internal controls
• Provide meaningful insights and recommendations to management based on financial analysis and variance reviews

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

• Take initiative to resolve issues, identify opportunities for improvement, and drive solutions
• Stay on top of timelines for project completion and ensure fixed assets are capitalized promptly and accurately
• Proactively manage month-end close responsibilities, ensuring adherence to deadlines and a high degree of accuracy
• Assist in preparing property and asset roll-forwards, audit schedules, and support external and internal audit requests
• Inspire others through vision, confidence, challenge, and team member recognition

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

• Be part of a growing, fast-paced restaurant brand where your work directly supports exciting new restaurant openings and initiatives.
• Engage with teams across the business to understand how your work connects to real-world operations and the guest experience.
• Celebrate team milestones and restaurant growth—your contributions support tangible, visible progress
• Other duties as assigned

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Accounting Manager and is part of the Accounting team, under the Finance department.   

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Educational Level/Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
• Master’s degree or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) preferred or actively pursuing

Minimum Work Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Minimum 3-5 years of 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
• Demonstrated experience supporting cross-functional business decisions with financial insights
• Ability to identify and implement process or system improvements to streamline reporting and compliance
• 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

DISCLAIMER: 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.