The Director of Accounting functions as the company’s strategic financial business leader. The position champions, develops and implements company-wide strategies while providing financial expertise to enable a maximum return on investment. In addition, this role executes a business plan that is aligned with the company and brand’s business strategy and focuses on the execution of financial and accounting activities and the delivery of desirable financial results.

This position addresses tight deadlines and a multitude of accounting activities including general ledger reviews, financial reporting, year end audit preparation and the support of budget and forecast activities. The Director of Accounting will work closely with the Operating Partner and report directly to the CEO.

Core Functions 

• Engaging in Strategic Planning and Decision Making
• Review and verify daily income and depository 
• Review weekly payroll financials and ensure accuracy 
• Leadership of all accounting software including RASI (accounting system), ADP in collaboration with the Director of Human Resources, NCR Aloha POS tax, audit and reporting accuracy and third party credit card processing through Amex, Stripe, ect. 
• Compiles information, analyzes and monitor actual sales against projected sales.
• Responsible for all tax submittals and compliance for local, state and federal taxes.
• Capital expense and depreciation account management. 
• Manage corporate payroll expense budgets and financial forecasting for all corporate labor. 
• Thinks creatively and practically to execute and implement new business plans and revenue streams
• Creates the annual non-operating budget for the all business units including full budge responsibilities for corporate office expenses.
• Provides analytical support during budget reviews to identify cost saving opportunities for leadership
• Implements a system of appropriate controls to manage business risks. 
• Ensures a strong accounting and operational control environment to safeguard assets.
• Analyzes financial data and market trends
• Leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive annual business plan which is aligned with the company’s and brand’s strategic direction
• Provides on going analytical support by monitoring the operating department’s actual and projected sales
• Work in partnership and manage the outside Accounting firms on all operations auditing and tax matters

Leading Finance & Accounting Teams

• Utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocates sound financial/business decision making; demonstrates honesty/integrity; leads by example 
• Communicates the strategic goals, the focus and the owner priorities to subordinates in a clear and precise manner
• Oversees internal, external and regulatory audit processes 
• Provides excellent leadership by assigning team members and other departments managers' clear accountability backed by appropriate authority
• Conducts bi-annual performance reviews with direct reports according to Standard Operating Procedures
• Anticipating and Delivering on the Needs of Key Stakeholders 
• Attends meetings and communicates with the leadership team, understanding the priorities and strategic focus.
• Understands and meets the needs of key stakeholders (owners, corporate, guests, etc.).
• Advises the Leadership team and ownership on existing and evolving operating/financial issues.
• Communicates financial concepts in a clear and persuasive manner that is easy to understand and drives desired behaviors.
• Demonstrates an understanding of cash flow and owner priorities.
• Manages communication with owners in an effective manner.
• Manages property working capital and cash flow in accordance with brand SOPs and owner requirements.

Developing and Maintaining Finance and Accounting Goals 

• Ensures Profits and Losses, Opernational Financial Statements and Balance sheets are documented accurately and on time. 
• Monitors all taxes that apply, ensuring that taxes are current, collected and/or accrued submitted annually without extension requirements. 
• Submits reports in a timely manner, ensuring delivery deadlines. 
• Develops and supports achievement of performance goals, budget goals, team goals, etc. 
• Improves financial performance in non-operating expenses
• Review audit issues to ensure accuracy

Managing Projects and Policies 

• Generates and provides accurate and timely results in the form of reports, presentations, etc.
• Reconciles balance sheet to ensure account balances are supported by appropriate documentation in accordance with SOPs. 
• Ensures that the P&L is accurate (e.g., costs are properly matched to revenue, costs are recorded in the proper accounts). 
• Ensures compliance with management contract and reporting requirements. 
• Ensures compliance with and develops future accounting and finance standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Ensures team members are cross-trained in all matters of accounting and finance to support successful daily operations.
• Ensures property policies are administered fairly and consistently. 
• Ensures new hires receive the appropriate new hire training to successfully perform their job.
• Creates appropriate development plans which develop team members based on their individual strengths, development needs, career aspirations and abilities. 

Requirements 

• Strong excel and computer skills. Benefit experience with RASI, ADP, Aloha, Ease, Tripleseat, Resy
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work with multiple deadlines in a fast-pace setting
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills for the management of accounting team
• CPA
• Advanced degree in Accounting or Finance
• A minimum of 3-5 years previous Managing in an accounting role experience
• Hospitality or restaurant management experience a plus

Additional Details

This is a full-time position, that will work out of the corporate office in Birmingham, Michigan and periodically on-site at our restaurant locations. Monday – Friday schedule, you may answer a few calls or emails on the weekend. Travel nationally may be required to support new store openings. This position will be responsible for managing one direct report.