Job Purpose Summary Responsible and accountable for managing the processes around financial planning and other related activities, in addition to providing financial and operational analysis to support the organization and improve profitability. The role is focused on planning, analysis, reporting, forecasting and budgeting across the organization. Leads by example and is accountable for the C.O.R.E. 10. Essential Job Duties Financial Planning: Create and manage the annual planning timeline and coordinate with the VP of Financial Planning & Analysis to determine key dates/milestones. Manage the planning process and report any issues that put the timeline at risk to the VP of Financial Planning & Analysis and provide recommended actions. Support the VP of Financial Planning & Analysis with the creation of the annual operating plan and related assumptions with supporting documentation. Coordinate with department heads across the organization to help ensure the timely and accurate collection of key information to be used during planning process. Ensure all information is reviewed, accurate, and approved by the appropriate parties prior to finalizing any plan for distribution. Coordinate with other Finance Team Members to document the key processes related to the planning cycle and offer recommendations to improve workflows/efficiency. Conduct a ‘Post Mortem’ of the planning cycle when complete and provide recommendations to the VP of Financial Planning & Analysis that will improve the process during future planning cycles. Analysis: Partner with the IT Department to improve data reporting and promote best practices. Utilize business intelligence reporting tools to identify trends and provide insight to department leads around the changing business environment. Responsible for the preparation of period-end financial packages and communication of potential issues and/or opportunities to the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis. Responsible for the field bonus plan administration and reconciliation including the management of exception requests. Support the VP of Financial Planning & Analysis with ongoing short-term and long-term forecasting and related assumptions. Provide financial analysis and support to the field organization to aide in process improvement, expense management, operational efficiency, and margin management. Assist department leads to help them understand financial implications and ROI needed related to proposed company initiatives including, but not limited to: marketing/advertising, operational changes, procurement, and real estate/development. Provide financial analysis and modeling to track the performance of new programs/initiatives against identified key metrics. Provide results, insights, and recommendations to the Director of Financial Planning & Analysis. Create ad hoc reports and analyses as required. Non-Essential Job Duties May perform similar and incidental duties as required. Job Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics or accounting. Experience: 6 years of finance experience, with general accounting experience a plus, with heavy emphasis in financial modeling, analysis, and reporting. Experience with statistical programs, business intelligence tools, and relational databases preferred (SharePoint, SQL, Business Objects, etc.). Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office (Power Point and Word) and advanced Excel skills. Relevant experience in a related field, preferably in the restaurant or multi-unit retail industries. Knowledge: Superior knowledge of accounting and finance functions/processes. Language Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to create, review, punctuate, and proof narratives and reports, presentations, memos, and written messages. Math Skills: Superior math skills. Other Skills: Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office and Excel. Database querying and analysis skills preferred.Other Abilities: Ability to provide comprehensive analysis of a topic or business issue from beginning to end by developing the research criteria, identifying the proper data fields and data sources, determining the appropriate sample sizes, and preparing a comprehensive report. Demonstrated ability to manage a variety of tasks to completion. Ability to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of management. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work in a team environment, promoting cross-functional collaboration in order to support Corporate and Field Operations. Reporting Relationships Reports to the Director, Financial Planning & Analysis. Major Business/Professional Contacts Extensive contact with department leaders, restaurant management, vendors, and business representatives. It is necessary to conduct these relationships in a manner that will enhance the best interests of the company. Working and Environmental Conditions Typically functions in an office environment. Hybrid schedule available; must have reliable transportation to our corporate office located in Carlsbad, CA. Physical Demands Requires sitting for extended periods of time. May require time on the phone and/or in front of a computer for long periods of time. Flexible hours, night and day, weekends and holidays. Tools and Equipment Used Computer, telephone, multi-purpose printer.