Accounting Director, Operations & Shared Services - Orlando Based

Red Lobster•Orlando, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Accounting Director leads accounting functions for a large, multi‑unit restaurant organization operating across the United States and Canada. The role oversees high‑volume transactional accounting areas and manages a team of approximately 16 professionals, including three manager‑level direct reports. This position ensures accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and audit readiness across Accounts Payable, Inventory, Credit Cards, Gift Cards, Utilities, and Third‑Party Delivery Services. The Accounting Director serves as a primary driver of accounting transformation and process improvements to enhance efficiency, scalability, and internal controls.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.
7+ years of progressive accounting experience, including leadership of operational/transactional functions and development of manager-level leaders.
Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, internal controls, and high‑volume transactional accounting.
Experience leading process improvements/transformations or system implementations; strong judgment and communication to resolve complex issues.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a large, multi‑unit restaurant, retail, hospitality, or consumer‑facing organization.
Certified Public Accountant (U.S.)
Public accounting experience (Big Four or national firm).
Experience with Point of Sale systems, payment processing, and large ERP systems.

Responsibilities

Lead accounting for Accounts Payable, Inventory, Credit Cards, Gift Cards, Utilities, and Third‑Party Delivery Services.
Ensure accurate recording, reconciliation, and reporting in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Oversee month-end/year-end close and annual expense estimates for assigned areas, aligned to budget and forecast assumptions.
Manage key Operations Accounting vendor relationships and contracts.
Act as escalation point for complex/high-risk issues (vendor disputes, system breakdowns, audit findings), driving root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
Oversee AP and Inventory functions through two manager‑level direct reports, which includes vendor payables, accruals, inventory purchases and usage, and adjustments.
Oversee supply chain accounting systems and integrations between purchasing, inventory, and AP.
Partner with Supply Chain, Finance, Treasury, and Operations to ensure aligned processes, controls, and reporting.
Oversee utilities accounting, including payments, accruals, estimates, and true‑ups.
Oversee areas through one manager‑level direct report, including accounting for credit card and delivery settlements, fees/commissions, chargebacks, refunds
Oversee gift card accounting, including deferred revenue, breakage, and escheatment considerations.
Maintain internal controls and ensure timely documentation, audit support, and remediation across operational accounting areas.
Oversee expense reimbursement compliance (systems, workflows, approvals, and documentation).
Oversee Form 1099 compliance.
Serve as liaison with external auditors for operational accounting areas, including walk‑throughs, testing, and issue resolution.
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of approximately 16 employees, including three manager‑level direct reports.
Drive process and system improvements and partner cross-functionally (Treasury, Finance, IT, Supply Chain, Legal, Operations) to support business initiatives and change management.