Senior Accountant

First Watch•Bradenton, FL

About The Position

The Senior Accountant oversees core accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls, and insightful analysis to support business growth and strategic decisions at a public company. The role leads period-end close activities, performs financial analysis, supports compliance and audits, and contributes to process improvements and accounting initiatives. It also involves collaborating with corporate functions and third-party service providers, mentoring accounting staff, and adhering to and enforcing company policies and procedures.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in Accounting.
At least 3 years of progressive accounting experience.
Experience with public company reporting and financial closes, including account reconciliations.
Strong understanding of GAAP and relevant financial accounting regulations.
Knowledge of internal controls, including SOX requirements.
Experience with and understanding of SEC rules.
Experience working with internal and external auditors.
Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.

Nice To Haves

Pursuing a CPA license.
Accounting experience in multi-unit restaurants, public accounting, and/or public companies.
Experience with accounting and financial reporting systems, including Great Plains, Blackline, or Workiva.

Responsibilities

Lead month-end, quarter-end, and year-end closing processes, including preparing journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and financial statement disclosures in accordance with GAAP.
Conduct variance analysis to help ensure the accuracy of financial statement amounts.
Use and optimize systems and automated workflows, and identify and implement process improvements.
Support internal and external audits, including maintaining and providing documentation for key areas.
Collaborate with corporate functions, including Development, Operations, Marketing, Finance, and Information Technology.
Work effectively with third-party service providers, including consultants and auditors.
Lead and support assigned accounting-related projects and functions, including process and internal control improvement efforts.
Assist in the development and training of accounting staff.
Adhere to and enforce company policies and procedures.
Maintain reliable and dependable attendance.