SR MANAGER, ACCOUNTING

El Pollo Loco•Costa Mesa, CA

About The Position

Provides senior-level leadership and strategic oversight of general accounting functions for the organization. Responsible for month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, including the design, review, and approval of complex journal entries and balance sheet reconciliations across multiple general ledger accounts. Leads the preparation and review of detailed schedules for quarterly and annual audits and serves as a primary liaison with external auditors, banking partners, and key vendors. Partners with the Controller and senior finance leadership to drive accounting policy, technical accounting research, internal control governance, and continuous process improvement.

Requirements

BS in Accounting or Finance required
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive accounting experience required
Minimum of four (4) years in a people management capacity
Demonstrated expertise in GAAP, month-end close leadership, technical accounting, and SOX compliance required
Prior experience interacting with external auditors and senior executives required
CPA required (or CPA-equivalent with strong technical accounting background considered)
Ability to read, write, and interpret highly complex financial reports, technical accounting literature (ASC standards), audit workpapers, contracts, and executive-level correspondence
Ability to influence and communicate effectively with executive leadership, the Board of Directors as needed, external auditors, banking partners, vendors, and franchisees
Ability to translate complex accounting concepts into clear, actionable insights for non-finance audiences
Ability to deliver polished, persuasive presentations to executive leadership and large cross-functional audiences

Nice To Haves

MBA or Master's in Accounting strongly preferred
Demonstrated experience managing managers preferred
Multi-unit restaurant, retail, or hospitality industry experience strongly preferred
Public accounting experience (Big 4 or national firm) highly desirable

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of daily reconciliations for cash and credit card receipts, ensuring timely, accurate, and well-controlled processing across all business units.
Serve as the senior point of escalation for the Operations department on cash shortages, overages, recurring discrepancies, and trend analysis; partner cross-functionally to drive root-cause resolution and operational improvements.
Own and cultivate strategic relationships with banking institutions, courier services, smart safe vendors, and payment processors; negotiate service-level agreements and lead vendor performance reviews.
Direct and approve the month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes, including review and sign-off of over/short journal entries, accruals, and supporting reporting packages.
Review, approve, and ensure the integrity of balance sheet reconciliations for Cash and other complex general ledger accounts; resolve aged or unusual items and escalate risks appropriately.
Lead the design and execution of process improvement, automation, and system optimization initiatives to drive efficiency, scalability, and accuracy across the accounting function.
Own SOX compliance for assigned areas, including ownership of key controls, control documentation, walkthroughs, remediation of deficiencies, and partnership with Internal Audit and external auditors.
Lead audit readiness and serve as a primary liaison with external auditors during quarterly reviews and annual audits, including PBC list management, technical memo preparation, and resolution of audit inquiries.
Conduct technical accounting research and provide guidance on the application of GAAP and company policy to non-routine transactions.
Lead, develop, and mentor a team of accounting professionals (managers, supervisors, senior accountants, and staff accountants); set performance objectives, conduct reviews, and build a high-performing, accountable team culture.
Partner with the Controller, Director of Accounting, CFO, and cross-functional leaders (Operations, Treasury, FP&A, IT) on strategic projects, system implementations, M&A integrations, and other enterprise initiatives.
Lead and contribute to special projects and ad-hoc analyses requested by senior leadership.
Interact professionally and ethically, modeling values-based leadership and fostering collaboration across the organization in pursuit of common goals.