Director of Finance

• Location: North Orange County
• $170000 base salary
• Type: Direct Hire
• Job #1665
• Salary: $170,000 - $190,000

Title: Director of Finance

Industry: Other

Location: North Orange County

Overview: Pacific Executive Search has been engaged on a search for a Director of Finance. In this role, you will take on new responsibilities such as analyzing cash flow, creating tailored budgets, and developing strategic financial plans specifically for restaurant operations in North Orange County. You can expect significant opportunities for career growth, including leadership development and the chance to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic and passionate company culture.

Description:

Responsibilities

• Conduct weekly cash flow analyses to ensure optimal fund allocation for operational requirements within the fast casual dining sector.
• Develop tailored budgets and forecasts for individual restaurant locations and corporate overhead, taking into account specific market conditions and operational needs.
• Implement cost control measures and manage expenses related to restaurant operations and corporate overhead, providing insights to the executive team.
• Prepare monthly financial reports and materials for board meetings.
• Foster strong collaborative relationships across various departments within the organization.
• Work closely with management to perform financial analyses, generate reports, and offer recommendations that support strategic decision-making in the restaurant industry.
• Lead the creation and execution of strategic financial plans, projects, and systems that cater to the unique aspects of fast casual restaurant operations.
• Set both short-term and long-term financial objectives, policies, and procedures aimed at enhancing restaurant performance.
• Ensure compliance with generally accepted auditing standards in financial record-keeping specific to the restaurant sector.
• Oversee the financial management of international operations and refranchising efforts, ensuring alignment with financial objectives and industry standards.
• Formulate and implement financial strategies that align with business objectives and the distinctive challenges of the fast casual dining industry.
• Guarantee precise financial reporting for each restaurant, in accordance with industry standards and regulatory obligations.
• Identify and mitigate financial risks specific to the fast casual restaurant sector, implementing necessary strategies for risk management.
• Manage relationships with vendors and suppliers, negotiating contracts to achieve cost efficiencies while maintaining quality standards.
• Assess and recommend capital investments, such as renovations, equipment upgrades, or new restaurant openings, focusing on maximizing return on investment.
• Perform financial analyses to enhance restaurant performance, utilizing insights to drive strategic initiatives and operational efficiencies.
• Research and implement technological solutions that improve operational efficiency within restaurant operations.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the finance team, promoting a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the approval and management of revenues, expenditures, budgets, salary adjustments, ledger maintenance, and data entry with an emphasis on restaurant operations.
• Coordinate the preparation of financial statements, reports, special analyses, and information reports tailored to the restaurant sector.
• Design and implement finance, accounting, billing, and auditing procedures that meet the specific needs of the restaurant chain.
• Establish and uphold internal control measures to protect financial assets within the context of restaurant operations.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related discipline is essential.
• Preferred qualifications include Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification or an MBA.
• Extensive experience in finance and accounting, typically involving several years in progressively responsible positions.
• Previous experience in the restaurant industry or multi-unit operations is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of financial principles, accounting standards, and financial modeling techniques.
• Proficiency in financial software and systems.
• Strong strategic and analytical thinking capabilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills.
• Thorough understanding of financial regulations, compliance requirements, and risk management practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration with executives, board members, and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to ethical and responsible financial practices.
• Awareness of state-specific regulations related to food service, licensing, and employment laws, as these can vary significantly.
• Familiarity with supply chain and inventory management practices in the restaurant sector to control costs and minimize waste.
• Expertise in menu costing and pricing strategies to enhance profitability.
• Knowledge of labor cost management, scheduling, and compliance with labor laws across multiple states.
• Experience in overseeing the financial aspects of franchise operations.
• Ability to identify and resolve complex financial issues while providing innovative solutions.
• Capacity to adapt to evolving market conditions, industry trends, and business requirements.