Accounting Manager

Overview

The Accounting Manager is a key financial professional responsible for ensuring compliance with accounting standards, implementing accounting policies, and providing technical support on accounting issues to staff.

This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, auditors and accounting team members to maintain accurate and timely financial reporting and internal controls.

Responsibilities

The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position's duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required.

Technical Accounting Expertise

• Stay abreast of evolving accounting standards (e.g., GAAP) and assess their impact on the organization
• Research, interpret, and implement new accounting pronouncements or changes in regulations (SEC)
• Provide guidance on accounting issues, collaborate with other departments to address challenges and document memos on technical / complex accounting issues / transactions (may include debt transactions, impairment analysis, cash flow hedge accounting, etc.)
• Train and support accounting staff on GAAP accounting issues
• Prepare / review journal entries, internal schedules, account reconciliations, accounting procedures, process memos

Financial Reporting

• Preparation / review of schedules supporting the financial statements in compliance with applicable accounting standards
• Preparation / review of financial statement disclosures to ensure compliance with US GAAP

Policy Development and Implementation

• Develop and implement accounting policies
• Work with various departments to communicate and educate teams on accounting policies and procedures
• Ensure staff on the accounting team are aware of accounting policy updates for compliance
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of existing policies and recommend updates as needed

Internal Controls

• Establish and maintain a strong system of internal controls
• Collaborate with internal audit to identify and address control deficiencies
• Implement best practices to enhance the effectiveness of internal controls

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including finance, treasury, operations, purchasing, etc. to address accounting-related matters
• Communicate complex accounting issues in a clear and concise manner
• Work closely with, train and develop accounting team members

Advisory Role

• Provide guidance on transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and other business initiatives to ensure compliance with accounting standards
• Evaluate the financial impact of proposed transactions and provide recommendations

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of GAAP
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting
• CPA preferred
• Public company experience preferred
• Extensive experience (typically 5-7 years) in accounting roles, with demonstrated progression
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment
• Experience with ERP systems and proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Who We Are

First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients.

A recipient of hundreds of local "Best Breakfast" and "Best Brunch" accolades, First Watch's chef-driven menu includes elevated executions of classic favorites along with First Watch specialties such as the Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation (juiced in-house daily), Spiked Lavender Lemonade and its signature Million Dollar Bacon.

In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp's inaugural list of the 50 most loved brands in the U.S.

In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet and recognized with ADP's coveted Culture at Work Award.

First Watch operates more than 530 First Watch restaurants in 29 states. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.

First Watch is an equal-opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, First Watch will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.