VP, Accounting & Financial Reporting

The VP – Accounting and Financial Reporting initial focus is analyzing current processes and controls, identifying strengths and weaknesses, developing recommendations for process improvements, and collaborating across all First Watch functions to optimize process and institutionalize internal controls. The VP of Accounting will supervise and serve as a leader in the recruitment, training and retention of key team members.

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

• Lead the annual internal audit process for internal controls testing and ensuring all required documentation and disclosures are provided to auditors
• Implement and monitor strong internal controls and processes to optimize efficiency, safeguard financial assets and ensure the accuracy of record-keeping
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and serve as lead for process improvement opportunities
• Maintain documentation of accounting processes, changes to accounting processes and related internal controls
• Lead and develop a team of accounting professionals, including managers and staff
• Serve as management lead for transition to a new ERP system & collaborate with I.T. team to ensure the integration and functionality of financial systems
• Provide strategic oversight to day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable, general ledger, and cash
• Supervise certain month-end and year-end closing processes to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting
• Provide and recommendations to senior management to support strategic decision-making
• Stay updated with changes in accounting regulations and standards and implement necessary adjustments to financial reporting processes
• Ensure compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and other relevant accounting standards
• Interface with senior management, internal auditors, and other stakeholders to lead process improvement

• CPA with minimum of 6 years in a public company and/or national accounting firm with hands-on experience with process and control implementation
• GAAP knowledge and understanding of accounting processes
• Extensive experience with SOX and internal controls
• Aptitude for understanding data and process flows and oriented to process improvement
• Drives improvement and operates comfortably across functional verticals
• Follow-through, prioritization, and time management skills
• Project management skills and experience
• Attention to detail
• Able to take ownership of projects and brings closure
• Experience with Blackline, Great Plains, Management Reporter, Pro Lease, Payroll Systems/feeds, Expense Reimbursement software, Purchasing and/or Inventory systems, a plus

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 protein-packed 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 top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet, recognized with ADP's coveted Culture at Work Award and named a Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. There are more than 490 First Watch restaurants in 29 states, and the restaurant concept is majority owned by Advent International, one of the world’s largest private-equity firms. 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.

Salary : $79,600 - $101,000