Job Description
At El Pollo Loco, we are on a mission to be the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant. When it comes to our people, we are all about growth. Whether that means specialized training, a clearly laid out career trajectory or collaborating cross-functionally, we are committed to the success of our people the same way we’ve been committed to the success of the El Pollo Loco brand for the last 50 years. In fact, we see you as our secret ingredient. While our chicken is fire, it’s our people who set us ablaze. Our restaurants are only the tip of the flame! If you’re looking for an innovative, winning, and welcoming workplace, then a flamin’ good career in our Restaurant Support Center is right for you. At our Support Center, we believe our best work is done Together, when departments collaborate and everyone is confident in contributing their ideas. This is why we are in the office 3 days per week. Let’s Get Loco! What’s in it for you! STRONG office culture recognized as a Great Place to Work® and driven by our core values: Simple. Together. Relentless. Ownership. Nimble. Growth Career growth opportunities Competitive pay and bonus potential Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance + HSA Savings Account 401(K) Retirement Plan with company match and immediate vesting Paid Vacation + Sick Pay + 12 Paid Holidays Employee Assistance Program Free El Pollo Loco food + restaurant discounts PerkSpot discounts program POSITION PURPOSE: 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. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND 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. QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS: To perform this job su