Finance Manager
Job description
POSITION PURPOSE:
The Finance Manager is responsible for delivering accurate, timely financial analysis and reporting to support business decision-making, regulatory compliance, and executive leadership. This role partners with cross-functional teams to interpret financial results, enhance reporting processes, and provide insights that drive performance and strategic planning.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES
Monitors, analyzes and interprets key metrics and financial results; highlights trends and causal factors; and develops and prepares key financial line item.
Partner with Operations to explain controllable expense variances each period. Dig into restaurant-level drivers behind labor, food, paper, supplies, and R&M, confirm explanations with field leaders, and make sure period reporting reflects what's actually happening in the restaurants. Track recurring variances across periods and work with Operations leaders to close the gaps.
Serve as the embedded finance partner to Operations leadership across new restaurant openings and established markets. Build sales and labor ramp models for new restaurants, track post-opening performance against them, and feed what we learn back into future opening models.
Own and analyze restaurant-level and corporate P&Ls, including sales, labor, food & beverage costs, and operating expenses.
Enhances and executes annual, quarterly, monthly and weekly planning processes with business partners for forecasting of key P&L line items which may include but not be limited to cost of sales, capital investments, occupancy, sales, labor, etc.
Prepares, reports, and analyzes key operations and performance metrics for the company and franchise portfolio, including, but not limited to sales, COGs, labor, other controllables.
Hands-on experience with assisting accounting with period-end close and variance analysis
Ability to analyze large datasets, ensure data integrity, and translate financial results into clear insights.
Assists fully in the development of the annual and strategic plan including the annual planning applications, development of initial target models and preparing the presentation for the Board of Directors approval.
Engages in special projects and prepares presentations to management as assigned.
Interacts professionally and ethically, constructively participating as a collaborative team member or leader in pursuit of common goals.
Assist with ad hoc analyses related to growth initiatives, vendor negotiations, and capital investments.
QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required.
Education/Work Experience:
Bachelor's degree (BS/BA) in Systems Engineering, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related field is required. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of required education.
Minimum of 7 years in FP&A or multi-unit retail/restaurant finance, or hospitality analytics in a medium-to-large organization.
Knowledge of data extraction, organization and reporting with the ability to perform these procedures efficiently and present results of the work.
Work experience in the QSR industry is highly preferred.
Computer Software
Skills
High level of proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Office Suite applications, Adobe Acrobad, customized data applications and internet research tools.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (financial modeling, pivot tables, complex formulas).
Ability to navigate and work with hundreds of thousands of rows of data in Excel and strong knowledge of financial modeling, pivot tables, complex formulas.
Exposure to enterprise planning and/or business intelligence software.
Other
Skills
Ability to quickly adapt to change and adjust priorities to meet the organization’s needs.
Strong analytical skills and a problem-solving mindset with meticulous attention to detail to draw meaningful conclusions.
Excellent oral and written communication skills needed.
Must possess professional interpersonal skills, maintain a positive attitude, be flexible and self-directed, and work well with team members.
Ability to effectively speak with internal customers, external customers, vendors and franchisees.
Must be decisive and make fact-based decisions.
Ability to work weekends and extended work schedules as needed.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Skills mentioned

El Pollo Loco is a fast‑service Mexican restaurant chain that specializes in citrus‑marinated, fire‑grilled chicken and a menu of authentic L.A.-style Mexican entrees. Since its first opening in 1980, the company has expanded to more than 490 locations across six states, becoming a regional cultural icon. The brand focuses on fresh, innovative dishes and family‑friendly dining experiences, offering catering and online ordering to meet modern consumer convenience. El Pollo Loco’s distinctive flavor profile and commitment to quality set it apart in the competitive quick‑service restaurant market.
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