Associate Finance Manager, Strategy

KFC Canada (Yum! Brands Subsidiary); Vaughan; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading quick-service restaurant chain in Vaughan seeks a Finance Manager to drive strategic financial planning and analysis. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to optimize pricing and support business objectives. The ideal candidate has significant experience in financial planning, excellent communication skills, and advanced knowledge of financial tools and processes. This position offers a hybrid working model and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Hybrid work model

Paid vacation days and additional holidays

Comprehensive benefits package

Retirement savings programs with employer contribution

Employee referral program

Qualifications

• 5+ years of proven financial planning experience or equivalent.
• Experience working in a consulting firm (highly preferred).
• Highly motivated with a strong drive for continuous improvement.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead PMO and the execution of KFC AOP.
• Accountable for timely and accurate production of strategic analysis.
• Share insights on investment and strategic projects.
• Lead pricing analysis with the Marketing team.
• Drive accountability with development functions.

Skills

Financial planning

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Post-secondary education in Business, Finance, or Accounting

MBA, CPA, CMA designation

Tools

MS Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Job description

Job Description:

This position is responsible for driving insight and allowing for data driven decision-making across KFC Canada. This role plays a critical part in shaping the 3-Year Strategic Plan and Annual Operating Plan (AOP), while also supporting key initiatives such as pricing, profitability, and business case development. The role requires strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders. The individual will need to be a strong thought partner for the Director of Finance on major strategic projects that will help deliver the bold goal of ‘doubling the business by 2030’. The individual will work cross-functionally with other departments and build know-how with other KFC markets around the world, demonstrate strong business acumen and apply best practices in Canada. There will be a high degree of visibility with senior management who depend heavily on the Finance group to accurately report business results while leading ad-hoc projects.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Lead PMO and the execution of KFC AOP. It requires cross-functional collaboration and regular recalibration of tactics, processes and evaluation of risks/opportunities. 30%
2. Accountable for the timely and accurate production of strategic analysis, including tracking performance vs. objectives, challenging results when necessary and propose actions for adjustment/improvements. 30%
3. As a business partner, share analytical, quantitative and conceptual insights on investment and strategic projects to achieve growth.10%
4. Lead the pricing analysis with the Marketing team to ensure franchise partners are strategic with their price increases.15%
5. Drive accountability with development function to ensure short term and long term financial, growth and franchisee goals achieved.15%

Communication:

Communication with GM, CFO and all other LT, internal teams (Finance and cross-functional particularly Marketing), Franchisees, and vendors.

Nature of communication: Business reviews, insightful analysis, project management, goal & objectives setting/reviews (all), cross-functional alignment Canada/Dallas, cross FBU alignment, strategic execution, franchisee communication and influencing.

Problem Solving & Analysis:

The job needs to address 2 key perspectives:

1. Analyse short-term and long-term strategic projects & operating plans by making recommendations for the leadership team and franchisees.

2. PMO responsibilities for successful execution of the AOP:

• Strategic alignment & portfolio management (evaluating, prioritizing, and recommending projects based on business value, resource availability, and readiness)
• Governance & standardization (project stage gates, roles/responsibilities)
• Project oversight & reporting through KPIs, dashboards, portfolio reporting tools, and early identification of risks

Judgement & Decision-making:

Typical decisions required are:

Recommendation and decisions on strategic investment scenarios in order to identiy and unlock future growth opportunities.

Consistent monitoring and analysis on day to day results to ensure that strategies and tatics continue to align to targets.

Innovation:

The Job has key responsibilities for developing new and improved information providing systems as well as the design of reliability information processes.

In addition the job contributes to product and asset innovation from an investment and finance perspective while driving innovation to operational platforms saving time & costs.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in Business, Finance, or Accounting with a minimum of 5 years of proven financial planning experience or equivalent
• Experience working in a consulting firm (highly preferred)
• Enthusiastic learner with the ability to thrive in a changing work environment
• Highly motivated with a strong drive for continuous improvement
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to multitask detailed projects
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
• MBA,CPA,CMA designation is considered a strong asset
• Advanced skills in MS Office (Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Customer Maniac!
• Effective planning and coordinating skills and ability to adapt and respond to new conditions or developments
• Must be able to organize and express thoughts logically and persuasively (with strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills)
• 5 yrs+ experience in planning and control functions, exposure to project management, ideally having worked in cross-functional environment

Benefits:

• Hybrid work model
• Paid Vacation days plus additional YUM! paid holidays
• EAP Programs available to family as well Comprehensive benefits package
• Life insurance, disability, and wellness programs
• Retirement savings programs including RRSP and DPSP with employer contribution
• Employee referral program

What makes KFC a great place to work?

Our People. We invest in people capability above all else, with a proven track record of developing internal talent to leadership levels across the business both in Canada and globally. We want people with smart, heart and courage that have the opportunity to not just make impact today but to become leaders of the future.

Our Culture. We are known for a culture that rewards and recognizes great effort, big or small, and provides the work-life balance that is so important to staying inspired and engaged. We don`t just say it, we mean it – every Friday is a half day at KFC Canada! We will focus on your personal development as much as your professional development to ensure you can bring your best self to work.

KFC, part of Yum! Brands, is the world's most popular chicken chain and every day, we serve more than 12 million customers in more than 45,000 restaurants around the world. Our commitment to great food and service is the same commitment Colonel Harland Sanders had when he founded the concept more than 55 years ago, and that's why KFC remains the worldwide leader in the category.

KFC Canada is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind. KFC Canada encourages applications from all qualified candidates. Contact [e-mail] if you need accommodation at any stage of the application process or want more information on our accommodation policies.