Chief Financial Officer - Restaurants

leapbrands; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

leapbrands is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to lead financial strategy, reporting, and operations for a growing restaurant brand. You will partner with ownership and senior leadership to drive profitability, scalability, and disciplined growth across corporate and franchise operations.

The role requires 10+ years in finance leadership (5+ at senior level) in multi-unit settings, with strong P&L, capital, and investor relations experience. HQ-based, full-time, on-site role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance or Accounting; CPA or MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive finance leadership, with 5+ in a senior role.
• Experience in multi-unit restaurant/retail/hospitality or franchise environments.
• Proven P&L management, capital structure and growth initiative experience.
• Experience in private equity or investor-backed environments preferred.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial strategy, reporting, and operational support for growth.
• Oversee accounting, audit, and tax functions; ensure GAAP compliance.
• Forecasting, budgeting, and long‑term planning.
• Analyze unit economics, labor, and food costs to drive profitability.
• Manage liquidity, banking relationships, and funding for expansion.
• Develop a high-performing finance team and advise the CEO/Board.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Financial Forecasting

GAAP Compliance

Franchise Finance

M&A Experience

P&L Management

Investor Relations

Leadership Communication

Education

Bachelor’s in Finance/Accounting

CPA or MBA preferred

Tools

ERP Systems

Excel

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our leadership team and oversee all financial aspects of our growing restaurant brand. The CFO will be responsible for financial strategy, reporting, and operational support to drive profitability, scalability, and long-term success. This executive will work closely with ownership and the senior leadership team to ensure disciplined growth, operational efficiency, and sound financial decision-making across both corporate and franchise operations.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute financial strategies to support the company’s growth, expansion, and long-term goals.

• Partner with the CEO and leadership team to evaluate new initiatives, franchising, site development, and M&A opportunities.

• Lead financial forecasting, budgeting, and long-term planning.

Accounting & Reporting

• Oversee all accounting, audit, and tax functions, ensuring compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards.

• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to the Board, lenders, and investors.

• Implement financial systems, controls, and processes that scale with growth.

Operations Support

• Partner with Operations and Development teams to analyze unit-level economics, labor, food cost, and other key performance drivers.

• Provide insights and recommendations to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

• Evaluate capital expenditures and ROI on new restaurant openings, remodels, and refreshes.

Capital & Treasury Management

• Manage company liquidity, banking relationships, and financing structures.

• Secure funding for growth, expansion, and strategic initiatives as needed.

• Optimize capital allocation across units, projects, and geographies.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and mentor a high-performing finance and accounting team.

• Foster a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, executive team, and Board.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; CPA or MBA preferred.

• 10+ years of progressive finance leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior financial role.

• Strong background in multi-unit restaurant, retail, hospitality, or franchise environments.

• Proven ability to manage P&L, capital structures, and growth initiatives.

• Experience in private equity or investor-backed environments strongly preferred.

• Excellent communication, leadership, and analytical skills.