Director of Finance

California Pizza Kitchen; Costa Mesa (CA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

California Pizza Kitchen is looking for a Director of Finance to lead financial strategies and reporting. This senior role entails overseeing financial health across restaurant locations, collaborating with executives, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in finance, strong leadership capabilities, and a passion for the restaurant industry.

Benefits

Unique company culture

Opportunities for growth and development

Employee assistance program

Comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental

All the pizza you can eat

Qualifications

• Several years in progressively responsible finance roles.
• Experience in restaurant industry preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of financial regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop financial strategies and budgets for restaurant locations.
• Analyze cash flow and optimize funds for operational needs.
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts.

Skills

Finance knowledge

Analytical thinking

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in finance or accounting

CPA certification or MBA

Tools

Financial software

Job description

At California Pizza Kitchen, we bring thebiggestandbestparts of ourselves to work and to our communities,and are guided by our ROCKS philosophy (Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness, and Service). We are committed to moving people forward and encourage everyone toapplytheirpassionat CPK.So go ahead…be bold, be epic, be YOU!

WHO IS CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN

We are passionate individuals committed to inspiring others by bringing California creativity to every meal! Founded in 1985, former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax combined their fervor for food and fresh ingredients to create innovative, hearth-baked pizzas such as The Original BBQ Chicken, California Club and Thai Chicken that are created in a lively open kitchen. The concept gave California a place in the pizza revolution alongside Chicago and New York. CPK has since become the place fortastemakers,rulebreakers andearthshakers who conquer challenges by daring to work on the edge and thinking outside the box.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Director of Finance is responsible for developing financial strategies, creating budgets, and ensuring accurate financial reporting. They manage cash flow, while evaluating capital expenditures and addressing industry-specific risks. They lead the finance team; they provide essential expertise to optimize restaurant performance and ensure regulatory compliance in a dynamic and competitive industry.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUITES

• Analyze cash flow on a weekly basis to optimize funds for operational needs within the context of restaurant operations.
• Create budgets and forecasts tailored to individual restaurant locations and corporate overhead, considering their specific market dynamics and operational needs.
• Administer cost controls, and expenses specific to restaurant operations and corporate overhead to provide guidance to the executive team.
• Responsible for monthly reporting and board materials
• Develop strong cross-functional relationships across the Company
• Collaborate with management on financial analysis, reports, and recommendations to support strategic decision-making aligned with the restaurant industry.
• Develop and direct the implementation of strategic financial plans, projects, programs, and systems that address the nuances of fast casual restaurant operations.
• Establish short and long-range financial goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures with a focus on enhancing restaurant performance.
• Ensure record-keeping systems adhere to generally accepted auditing standards within the restaurant industry.
• Oversee financial management of foreign operations and refranchising if applicable, ensuring alignment with financial goals and industry standards.
• Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with business goals and the unique challenges of the fast casual dining sector.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting for each restaurant, adhering to industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and address financial risks specific to the fast casual restaurant industry, implementing mitigation strategies as needed.
• Manage vendor and supplier relationships, negotiating contracts to optimize costs while upholding quality standards within the restaurant industry
• Evaluate and recommend capital expenditures, such as renovations, equipment upgrades, or new restaurant openings, with a focus on maximizing ROI within the restaurant industry.
• Conduct financial analysis to improve restaurant performance, leveraging insights to drive strategic initiatives and operational efficiencies.
• Research and implement technology solutions for operational efficiency within the context of restaurant operations.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to the finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the restaurant industry.
• Manage vendor relationships and contract negotiations to optimize food and beverage costs while maintaining quality standards within the fast casual dining sector.
• Oversee the approval and processing of revenues, expenditures, budgets, salary updates, ledger maintenance, and data entry with a focus on restaurant operations.
• Coordinate the preparation of financial statements, reports, special analyses, and information reports specific to the restaurant sector.
• Develop and implement finance, accounting, billing, and auditing procedures tailored to the unique needs of the restaurant chain.
• Establish and maintain appropriate internal control safeguards to safeguard financial assets within the context of restaurant operations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• A bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is required.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification or MBA preferred.
• Deep understanding of finance and accounting, often including several years in progressively responsible roles.
• Prior experience in the restaurant industry or other multi-unit operations is desired.
• Strong knowledge of financial principles, accounting standards, and financial modeling.
• Strong knowledge of financial software and systems.
• Strong strategic and analytical thinking abilities.
• Proven leadership and management skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of financial regulations, compliance requirements, and risk management is crucial.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with other executives, board members, and external stakeholders.
• Strong commitment to ethical and responsible financial practices.
• Knowledge of state-specific regulations related to food service, licensing, and employment laws is crucial, as each state may have different requirements.
• Familiarity with supply chain and inventory management practices in the restaurant business to control costs and reduce waste.
• Proficiency in menu costing and pricing strategies to optimize profitability.
• Knowledge of labor cost management, scheduling, and compliance with labor laws and regulations in multiple states.
• Experience in managing financial aspects of franchise operations.
• Ability to identify and address complex financial issues and provide innovative solutions.
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions, industry trends, and business needs.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent exposure to computers.
• Noise level and temperature are moderate.
• Ability to sit, stand and/or walk for up to 10 hours a day.

THE PERKS

• Tremendously passionate, one-of-a-kind company culture.
• Opportunities for growthand development. Welove promoting from within!
• Unique electronic learning platform appropriately titled “The Proof” to engage continuous development.
• All the pizza you can eat!
• An environment where you can express your unique talents and skills.
• Employee driven assistance program called the Kindness Fund which lends a helping hand to our team members encountering life challenges.
• Industry competitive compensation package including bonus potential.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision and more.

NOTE:This job description is not a contract of employment. The job duties and requirements may be changed at any time, with or without notice, at the discretion of the employer to ensure the continued success of the business.

The current salary pay range for this role is: $170-190k.

Various benefits are available for this position, including 401K, health, dental, vision, and disability insurance through CPK’s designated providers. CPK regularly reviews its benefits offerings and may change benefits and providers from time to time.

California Pizza Kitchen is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, or any other legally protected classification. Everyone has a seat at our table.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Finance and Sales

• Industries

  Restaurants

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at California Pizza Kitchen by 2x

Get notified about new Financial Director jobs in Costa Mesa, CA.

Chief Financial Officer/5x a week in office/Costa Mesa

Chief Financial Officer (Private Equity backed commercial services)

Irvine, CA $200,000.00-$300,000.00 4 days ago

Tustin, CA $180,000.00-$220,000.00 5 days ago

Director of Financial Planning and Analysis

San Clemente, CA $130,000.00-$180,000.00 1 day ago

Santa Fe Springs, CA $200,000.00-$250,000.00 44 minutes ago

Orange County, CA $250,000.00-$325,000.00 2 days ago

Artemeter, DRW - Director of Strategy and Finance

Irvine, CA $174,000.00-$205,000.00 19 hours ago

Director of Corporate Finance | Growth-Focused CPG

Rossmoor, CA $185,000.00-$220,000.00 3 hours ago

Future Opportunities - Join Our Talent Pipeline For: Finance Director

Irvine, CA $156,000.00-$296,500.00 1 week ago

Cypress, CA $180,000.00-$210,000.00 3 hours ago

Director of Finance and Accounting - Regional Head

Mission Viejo, CA $150,000.00-$180,000.00 19 hours ago

Director Financial Planning and Analysis

Newport Beach, CA $148,230.00-$181,170.00 1 week ago

Executive Director, Revenue Cycle - Finance & Value Transformation

Future Opportunities - Join Our Talent Pipeline For: Finance Director

East Irvine, CA $156,000.00-$296,500.00 1 week ago

Long Beach, CA $156,460.00-$200,000.00 4 days ago

Assistant Director of Finance and Accounting

Long Beach, CA $175,000.00-$220,000.00 2 weeks ago

Whittier, CA $200,000.00-$300,000.00 4 hours ago

Irvine, CA $175,000.00-$250,000.00 19 hours ago

Managing Director, Strategic Capital Management (U.S. Commercial Banking)

Newport Beach, CA $153,600.00-$285,600.00 4 days ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.