Lead Accounting Associate

Whataburger Restaurants; San Antonio (TX); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Bonus program

PTO 5 weeks

401(k) match

Health benefits

Parental leave

Career development

Job summary

Whataburger is seeking a Lead Accounting Associate at the San Antonio Home Office to drive travel and expense reporting and ensure policy compliance. You will analyze expense data, support audits, and collaborate with vendors and departments to improve processes, accuracy, and efficiency.

The role requires strong Excel skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment, with onsite and remote-flexible work through the week.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience managing multiple administrative responsibilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Outlook.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze travel and expense activity.
• Identify spending trends, risks, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Prepare expense reports and insights for leadership.
• Audit expense transactions for accuracy and policy compliance.
• Support internal and external audit requests.
• Troubleshoot expense system issues and user inquiries.
• Train employees on expense reporting processes and tools.
• Maintain and update expense policy resources.
• Recommend and implement process improvements.
• Partner with departments, vendors, and stakeholders to optimize workflows.
• Research regulatory and industry changes impacting expense management.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Policy interpretation

Time management

Organization

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Welcome to Whataburger Careers! Our Flavor Why Whataburger Whataburger isn’t just a fast-food burger chain it is where bold leadership starts and where potential doesn’t just grow, it heats up. Whether you're leading the line or working behind the scenes, this is the place where opportunities stack up, and every day gives you a chance to Make a Difference. Since 1950, we’ve invested in people who lead with integrity, Serve with Heart, and bring their best flavor to the team. We believe in working together, speaking up, having a little fun, and Winning as One because great burgers (and great teams) start with the right ingredients. If you're ready to learn, grow, impact, and Move Forward Boldly we’ve got your back and your path cooked to perfection.

What You’ll Do

Your Recipe for Impact What You’ll Do As a Lead Accounting Associate, you'll help drive the effectiveness of Whataburger's travel and expense reporting processes by ensuring accurate expense tracking, supporting compliance, and enhancing system performance. You'll serve as a trusted resource for Family Members, vendors, and business partners while identifying opportunities to improve processes and reporting. Through your work, you'll Make a Difference by supporting sound financial decisions, Serve with Heart by delivering exceptional service and guidance, Win as One through collaboration across departments, and Move Forward Boldly by recommending and implementing improvements that increase efficiency, accuracy, and accountability.

Day-to-Day Ingredients Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze travel and expense activity
• Identify spending trends, risks, and cost-saving opportunities
• Prepare expense reports and insights for leadership
• Audit expense transactions for accuracy and policy compliance
• Support internal and external audit requests
• Troubleshoot expense system issues and user inquiries
• Train employees on expense reporting processes and tools
• Maintain and update expense policy resources
• Recommend and implement process improvements
• Partner with departments, vendors, and stakeholders to optimize workflows
• Research regulatory and industry changes impacting expense management
• Support special projects and other duties as assigned

The Sauce Pay & Perks

• Competitive Weekly Pay
• Bonus Program that scales up to 2.5X payout potential based on company results
• 5 weeks PTO
• Flex Weeks
• Paid Corporate Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave*
• 401(k) match $1/$1 up to 4%
• Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits*
• Short-term and Long-term Disability Benefits*
• Opportunities for Career Development and Growth
• Whataburger Family Foundation - Scholarship Program (dependents eligible) and Hardship Grant Assistance
• Discounted Meals for You and a Guest
• Wireless Service Discounts
• Computer & Software Discounts
• Fitness / Gym Discounts
• Awards and recognition for all you do
• Retirement Celebration Program

What You Bring to the Table Required Experience

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience
• Experience managing multiple administrative responsibilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Outlook
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures
• Strong organization and time management skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to build effective working relationships across teams
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment

Extra Toppings Desired Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field
• Experience with travel and expense management systems
• Experience auditing expense reports or financial transactions
• Experience supporting process improvement initiatives
• Experience creating reports and analyzing financial data
• Experience developing training materials or conducting user training
• Knowledge of JD Edwards or similar ERP systems
• Knowledge of corporate expense policies and compliance requirements

Where & How You’ll Work

This role is based at the San Antonio Home Office, working onsite Monday through Thursday with remote flexibility on Fridays. In this role, you’ll have strong collaboration with leadership, across cross-functional teams, and with external partners to align capabilities with restaurant realities. The work environment is fast-paced and requires sound judgment, strategic thinking, and strong collaboration skills. Full-time availability is required, with occasional extended hours based on business needs, along with occasional travel to properties, project sites, and external meetings. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of the San Antonio Home Office.

Whataburger is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, age, or other condition or status protected by law.

Whataburger participates in the federal E-Verify Program. For more information go to www.dhs.gov/E-Verify.

*Eligibility rules may apply

300 Concord Plaza Dr San Antonio TX 78216-6903

People make the difference at Whataburger. We take pride in our work, take care of each other and love serving our customers. Join our family and we’ll work hard to instill values and skills that will serve you well no matter where your journey leads.