FINANCIAL ANALYST - K-12 FOOD SERVICE OPERATIONS

Chartwells School Dining Services K12; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance / AD

Disability Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Holiday Time Off

Associate Shopping Program

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Pet Insurance

Commuter Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

FSAs

Paid Parental Leave

Personal Leave

Job summary

Chartwells K-12 seeks an experienced Operations Controller to lead the financial function for the St Louis Public Schools account. This role oversees budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and compliance, translating complex data into actionable guidance for decision-making and long-term success.

The candidate will partner with operational leadership to ensure strong financial performance and controls within a large, multi-cost center K–12 food service operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least five years’ experience with revenue control, financial reporting and cash handling.
• Experience in foodservice or retail accounting preferred; POS familiarity a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversees all cash handling procedures.
• Performs reconciliation and analysis for balance sheet accounts.
• Analyzes financial results for internal and external use.
• Tracks and maintains monthly P/L and balance sheet activity.
• Develops forecasts and budgets, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Reviews general ledger and balance sheets.
• Resolves various accounting/reconciliation issues.
• Completes financial reports: monthly, quarterly and annual reports, including monthly close and audit reporting; manages report preparation and distribution.
• Maintains inventory and cost control procedures.
• Performs administration of Payroll and Human Resources.
• Performs related duties and special projects as assigned.

Skills

Financial analysis

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

POS systems

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

Chartwells K12's goal is to make sure students leave the cafeteria happier and healthier than they came in, by serving food kids love to eat and creating custom dining programs. With more than 16,000 associates in 4,500 schools, ranging from large public institutions to small charter and private schools, Chartwells K12 is built on decades of food, education and operational experience driven by top culinary, nutrition, wellness, and sustainability talent. For more information, visit www.ChartwellsK12.com.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Operations Controller to serve as the financial leader for our premier St Louis Public Schools account. This role supports a large, complex, multi-cost center K–12 food service operation within a fast paced environment and is critical to ensuring strong financial performance, controls, and transparency. Partnering closely with operational leadership, the Operations Controller oversees all accounting and financial activity for the account, including budgeting, forecasting, analysis, and compliance. This leader must be able to clearly articulate financial results and insights to managers and key stakeholders, translating complex data into actionable guidance that supports informed decision‑making and long‑term success.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversees all cash handling procedures
• Performs reconciliation and analysis for several balance sheet accounts
• Analyzes financial results for both internal and external use
• Tracks and maintains monthly P/L and balance sheet activity
• Develops forecasts and budgets, identifying risks and opportunities
• Reviews general ledger and balance sheets
• Resolves various accounting/reconciliation issues
• Completes financial reports: monthly, quarterly and annual reports, including but not limited to monthly and fiscal close, internal and external audit reporting; manages report preparation and distribution
• Maintains inventory and cost control procedures
• Performs administration of Payroll and Human Resources
• Performs related duties and special projects as assigned

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting preferred, or equivalent professional experience
• A minimum of five years’ experience with revenue control, financial reporting and cash handling responsibilities
• Accounting experience in foodservice or retail industry preferred, foodservice operations experience a plus
• Ability to prepare monthly financial statements, key metric reports, budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections and analyses
• Adept at planning, organizing and controlling complex processes as well as analyzing moderately complex financial information
• Experience with POS systems and cash
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Skilled at managing multiple priorities and relationships
• Computer skills: proficient in Microsoft Office with a concentration in Excel
• Strong analytical and organizational skillsAbility to multitask and prioritize in a fast‑paced, dynamic work environment
• Conformity to the highest standards of personal integrity and ethical behavior

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance / AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Personal Leave

Chartwells K-12 maintains a drug‑free workplace.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.