SR MANAGER, ACCOUNTING

El Pollo Loco, Inc.; Costa Mesa (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance +

HSA Savings Account

401(K) Retirement Plan with company 0%

Paid Vacation + Sick Pay + 12 Paid 20

Employee Assistance Program

Free El Pollo Loco food + restaurant

PerkSpot discounts

Job summary

El Pollo Loco, Inc. in Costa Mesa, CA, is seeking a Senior Manager of Accounting to lead GAAP financial reporting, manage the month-end close, and drive process improvements. This role directs and develops a high-performing accounting team within a supportive, hybrid work environment.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, coordinate with external auditors, and ensure SOX compliance while optimizing close cycles and financial controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience.
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP, income statement and balance sheet relationships.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams.
• Experience supporting external audits and SOX compliance processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership in accounting and financial management.
• Oversee month-end close and financial reporting processes.
• Review assets, depreciation, and related accruals.
• Coordinate with IT, Facilities, and Marketing on GAAP coding.
• Lead internal staff and support external audits.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Strategic thinking

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

SOX compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance

7+ years accounting leadership experience

CPA license strongly preferred

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial reporting tools

Job description

At El Pollo Loco, we are on a mission to be the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant. When it comes to our people, we are all about growth. Whether that means specialized training, a clearly laid out career trajectory or collaborating cross-functionally, we are committed to the success of our people the same way we’ve been committed to the success of the El Pollo Loco brand for the last 50 years. In fact, we see you as our secret ingredient. While our chicken is fire, it’s our people who set us ablaze. Our restaurants are only the tip of the flame! If you’re looking for an innovative, winning, and welcoming workplace, then a flamin’ good career in our Restaurant Support Center is right for you. At our Support Center, we believe our best work is done Together, when departments collaborate and everyone is confident in contributing their ideas. This is why we are in the office 3 days per week. Let’s Get Loco! What’s in it for you!

Career growth opportunities

Competitive pay and bonus potential

Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance + HSA Savings Account

401(K) Retirement Plan with company match and immediate vesting

Paid Vacation + Sick Pay + 12 Paid Holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Free El Pollo Loco food + restaurant discounts

PerkSpot discounts program

POSITION PURPOSE: The Senior Manager of Accounting provides leadership and oversight of the company’s general accounting ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in accounting functions involving fixed assets, project accounting and property accounting for accruals related to restaurant facilities and occupancy expenses. This role directs and optimizes key restaurant accounting functions for El Pollo Loco. Additionally, the Senior Manager of Accounting leads and develops a high-performing accounting team, driving excellence and accountability in accounting and operational effectiveness.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic leadership in all aspects of accounting and financial management, ensuring integrity, accuracy, and compliance with GAAP and company policies.
• Oversee and enhance the month-end close and financial reporting processes, ensuring timely and accurate reconciliations, accruals, and analyses.
• Review transactions, interfaces, and journal entries related to property, plant & equipment.
• Review period end property tax and CAM, utilities accrual and repairs and maintenance accrual entries.
• Review vendor invoices and work with IT, Facilities, Development and Marketing to ensure proper coding in accordance with GAAP and company policy.
• Review period end reconciliations (fixed assets, accrual liabilities).
• Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to accounting staff.
• Prepare and review documentation for external audits
• Continually assess processes for efficiency and suggest/implement improvements.
• Ensure work performed by accounting staff is in compliance with SOX controls.
• Special project work for ad hoc reporting.
• Work flexible or extended hours to support completion of the close and quarterly reviews and annual audit.
• Lead compliance efforts related to audits and financial reporting obligations.
• Support working relationship with external auditors, tax advisors, and other financial stakeholders.
• Manage accounting processes including month-end closing, financial reporting, systems efficiencies, process improvement, account reconciliations, and special projects.
• Drive continuous process improvement initiatives, leveraging system automation and best practices to optimize efficiency and reduce risk.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for accounting staff, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Execute other projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Accounting.

QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. The requirements listed below are representative of the education and/or experience required.

Education/Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7+ years of progressive accounting leadership experience, preferably in a multi-unit restaurant or retail environment.
• Extensive knowledge of GAAP, income statement and balance sheet and relationships between general ledger accounts.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated success in driving process improvements and automation initiatives.
• Experience supporting external audit and SOX compliance processes.

License/Certifications:

• CPA license strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire high-performing teams.
• Independent self-starter with a can-do attitude.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present financial information and accounting to members of the accounting team.
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities, with a focus on talent development.
• Confidence in decision-making and execution of strategic initiatives.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills, and financial reporting tools.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects, manage tight deadlines, and ability to adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and compliance.
• Result and deadline oriented with professional demeanor.
• Capacity to exercise independent judgment and make impactful business decisions.
• Ability to work at the Support Center consistent with the hybrid work policy.

Our Company

In 1980 the first American El Pollo Loco opened on Alvarado Street in Los Angeles, quickly becoming a destination for the best citrus-marinated, fire-grilled pollo in town. Over the past four decades, El Pollo Loco has grown into more than 500 restaurants across 9 states, becoming an L.A. mainstay and cultural benchmark along the way. Today, we continue to work just as hard to always provide our customers with Quality Chicken. Fast. Easy. Affordable.

The pay range identified is the hourly or salary rate El Pollo Loco expects to pay for the posted position. This range does not include any benefits or bonus opportunities that might be available for the position based on position and eligibility criteria. At El Pollo Loco, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range. Individual pay decisions will vary based on a variety of factors including years of experience, industry experience, education, geography, etc.