Senior Manager, Accounting

Senior Manager, Accounting

California - Los Angeles Market

As the Senior Accounting Manager, you'll own the accounting function behind a growing, multi-unit business. You'll lead the full scope, from general ledger and financial reporting to audits and multi-state tax compliance, bringing structure, accuracy, and clarity to how we operate. This is an opportunity for someone who has already led accounting in a retail, hospitality, or restaurant environment and knows how to build processes that scale. As Philz continues to expand, your work will directly shape the financial foundation that supports that growth.

This role is currently remote and must be based within the Greater Los Angeles area. Our teams will return to a hybrid office environment in late 2026.

Accounting & Financial Reporting

• Manage full-cycle accounting operations including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll review, and fixed assets across 80+ store locations.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close cycles; ensure timely and accurate financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP.
• Oversee unit-level P&L reporting and partner with Operations to analyze store-level performance, food & beverage cost variances, and labor efficiency metrics.
• Maintain and continuously improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls appropriate for a fast-growth restaurant environment.
• Prepare executive-level financial reports, KPI dashboards, and variance analyses for the CFO and Board.
• Manage lease accounting across all store locations in compliance with ASC 842.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of accounting staff (AP, AR, Staff Accountants) - setting clear goals and fostering a culture of accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Support new store opening (NSO) accounting processes including pre-opening cost tracking and capitalization.

Audit Management

• Serve as primary liaison with external auditors for the annual financial statement audit and any lender or franchisor-required reviews.
• Design and maintain a robust internal control framework across corporate and store operations, including cash handling, inventory, and POS reconciliation controls.
• Conduct or oversee periodic internal audits of store-level cash, gift card programs, and food & beverage inventory.
• Prepare audit schedules, work papers, and supporting documentation; ensure all deliverables are provided on time with minimal auditor adjustments.
• Track and remediate audit findings promptly; report control gaps and corrective actions to the Controller/CFO.
• Maintain audit-ready records year-round; support due diligence processes for future financing rounds or potential M&A activity.

Tax Compliance & Planning

• Oversee all federal, state, and local tax filings for a multi-state operation including corporate income tax, sales & use tax (food & beverage exemptions), and business licenses.
• Manage sales tax compliance across all operating states — including nexus analysis, exemption certificate management, and timely remittance — critical in a multi-state QSR environment.
• Coordinate with external tax advisors on the preparation and review of federal and state income tax returns and tax provision (ASC 740).
• Monitor state and local tax law changes affecting the restaurant industry; advise management on impact and planning opportunities.
• Manage property tax filings for leased locations; coordinate appeals where appropriate.
• Respond to tax notices and audits from taxing authorities; manage resolution process.

Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, and Marketing to support financial modeling for new menu rollouts, LTO pricing, and loyalty program economics.
• Collaborate with FP&A on annual budgeting, quarterly re-forecasting, and new store pro forma development.
• Support technology initiatives including POS system integrations, ERP upgrades, and automated reconciliation tools.
• Assist the Controller/CFO with lender reporting, covenant compliance, and any future capital raise or M&A processes.

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• CPA license preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years in a management role.
• Experience in multi-unit retail, restaurant, food & beverage, or hospitality accounting strongly required.
• Working knowledge of US GAAP, ASC 842 (leases), and multi-state sales tax compliance.
• Proficiency with restaurant/retail ERP or accounting systems (NetSuite preferred)
• Knowledge of gift card/stored value accounting and loyalty program revenue recognition.
• Strong Excel skills; comfortable working with large data sets and store-level financial data.
• Excellent communication skills — able to translate financial results for non-finance operational stakeholders.
• Public accounting experience (Big 4 or regional firm), ideally with restaurant, retail, or consumer brand clients.
• Experience with point-of-sale (POS) system integrations and automated reconciliation (Square preferred).
• Familiarity with FICA tip tax credit (45B) and WOTC programs.
• Experience supporting rapid multi-unit expansion or franchise accounting.
• MBA or advanced degree in Accounting or Taxation a plus.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Visual acuity
• Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; those activities where detailed or important spoken instructions must be conveyed to others
• Repetitive motions: Making substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction
• Bending, reaching, pulling, pushing, extending arms/hands occasionally during shift
• Sitting for extended periods of time
• Exerting up to 10-20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects

Compensation & Benefits A reasonable estimate of the annual salary for this role is $165,000 to $175,000. Please note that the base pay will vary based on qualifications, previous experience, and work location. When you join our team, we better your days through our benefits and support programs – we offer our team members medical, dental, and vision insurance, company-paid basic life insurance, optional family life insurance, 401(k) with company match, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, mental health support, holiday pay, Vacation & Sick Time, Team Member discounts, freebie drinks and discounted beans, fun Philz swag, opportunities for growth and advancement, and more!