Finance Accounting Manager

Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid parental leave and employee meal benefit Help Build the Financial Foundation Behind FARE's Growth FARE is a fast-growing, scratch-made fast-casual restaurant brand expanding across Chicago, Charlotte, and new markets. We're looking for a Finance & Accounting Manager to become the primary internal owner of our accounting and financial reporting function. This is a hands-on role for someone who can move comfortably between month-end close, AP/AR, reconciliations and financial statements and the bigger-picture work of analyzing restaurant P&Ls, identifying financial trends, partnering with Operations, and supporting business decisions. Reporting directly to the President, you'll work closely with our outsourced accounting team, General Managers, Operations leadership, vendors, and external partners as FARE continues to scale. What You'll Own Own and execute the month-end close process , including journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, and supporting schedules Serve as the primary liaison with FARE's outsourced accounting team Own and oversee accounts payable and accounts receivable Maintain and reconcile balance-sheet accounts and resolve discrepancies Review financial statements and restaurant-level P&Ls for accuracy and performance trends Analyze COGS, labor, operating expenses, and other key restaurant financial drivers Meet directly with General Managers and Operations leadership to identify the root causes of financial variances and drive corrective action Prepare and share financial reporting and analysis with company and restaurant leadership Monitor and analyze cash flow Support the President with forecasting, budgeting, scenario analysis, and financial modeling Perform monthly employee benefits reconciliations Support sales tax filings, business licenses, audits, insurance renewals, and other financial compliance needs Review vendor and third-party costs and negotiate rates and terms where appropriate Support financial setup and accounting readiness for new restaurant openings Prepare financial information and data rooms for financing rounds, lenders, investors, and due diligence Help improve financial processes, controls, and reporting as the company grows What We're Looking For Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field 4+ years of progressive accounting or finance experience Strong hands-on experience with month-end close, journal entries, accruals, account reconciliations, and financial statements Experience with AP/AR and balance-sheet accounting Strong understanding of GAAP and core accounting principles Ability to analyze P&Ls, identify variances, investigate discrepancies, and drive issues through resolution Strong Excel and financial systems skills Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance leaders Comfortable partnering directly with senior leadership and Operations Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a growing, fast-moving environment Preferred Restaurant, hospitality, retail, or other multi-location accounting experience Experience working with an outsourced accounting team Experience analyzing restaurant-level P&Ls, COGS, inventory, and operating expenses Experience with Toast, xtraCHEF, QuickBooks, Restaurant365, or similar systems Experience supporting audits, financing transactions, lender reporting, or due diligence Experience supporting new store openings or business expansion CPA or other relevant accounting credential is a plus, but not required Why FARE? This isn't a role where you'll simply report the numbers. You'll have visibility across the business, work directly with senior leadership and restaurant Operations, and help turn financial information into action. As FARE continues to open restaurants and enter new markets, you'll also have the opportunity to help build the financial processes and infrastructure needed to support the company's next stage of growth. FARE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr