SR STAFF ACCOUNTANT

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!

• STRONG office culture recognized as a Great Place to Work® and driven by our core values: Simple. Together. Relentless. Ownership. Nimble. Growth
• 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 Staff Accountant provides support to key Accounting personnel and performs the company's general accounting activities ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in accounting functions involving property accounting for accruals and prepaids related to restaurant facilities and occupancy expenses and helps ensure that they are accounted for and paid on a timely basis.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare period end utilities accrual and repairs and maintenance accrual entries.
• Review and prepare payment requests for utilities and repairs and maintenance expenses.
• Prepare period end reconciliations (accrued liabilities and prepaids).
• Prepare and review documentation for external audits.
• Continually assess processes for efficiency and suggest/implement improvements.
• Ensure work performed is in compliance with SOX controls.
• Special project work for ad hoc reporting.
• Work flexible or extended hours to support completion of fiscal period close, quarterly reviews and annual audit.
• Execute other projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Senior Manager 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 or related field required.
• Minimum of 5+ years of accounting 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.
• Experience supporting external audit and SOX compliance processes.

License/Certifications:

• CPA license a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Independent self-starter with a can-do attitude.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• 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 (at a minimum, must possess knowledge of lookup formulas, "sumif" formulas, "match" formulas, "if" statements, and pivot tables).
• 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.
• 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.

PAY DISCLAIMER - CA ONLY

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.