Accounting Manager

At California Pizza Kitchen, we bring the biggest and best parts of ourselves to work and to our communities, and are guided by our ROCKS philosophy (Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness, and Service). We are committed to moving people forward and encourage everyone to apply their passion at CPK. So go ahead…be bold, be epic, be YOU!

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Manager of Accounting is responsible for overseeing financial aspects of the organization including financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, multi-state compliance, cost control, financial analysis, cash flow management, team leadership, vendor management, risk management, tax planning, and capital expenditure analysis. This role is responsible for ensuring financial health, compliance, and supporting the company's growth and financial goals.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Partner with management of restaurants to research and resolve inquiries.
• Prepare financial reports for the monthly management reporting package.
• Prepare period end journal entries.
• Perform variance analysis for financial statement accounts.
• Reconcile General Ledger accounts to ensure accuracy, validation, and reasonableness.
• Work closely with external auditors during interim and year end audits.
• Ensure desk procedures and process narratives are updated.
• Manage the relationship with other departments, managing potential accounting events.
• Apply principles of accounting to analyze financial information and prepare financial reports.
• Maintain and ensure assigned accounts are in accordance with accounting standards and procedures, and partners with operations to research and resolve discrepancies.
• Oversee the tax strategy and compliance, optimizing tax efficiencies, ensuring proper filings, and staying current with changing tax regulations.
• Implement strategies to monitor and control costs, with a focus on food and beverage costs, labor expenses, and overhead costs.
• Collaborate with executive management to develop long-term financial strategies and support growth initiatives.
• Perform in-depth financial analysis to identify trends, variances, and key performance indicators.
• Monitor and manage cash flow to meet operational needs, including payroll, vendor payments, and debt service.
• Evaluate capital expenditures, such as renovations, equipment purchases, and expansion plans for their financial feasibility as requested by other departments.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field (Master’s or CPA preferred).
• 2-4 years of experience managing full General Ledger (G/L) and financial statements, preferably in an accounting role within the restaurant or hospitality industry, particularly with multi-state operations.
• Restaurant or retail industry experience is highly desired.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to present information, respond to management inquiries, and negotiate effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with financial software and general ledger systems, with expertise on at least one platform.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret financial data and develop insights.
• In-depth knowledge of multi-state financial regulations and compliance.
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports, and write clear business correspondence.
• Proficiency in GAAP principles and the ability to apply them in business transactions and financial reporting.
• Effective task management, with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Independent thinker, capable of solving practical problems and providing innovative solutions.
• Clear understanding of financial reporting, forecasting, and budgeting.
• P&L management experience, including cost control and profit margin optimization in the restaurant industry.
• Attention to detail in financial reporting, audits, and reconciliations.
• Ability to ensure compliance with financial policies and identify discrepancies.
• Advanced data analysis skills to assess risks and make data-driven recommendations for financial performance improvement.
• Familiarity with restaurant operations, including COGS, inventory management, payroll, and sales tax compliance.
• Expertise in tax laws, including federal, state, and local taxes.
• Experience ensuring compliance with financial regulations, audits, and internal policies.
• Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems and data integration for accurate financial reporting.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams (operations, procurement, legal) and presenting financial data clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Problem-solving skills to anticipate financial issues and implement best practices.
• Strong decision-making abilities to manage accounting functions and adapt as needed.
• High ethical standards, ensuring transparency, confidentiality, and adherence to financial regulations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequent exposure to computers.
• Noise level and temperature are moderate.
• Ability to sit, stand and/or walk for up to 10 hours a day.
• Occasionally required to stoop, bend, or kneel, lift up to 25 lbs.
• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WHO IS CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN

We are passionate individuals committed to inspiring others by bringing California creativity to every meal! Founded in 1985, former federal prosecutors Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax combined their fervor for food and fresh ingredients to create innovative, hearth-baked pizzas such as The Original BBQ Chicken, California Club and Thai Chicken that are created in a lively open kitchen. The concept gave California a place in the pizza revolution alongside Chicago and New York. CPK has since become the place for taste makers, rule breakers and earth shakers who conquer challenges by daring to work on the edge and thinking creatively. 

THE PERKS

• Tremendously passionate, one-of-a-kind company culture.
• Opportunities for growth and development. We love promoting from within!
• Unique electronic learning platform appropriately titled “The Proof” to engage continuous development.
• All the pizza you can eat!
• An environment where you can express your unique talents and skills.
• Employee driven assistance program called the Kindness Fund which lends a helping hand to our team members encountering life challenges.
• Industry competitive compensation package including bonus potential.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision and more.

NOTE:   This job description is not a contract of employment. The job duties and requirements may be changed at any time, with or without notice, at the discretion of the employer to ensure the continued success of the business.

The current salary pay range for this role is: $100,000 - $125,000.

Various benefits are available for this position, including 401K, health, dental, vision, and disability insurance through CPK’s designated providers. CPK regularly reviews its benefits offerings and may change benefits and providers from time to time.

California Pizza Kitchen is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, or any other legally protected classification. Everyone has a seat at our table.