Chief Financial Officer - Restaurant

Position Overview:

The Chief Financial Officer will be a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for overseeing the company's financial strategy, franchise economics, capital planning, and operational finance. This role will play a critical part in optimizing unit-level and corporate profitability, managing franchise financial health, and supporting aggressive expansion plans.Key Responsibilities:Financial Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute the financial strategy to support the company's growth, franchise expansion, and operational excellence.
• Partner with the CEO and leadership team to drive strategic planning, M&A opportunities, and capital structure optimization.
• Oversee financial forecasting, budgeting, and scenario modeling to ensure financial stability and profitability.
• Build and manage relationships with investors, lenders, and private equity partners to secure funding and support expansion.

Franchise & Unit Economics

• Analyze franchise unit financial performance, providing insights to improve franchisee profitability and system-wide growth.
• Develop financial models, benchmarking tools, and reporting frameworks to guide franchisees on financial best practices.
• Work closely with the Franchise Development and Operations teams to refine royalty structures, franchise fees, and financial incentives.
• Lead initiatives to improve franchise unit margins while maintaining brand standards and operational efficiency.

Accounting, Compliance & Risk Management

• Oversee financial reporting, accounting, and internal controls, ensuring compliance with GAAP and regulatory requirements.
• Manage cash flow, working capital, and treasury functions to ensure financial health and liquidity.
• Implement and improve financial systems and processes, enhancing automation, efficiency, and scalability.
• Lead financial due diligence for potential acquisitions, new revenue streams, and strategic partnerships.

Operational & Performance Optimization

• Provide financial insights to drive cost efficiencies across corporate operations and franchise locations.
• Optimize corporate and franchisee-level P&Ls, identifying opportunities for revenue growth and expense management.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Technology, and Operations teams to evaluate ROI on key initiatives, including advertising spend, technology investments, and operational improvements.
• Develop and implement KPIs, dashboards, and real-time financial reporting tools for leadership and franchisee use.

Qualifications & Experience:

• 15+ years of financial leadership experience, preferably in franchising, multi-unit services, or private equity-backed companies.
• Proven success in franchise finance, unit economics, and scaling a franchisor's financial operations.
• Deep understanding of franchise agreements, royalties, and financial models for franchised businesses.
• Experience with M&A, capital markets, and fundraising in a high-growth environment.
• Strong expertise in GAAP accounting, financial reporting, and compliance.
• Proficiency in financial and franchise management software (e.g., NetSuite, Intacct, FranConnect, QuickBooks).
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (MBA or CPA preferred).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and strategic decision-making skills.