Staff Accountant, Leases

Our secret to leading the way in hospitality? We put our people first!

At Shake Shack, our mission is to Stand For Something Good in all that we do. From our teams to our neighborhoods, we're committed to always doing the right thing. As one of the fastest-growing hospitality brands, we're all about crafting unforgettable experiences for our guests. We offer endless learning opportunities and the chance to make a lasting impact on our business, restaurants, and communities. As a member of the #ShackFam, you’ll have access to hands-on mentorship, training, and growth potential, all in a fun and inclusive environment.

Join us and Be a Part of Something Good.

Job Summary

The Staff Accountant will be responsible for assisting in the accounting of general functions as it relates to Shake Shack’s Home Office and Shack-level operations, including but not limited to the preparation of journal entries related to accruals, utilities, occupancy, and lease related expenses. This individual will also provide strategic support and analysis as needed.

The Staff Accountant is a self-motivated, adaptive, eager learner who can manage and prioritize an evolving workload in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have an analytical mindset, strong work ethic, heightened attention to detail. and a desire for continuous process improvement.

Key Responsibilities

 Monthly Close

• Prepare period-end entries, account reconciliations, and account analyses as it relates to owned areas (including but not limited to accruals, utilities, occupancy and lease related expenses receivables) with appropriate SOX documentation and support when required.

• Facilitate period-end closings by ensuring the accurate and timely completion of all responsibilities.

• Assist with maintaining accounts receivable and collections processes related to company-wide receivables.

• Support with the transactional and operational activities related to Shake Shack’s company-owned revenue and digital channels.

• Work with Operations to develop and implement processes to drive admin out of the Shacks.

• Act as a key member of cross-departmental teams to improve the flow of data and reporting.

SOX Compliance

• Support compliance of SOX key controls related to owned accounts and processes.

• Coordinate with internal or external auditors related to owned accounts and processes ensuring complete, timely and accurate responses to information requests.

• Continuously evaluate SOX controls in light of changing systems/processes and work with Internal Audit to identify and implement necessary control changes.

Process Improvement

• Review existing processes, structures, and systems to assist in the identification of improvement opportunities with a focus on simplification, standardization and optimization, especially the reduction of manual, Excel-based activities.

• Help drive the reduction of the close timeline by assessing and streamlining close-related activities.

• Assist in assessing the impact from and implement the required changes to systems, process, policies and procedures due to new accounting standards, regulatory changes, changes in business strategy, cross-departmental initiatives and other operational changes.

• Support the implementation of on-going process improvement initiatives.

Annual Audit and Quarterly Reviews

• Support information flow between accounting teams, external auditors and other internal and external partners.

• Prepare balance sheet and income statement fluctuation analyses.

• Provide requested support to Tax and Financial Reporting and adhere to external reporting timelines.

Other

• Collaborate with other Home Office teams (such as Lease Administration, Supply Chain and Real Estate Development) where required and appropriate.

• Strengthen and maintain relationships with both internal and external parties.

• Remain current on accounting and other regulatory changes impacting revenue

• Remain current on Restaurant and Retail industry-specific technologies and emerging trends.

• Prepare reports/analyses and participate in other projects as needed. 

Skills, Knowledge, & Experience

• BS/BA in Accounting or Finance required.

• CPA or CPA track preferred

• 0-2 years of accounting experience in private and/or public accounting.

• Experience in the restaurant and/or retail industries preferred.

• Experience at Big 4