Director, Corporate Accounting

Director, Corporate Accounting

Position Summary:

The Director of Accounting is responsible for direction and management of the Corporate Accounting function, including general accounting, monthly financial close, management reporting, SEC reporting, technical accounting and SOX 404 controls. In addition this role is tasked with developing and leading an efficient and effective corporate accounting function, inclusive of accounting policies, processes, systems and tools to strengthen financial reporting accuracy and efficiency, as well as staff development and succession planning.

This role requires leadership, collaboration and influencing skills, as well as executive presence in both written and verbal form. This role is responsible for the maintenance and continuous improvement of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) 404 controls, including close collaboration with management and internal/external auditors. In addition, the role requires a change-oriented mindset to actively identify, recommend and implement tools and processes in response to the Company’s growth and increasing use of technology.

This position is remote/hybrid with a concentration in Denver, CO, managing a team of approximately 10 FTE's.

Essential Functions:

• Manage all monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting deliverables and deadlines, in partnership with the Director of Restaurant Accounting and Manager of Financial Reporting.
• Facilitate period-end closings by ensuring the accurate and timely completion of the Accounting Department’s close-related responsibilities while focusing on strategies to drive the reduction of the close timeline.
• Develop and implement a robust monthly/quarterly reporting package, including variance analysis and commentary relevant to senior finance & accounting leadership and the Audit Committee.  Leverage company tools to automate and improve efficiency of reporting package.
• Review period-end entries, account reconciliations, and account analyses as it relates to all areas of the company’s operations.
• Monitor changes in GAAP, identify necessary changes in policies and procedures resulting therefrom, and communicate the expected impact to executive management and implement changes, as necessary. Serve as a GAAP subject matter expert and go-to business partner in identifying accounting impacts and opportunities associated with business operations and initiatives.
• Continuously evaluate internal controls in response to changing systems/processes and work with department leadership, Internal Audit and Chief Accounting Officer to identify and implement necessary control changes.
• In partnership with the Manager of Financial Reporting, manage the external auditors and provide internal and external auditors with requested documentation on a timely basis.
• Drive the identification and implementation of short-term and long-term automation opportunities to streamline and strengthen controls and processes. Lead financial systems project work.
• Assist in the development of a financial systems roadmap; execute projects and initiatives in support of financial systems roadmap.
• Lead the development, documentation and education on Red Robin’s key finance and accounting policies.
• Ensure ownership and effectiveness of key controls related to assigned accounts and processes.
• Hire, develop and mentor corporate accounting team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Other Functions:

• Other projects and duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field required.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in public accounting and public company corporate accounting teams, with at least five (5) years’ experience in a managerial role.
• CPA certification required.
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP, SEC Reporting and SOX compliance required; Strong accounting principles knowledge with the initiative to remain current on accounting and other regulatory changes.
• Experience with public company financial statement preparation, consolidations, month end close, general ledger,  journal entries, account reconciliations, budgeting/forecasting and variance analysis required.
• In-depth knowledge of integrated ERP systems and tools required; Oracle and Blackline experience a plus.
• Experience in financial systems project work and process improvement initiatives preferred.
• Advanced competency in Excel and Microsoft Office suite products.
• Experience in restaurant, retail or similar multi location industry preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proven ability to lead and develop high performing teams
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills