Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist

The FP&A Specialist requires expertise in developing financial analyses using Microsoft software and other business (BI) systems. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who is highly inquisitive and can work closely with all departments to develop and maintain financial models, including P&L forecasts, cash flow projections, and budgets.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Financial Modeling & Forecasting

• Prepare financial models and analyses for company forecasts, budgets, cash requirements, and banking covenants.
• Develop annual budgets and quarterly forecasts using various data sources and forecasting methodologies consistent with the restaurantindustry.

1. Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze sales, traffic, food costs, and labor costs against company standards.
• Identify variances and potential opportunities and present them to appropriate department leaders.
• Provide sales improvement and cost reduction ideas based on detailed and ad-hoc analysis.
• Develop, update, and report on financial and performance metrics and analysis-driven reports.

1. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with all departments in the organization and communicate with all levels of management.
• Collaborate with the operating team and provide recommendations to improve profitability and effectiveness.
• Foster relationships with cross-functional and regional leadership to gather information, develop conclusions, and influence decision-making.
• Participate as a key member in decisions and recommendations.

1. System Implementation & Improvement

• Assist in the implementation of a company business intelligence platform.
• Maintain and continuously improve the business intelligence platform once it's implemented.

Accountabilities:

The FP&A Specialist reports directly to the CFO in their business analysis role. They are accountable for the financial analysis of the business and must have the ability to go beyond the numbers to grasp the entire situation.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include preparing financial models, developing annual budgets, analyzing sales and costs, providing ideas for cost reduction, and assisting with the implementation of the company's business intelligence platform. The role also involves collaborating with other teams and participating in key business decisions.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Education & Experience: A Bachelor's degree in Finance or Accounting is required. Approximately 3 to 5 years of experience in a similar role is desired. Experience in a multi-unit restaurant or retail environment is preferred.
• Job Specifications:
• Experience as a power user of an FP&A or Analytics tool (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is required.
• Must have strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret results and present them to management.
• Must be a self-starter who is inquisitive and takes initiative.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• The ability to work alone or on a team to develop solutions to complex problems is required.
• Must understand key restaurant industry terms like "same-store-sales," "menu mix," "ideal food cost," and "theoretical labor".
• Must be proficient with all Microsoft Office tools, with an emphasis on Microsoft Excel.

Physical Demands:

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel to restaurant locations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Occasionally required to lift and carry materials for meetings or events.

Work Environment:

• Hybrid role with a mix of office and remote work.
• Occasional evening or weekend availability.
• Dynamic environment with evolving business and workforce needs.

Disclaimer:

The job description is designed to outline the essential functions, responsibilities, and qualifications of the role. It is not an exhaustive list of duties and may evolve based on business needs.