Staff Accountant

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Staff Accountant plays a key role on the Accounting team, supporting accurate financial reporting and contributing to an efficient monthly close process.  This role requires a strong  foundation in accounting principles, advanced Excel skills, excellent organizational and analytical capabilities, and for a high standard for accuracy. This position is a key contributor to the monthly financial close process, including processing journal entries and reconciling balance sheet accounts, and supports quarterly and annual financial reporting. Primary areas of responsibility include lease accounting, financial reporting, and accrued expenses.

This is a highly collaborative role that partners cross-functionally with various departments as we continue to strengthen our general accounting, compliance, and analytical capabilities.

This is a hybrid position based at the Portillo’s Restaurant Support Center in Oakbrook, Illinois with on-site presence required Tuesday through Thursday. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Enable our Purpose to create lifelong memories by igniting the senses with unrivaled food and experiences:

Family: Work together to make everyone feel at home, and we step up when someone needs help

• Partner cross functionally with departments throughout the company to build trust, share ideas, and deliver results

• Complete assigned balance sheet account reconciliations and ensure reconciling items are resolved in a timely manner to support an accurate and efficient close process

• Support the team by promoting compliance with SOX controls, corporate policies, and GAAP requirements, while assisting the audit process by preparing schedules and responding to auditor requests in a timely manner
• Share knowledge and coach others to support team capability and consistency in execution

Greatness: We’re obsessed with being the best and work hard to continuously improve.  Our greatness is rooted in Quality, Service, Attitude and Cleanliness

• Perform general ledger accounting activities, including leases, operating expenses, and the analysis of accrued expenses such as preventative maintenance and benefits
• Review and enter leases into software, prepare monthly ASC 842 rent entries and schedules, coordinate with third parties on escrow reconciliations and real estate tax payments,
• Partner with Legal department on new lease activity

• Assist with quarterly and annual financial reporting, including preparation of supporting schedules for SEC filings (10-Q, 10-K)
• Proactively evaluate accounting policies, procedures, and systems and recommend updates and improvements to drive efficiency and effectiveness
• Act as a change advocate by identifying process improvements that strengthen accuracy, efficiency, and the Team Member experience

Energy: We move with urgency and passion, while maintaining attention to detail

• Research outstanding reconciling items, investigate variances, and partner with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues timely
• Manage multiple deadlines simultaneously, including month-end close, quarter-end reporting, and audit support
• Participate in special projects including process enhancements and automation initiatives
• Maintain accurate records and complete deliverables with strong attention to detail
• Administer the Company’s fleet program, including management of approximately 50 vehicles, license plate renewals, emissions compliance, toll accounts, and other vehicle-related needs

Fun: We entertain our guests, we connect authentically, and we make each other smile

• Participate in Restaurant Support Center activities to build relationships, promote collaboration, and strengthen communication

• Maintain accountability for individual responsibilities while contributing to the success of the broader team
• Other duties as assigned

ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Financial Reporting Manager and is part of the Accounting team, within the Finance department. The Staff Accountant interacts with various departments including executive leadership, Operations, People, Legal, Payroll, and Information Technology.

Travel Requirement

• None

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Educational Level/Certifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or related field

Minimum Work Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• 2+ years of experience in corporate or public accounting
• Experience in a public company reporting environment
• Strong understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and hands-on experience with general ledger, financial close process, and account reconciliations
• Experience with ASC 842 lease accounting
• Strong attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities simultaneously in a deadline driven environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; Proficient in Microsoft Excel formulas and functionality
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills, including the ability to evaluate information, apply knowledge, and solve problems
• Ability to adapt quickly and learn new tasks independently
• Goal focused mindset with a track record of delivering results

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Experience presenting to small or mid-sized groups
• Experience contributing to the creation of reports, dashboards, and presentations
• Experience of working in a collaborative and professional team environment

Educational Level/Certifications

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or actively pursuing a plus
• Sox compliance experience

Work Experience and Qualification

• Multi-unit experience (e.g. restaurant, retail, hospitality)
• Multi-state employer experience

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbents assigned to this job.  This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, duties and skills required.  The incumbent may be expected to perform other duties as assigned. This job may be reviewed as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity.