Sr Manager, Accounting

575 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, USA

Posted Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 7:00 AM

At El Pollo Loco, we are on a mission to be the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant. When it comes to our people, we are all about growth. Whether that means specialized training, a clearly laid out career trajectory or collaborating cross-functionally, we are committed to the success of our people the same way we’ve been committed to the success of the El Pollo Loco brand for the last 50 years.

In fact, we see you as our secret ingredient. While our chicken is fire, it’s our people who set us ablaze.

Our restaurants are only the tip of the flame! If you’re looking for an innovative, winning, and welcoming workplace, then a flamin’ good career in our Restaurant Support Center is right for you.

At our Support Center, we believe our best work is done Together, when departments collaborate and everyone is confident in contributing their ideas. This is why we are in the office 3 days per week.

Let’s Get Loco!

What’s in it for you!

• STRONG office culture recognized as a Great Place to Work® and driven by our core values:
  Simple. Together. Relentless. Ownership. Nimble. Growth
• Competitive pay and bonus potential
• Medical + Dental + Vision Insurance + HSA Savings Account
• 401(K) Retirement Plan with company match and immediate vesting
• Paid Vacation + Sick Pay + 12 Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program

The Senior Manager of Accounting provides leadership and oversight of the company’s general accounting ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in accounting functions involving fixed assets, project accounting and property accounting for accruals related to restaurant facilities and occupancy expenses. This role directs and optimizes key restaurant accounting functions for El Pollo Loco. Additionally, the Senior Manager of Accounting leads and develops a high-performing accounting team, driving excellence and accountability in accounting and operational effectiveness.

• Provide strategic leadership in all aspects of accounting and financial management, ensuring integrity, accuracy, and compliance with GAAP and company policies.
• Oversee and enhance the month-end close and financial reporting processes, ensuring timely and accurate reconciliations, accruals, and analyses.
• Review transactions, interfaces, and journal entries related to property, plant & equipment.
• Review period end property tax and CAM, utilities accrual and repairs and maintenance accrual entries.
• Review vendor invoices and work with IT, Facilities, Development and Marketing to ensure proper coding in accordance with GAAP and company policy.
• Review period end reconciliations (fixed assets, accrual liabilities).
• Supervise, mentor, and provide guidance to accounting staff.
• Prepare and review documentation for external audits
• Continually assess processes for efficiency and suggest/implement improvements.
• Ensure work performed by accounting staff is in compliance with SOX controls.
• Special project work for ad hoc reporting.
• Work flexible or extended hours to support completion of the close and quarterly reviews and annual audit.
• Lead compliance efforts related to audits and financial reporting obligations.
• Support working relationship with external auditors, tax advisors, and other financial stakeholders.
• Manage accounting processes including month-end closing, financial reporting, systems efficiencies, process improvement, account reconciliations, and special projects.
• Drive continuous process improvement initiatives, leveraging system automation and best practices to optimize efficiency and reduce risk.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for accounting staff, fostering a culture of accountability and high performance.
• Execute other projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Accounting.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with…