Financial Analyst II

Company Overview The Darden family of restaurants features some of the most recognizable and successful brands in full-service dining:
Olive Garden, Long Horn Steakhouse, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Chuy’s, Seasons 52, and Eddie V’s. Our people equal our success, and we are proud to employ more than 200,000 team members in more than 2,100 restaurants. Together, we create memorable experiences for nearly 440 million guests in hundreds of communities across North America.

Darden’s finance team encompasses both corporate and brand-specific roles that focus on FP&A as well as providing direct decision-making support for our operations, marketing, human resources and technology teams. We nurture career development with a pro‑active rotation program focused on developing well‑rounded future leaders. Flexible work arrangements are offered such as flexible start & end times and remote work options 1-2 days each week as business needs allow.

The Financial Analyst is responsible for forecasting, analyzing, and financial modeling in support of business objectives. In this role, the Financial Analyst is also responsible for developing proactive solutions and communicating potential impact on the overall business.

• Performs routine to complex financial analysis according to established procedures, departmental guidelines, and regulatory requirements applicable to the work.
• Performs financial oversight for assigned area(s).
• Maintains active communications with key business partners and presents findings.
• Provides analytical support in the conversion of brand strategies into innovative action plans.
• Leverages data analysis to determine the financial impact of proposed business initiatives.
• Proactively identifies discrepancies in data, determines cause and communicates questions/adjustments to appropriate accounting departments.
• Prepares and coordinates various weekly, monthly and/or year‑end analyses, reports and financial reports for management review.
• Participates in meetings providing analysis that recognizes both successes and opportunities in the area.
• Identifies and communicates emerging trends and their impact so action is prioritized appropriately.

• 2+ years of experience with progressing responsibility in moderate to highly complex financial analysis and reporting functions.
• Strong knowledge of Excel.
• Sound analytical skill, initiative and flexibility when analyzing results.
• Project management experience.

• Bachelor’s Degree (Accounting, Finance or related field).

• Proven experience with analyzing, prioritizing, and solving problems effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills.
• Solid teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and excellent follow through.
• Professional curiosity and initiative.
• Ability to carry out projects with minimal supervision.

• MBA, CPA or related advanced degree.
• Knowledge of statistics, corporate finance and/or accounting.
• Knowledge of HFM, Oracle, Micro Strategy BI, One Stream or similar financial systems.
• Self-starter willing to promote change when necessary.