Executive Director, Accounting

Summary of Job Description

The Executive Director, Accounting is responsible for overseeing the process for restaurant COGS, third‑party delivery accounting, accounts receivable, international and domestic licensee/franchisee, financial system, financial reporting and various other restaurant‑level accounting. This role ensures accounting transactions are recorded accurately, timely and are GAAP‑compliant while continuously optimizing financial systems for efficiency and scalability. The Executive Director partners closely with the Controller to evaluate and enhance accounting processes, ensures robust internal controls, and supports accurate external and internal reporting.

This position leads the Restaurant Accounting, System, Fixed Assets, and Financial Reporting teams, coaching and developing managers, professionals, and support staff to elevate their performance and support long‑term organizational growth.

• Oversees the General Ledger/financial system function to ensure the accurate and timely preparation of periodic, quarterly, and annual close cycles. Ensures legal entity structures, cost centers, and chart of accounts within the ERP system are properly designed, aligned, and maintained to support business growth.
• Works with the Controller to design, implement, and monitor a robust internal controls framework that safeguards company assets and ensures accurate financial reporting; proactively communicates impact of accounting treatment on business decisions.
• Prepares and oversees quarterly and annual external financial statements at both legal entity and consolidated company levels, including quarterly bank covenant reporting. Supports the Controller during annual external audit to ensure timely completion.
• Provides oversight of joint venture investments and manages the accuracy of related financial statements. Proactively communicates financial results, risks, and implications to the Controller.
• Oversees royalty and franchisee accounting. Provides accounting support to international and licensed (non‑traditional) team.
• Oversees accounts receivable activities, including third‑party marketplace delivery, to ensure accurate recording and timely collection. Reviews and oversees Fixed Assets accounting processes and procedures to ensure accuracy and policy compliance. Supports period‑end and year‑end financial closings including timely review of reconciliations.
• Ensures accurate processing of restaurant inventory and Cost of Goods (COGS) and delivers effective accounting support and customer service to Operations.
• Leads, develops, and coaches the Restaurant Accounting, Fixed Assets, Systems, and Financial Reporting teams, which include professional and management positions. Recruits, selects, and retains team members, coaching and developing associates to elevate their performance in support of the company's growth.
• Leads major process improvement and system implementation initiatives that affect the areas managed to improve efficiency, accuracy, cost savings, and scalability.

• Hybrid Work schedule
• 401K with company match
• Yearly bonus opportunity*
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance *
• On‑site fitness center, biometric screen, and flu shot clinic
• Discounts at Panda restaurants, theme parks, and gym memberships
• Paid time off starting at 15 days with 7 federal holidays*
• Continuous education assistance and scholarships*
• Income protection including Disability, Life and AD&D insurance*
• Bereavement leave*

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting related required
• CPA license required;
  Big Four public accounting experience preferred.
• Minimum twelve to fifteen years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a retail/hospitality multi‑states environment with increasing management responsibility; experience with multi‑national accounting including multi‑currency consolidation and as functional/technical owner of an ERP system (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Workday), including design and maintenance of the global Chart of Accounts, legal entity structures, cost center hierarchies, and reporting design; experience with Workday Finance system preferred
• Successful…