Job Description

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) serves as a core Officer of the Company and a strategic member of the Executive Leadership Team. Based in Chicago, this role is responsible for enterprise-level financial strategy, capital structure, fiscal governance, and the long-term economic health of a growing multi-unit, multi-concept restaurant group.

The CFO provides forward-looking financial leadership that enables disciplined growth, operational excellence, and scalable infrastructure. This executive partners closely with Ownership, Operations, and Development to drive profitability, strengthen internal controls, optimize capital allocation, and support expansion across markets.

Location & Travel: This position is based in Chicago, IL. Occasional travel to various markets and concept locations is required.

Industry Requirement: Direct experience in a multi-unit restaurant or hospitality environment is strictly required.

Primary ResponsibilitiesEnterprise Financial Strategy & Capitalization

• Strategic Advisory: Serve as a lead advisor to Ownership on growth, risk, capital structure, and performance optimization.
• Capital Strategy: Lead equity structuring, debt strategy, and liquidity planning; drive fundraising initiatives including investor materials and data rooms.
• M&A & Due Diligence: Oversee diligence for new investors, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships; negotiate financing and credit facilities.
• Planning & Forecasting: Lead annual budgeting, long-range planning, scenario modeling, and enterprise forecasting.

Financial Operations & Infrastructure

• Scalable Systems: Build and maintain the financial infrastructure required to support rapid geographic and concept expansion.
• Internal Controls: Establish enterprise-level controls to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant reporting across all locations.
• Accounting & Tax: Oversee all accounting, treasury, and tax functions, ensuring adherence to GAAP and local regulations.
• Standardization: Develop company-wide financial policies, reporting standards, and SOPs.

Performance Optimization & Analysis

• Actionable Reporting: Deliver clear KPIs and dashboards to Ownership and Operations to drive unit-level and corporate accountability.
• Cost Discipline: Drive rigorous management of Labor, COGS, and Occupancy costs without compromising guest experience or brand standards.
• Growth Analytics: Provide advanced financial modeling, ROI analysis, and business case evaluation for new concepts and market entries.

Cash Flow, Treasury, and Risk Management

• Liquidity Management: Oversee enterprise cash flow forecasting and working capital strategy.
• Banking & Lending: Manage banking relationships, lender negotiations, and treasury operations.
• Asset Protection: Protect company assets through structured risk management, insurance oversight, and contract review.
• Contractual Oversight: Evaluate financial exposure related to leases, vendor contracts, and licensing agreements.

Growth, Development, and Leadership

• Real Estate Strategy: Partner with Development and Operations on feasibility studies, site selection, lease structuring, and construction budgeting.
• Operational Alignment: Partner cross-functionally with HR and Marketing to align financial accountability across the enterprise.
• Team Development: Build and lead a high-performing Finance and Accounting organization, developing internal talent and succession plans.

QualificationsProfessional Experience

• Executive Tenure: Proven experience as a CFO or senior finance executive within a multi-unit restaurant group.
• Growth Track Record: Demonstrated success in supporting high-growth, multi-market expansion.
• Capital Markets: Experience leading capitalization strategy, fundraising, lender negotiations, and investor relations.
• Stakeholder Relations: Experience working with ownership groups, private equity, or institutional investors.

Technical Competencies

• Restaurant Economics: Deep expertise in restaurant accounting, labor models, COGS management, and inventory systems.
• Financial Rigor: Strong command of GAAP, financial modeling, internal controls, and treasury management.
• Development Savvy: Ability to review and approve financial terms related to leases, capital expenditures, and vendor agreements.

Leadership Profile

• Player/Coach Mindset: Ability to operate strategically while remaining highly hands-on in an entrepreneurial growth environment.
• Executive Presence: Ability to influence cross-functional leadership teams with clarity and confidence.
• Integrity: A commitment to promoting a culture of transparency, integrity, and financial discipline.

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