Finance Manager | New York Restaurant Operations | NYC
About the Role
We are opening a new luxury dining concept in New York and are seeking a Finance Manager to play a key role in building the financial foundation of the business from the ground up. This individual will lead the financial setup during pre-opening, including budgeting, accounting systems, reporting structures, internal controls, payroll preparation, and operational financial planning. Following the opening, the Finance Manager will oversee all day-to-day finance and accounting functions, partnering closely with operations to drive profitability, ensure compliance, and support strategic decision-making. This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys building processes, collaborating across departments, and contributing to the successful launch of a flagship hospitality concept.
Desired Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field required.
- Professional qualification such as CPA, ACCA, CMA, or equivalent preferred.
- Minimum 5 years' experience in finance or accounting, preferably within luxury hospitality, restaurants, or F&B operations.
- Previous management or supervisory experience is highly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
- Solid understanding of US financial regulations, audit processes, and compliance requirements.
- Proficiency in accounting software, ERP systems, Microsoft Excel, and financial reporting tools.
- Ability to work flexible schedules when operationally required.
Skills and Abilities
- Strong financial analysis and reporting capability.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills.
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in financial records and reporting.
- Strong commercial awareness with a proactive cost-control mindset.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational and planning capability.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity.
- Professional conduct and sound decision-making ability.
Key Targets
- Ensure accuracy and integrity of all financial reporting.
- Maintain strong internal financial controls and compliance standards.
- Support profitability through effective budgeting and cost management.
- Ensure timely completion of month-end and year-end financial closing.
- Improve financial efficiency and optimize operational cost control.
- Maintain compliance with audit, tax, and regulatory requirements.
- Support strategic business decisions through financial analysis and reporting.
- Ensure smooth daily financial operations across all departments.
Pre-Opening Duties and Responsibilities
- Support the financial planning and setup of the business during the pre-opening phase in line with approved budgets and opening timelines.
- Assist in the setup and testing of accounting systems, reporting structures, and internal financial controls prior to opening.
- Establish financial policies, procedures, and approval workflows for the opening phase and ongoing operations.
- Coordinate with procurement, operations, and department heads to validate opening costs, supplier agreements, and pricing structures.
- Oversee opening inventory valuation, stock capitalization, and cost allocation processes.
- Support payroll setup, labor cost structures, and statutory registrations in preparation for opening.
- Assist with audit readiness, compliance requirements, and regulatory filings required prior to opening.
- Support soft openings, trial operations, and opening events from a financial control and reporting perspective.
General Duties, Tasks, and Responsibilities
- Oversee and manage all finance and accounting operations of the business.
- Ensure accurate recording of all financial transactions in accordance with company policies and accounting standards.
- Prepare and review daily, weekly, monthly, and annual financial reports for management.
- Lead month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
- Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and financial planning processes.
- Monitor revenue, costs, labor, and operational expenses to identify opportunities for improved profitability.
- Conduct variance analysis and provide recommendations to improve financial performance.
- Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, and cash flow management.
- Report any discrepancies to the CFO and Director of Procurement and Finance.
- Ensure reconciliation of bank accounts, supplier statements, and balance sheet accounts.
- Monitor cash handling procedures and ensure proper controls are in place.
- Establish and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard company assets and reduce financial risk.
- Coordinate with department heads to ensure budgets and spending remain within approved limits.
- Support purchasing and inventory teams in cost analysis, stock valuation, and cost-control initiatives.
- Manage audit preparation and liaise with external auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory authorities.
- Ensure compliance with all financial, tax, legal, and regulatory obligations.
- Review contracts and financial agreements to identify risks and opportunities.
- Prepare business performance reports and financial presentations for senior management.
- Lead, train, and develop the finance team to ensure high performance and accountability.
- Maintain confidentiality of all financial and commercially sensitive information.
- Perform any additional duties as assigned by senior management.