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Senior Director of Accounting

PopUp Bagels, New York, NY, United States


Location:

Monday-Thursday in New York City office, Fridays WFH after introductory period completed

Reports to:

EVP of Finance and Accounting

Role type:

Full-Time, Exempt

Benefits eligibility:

Company benefits, PTO, and 401k eligible

About PopUp Bagels PopUp Bagels is not just a bagel company—we’re a cultural movement. Our stores are small, our vibes are loud, and our energy is contagious. From signature neon and iconic bullhorns to our “Not Famous but Known” mirror, we’ve reimagined not just how a bagel is created, but how it’s enjoyed:

Grip, Rip and Dip!

With a cult-like following, massive social presence, and unparalleled collaborations with top companies, partners and Brand Ambassadors PopUp Bagels is defining a new food lifestyle brand. We keep things simple, but we do them really, really well. And our customers agree.

The Role The Sr. Director of Accounting is an accounting leader responsible for partnering with the EVP of Finance and Accounting and members of the Accounting team to maintain operational excellent and mange both tactical and strategic accounting functions. This role manages the drives the integrity of financial reporting, establishes scalable accounting infrastructure, and ensures compliance across both corporate and franchise operations. The Sr. Director of Accounting plays a pivotal role in shaping the financial foundation of a high-growth brand and is a key partner to executive leadership in supporting business decisions and long-term planning.

Lead and own the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and continuous improvement across all entities

Oversee general ledger maintenance, journal entries, and account reconciliations

Manage accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll accounting functions

Ensure consistent application of GAAP across all accounting activities

Oversee royalty reporting, franchise fee recognition, and intercompany reconciliations

Coordinate accounting processes across corporate-owned and franchise locations to ensure consistency and compliance

Establish and maintain franchisee financial reporting standards; serve as the senior accounting authority for franchise operations and compliance

Prepare and review internal financial statements and management reports

Direct external audit and tax preparation processes; serve as the primary executive liaison for auditors, tax advisors, and regulatory agencies

Maintain and enforce internal controls, policies, and procedures

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax and regulatory requirements

Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting team, including Accounting Managers and Staff Accountants; foster a culture of accountability, professional growth, and operational excellence

Serve as a strategic cross-functional partner to FP&A, Operations, and HR, providing financial leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and key business decisions

Lead and drive strategic special projects, systems implementations, and process transformation initiatives in partnership with the EVP of Finance and Accounting

Assume executive-level finance and accounting responsibilities as delegated by or in the absence of the EVP of Finance and Accounting

Required Education, Experience, and KSAs

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required

6+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 2-3+ years in a senior leadership or director-level role

Strong technical knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting

Experience with multi-entity or multi-location accounting environments

Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems and advanced Excel skills

Experience with system implementations or process improvement initiatives

Experience in franchising, retail, or hospitality industries, strongly preferred

Familiarity with franchise royalty accounting and FDD-related financial disclosures, strongly preferred

In-depth knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and financial reporting standards

Knowledge of internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO) and audit processes

Knowledge of franchise business models, including royalty structures, franchise fee recognition, and FDD financial statement requirements

Advanced proficiency in ERP and accounting systems; ability to leverage technology to streamline processes and reporting

Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, financial modeling, and large data set management

Strong financial statement preparation and review skills across income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow

Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non‑financial stakeholders

Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously

Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail

Ability to adapt to changing business conditions, priorities, and systems in a growing organization

Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial and personnel information with discretion

Physical Requirements The following physical requirements are representative of those that must be met to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with qualifying disabilities.

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Ability to use standard office equipment, including computer, keyboard, mouse, and telephone

Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching as needed in an office environment

Ability to lift and carry items up to 15 pounds on an occasional basis (e.g., files, office supplies, equipment)

Visual acuity sufficient to read printed and digital documents, spreadsheets, and financial reports

Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and via video conference

Occasional travel to corporate offices, franchise locations, or external meetings may be required (estimated up to 10%)

Additional Role Note The duties of this position may change from time to time. PopUp Bagels reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of PopUp Bagels or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general work level. It is not intended to be all‑inclusive.

PopUp Bagels is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, age, ancestry, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related condition, unemployment status, gender identity or expression, transgender status or gender dysphoria, marital status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, national origin, citizenship, disability, covered veteran and/or military status, genetic information or predisposing genetic characteristic, familial status as that term is described under other protected statuses or any other characteristic as protected under applicable federal, state and local law.

PopUp Bagels conducts pre‑employment screenings in compliance with local, state, and Federal laws, and utilizes eVerify to confirm U.S. Employment eligibility.

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