Chief Financial Officer

Job Title: Chief Financial Officer

Reports to: Chief Investment Officer

Company Overview:

Founded in 1987, WKS Restaurant Group operates four iconic restaurant brands–Denny’s, El Pollo Loco, Krispy Kreme and Wendy’s–across approximately 375 locations in 20 states. Ranked among the top 10 largest restaurant franchisees in the U.S., WKS is dedicated to achieving operational excellence and financial strength.

Position Summary:

The CFO will lead all financial functions within the company, offering strategic leadership to maintain financial health, ensure compliance, and support sustainable growth. This role requires extensive knowledge in capital markets, financial planning and analysis, accounting, reporting, treasury, and risk management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Capital Markets & Debt Management: Access debt capital markets to meet liquidity needs, while optimizing the company’s cost of capital and balance sheet structure.

• Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A): Oversee the development and execution of the annual operating plan to meet the company’s financial targets.

• Treasury & Cash Flow Management: Manage the treasury function, overseeing cash flow, liquidity, and working capital to ensure optimal operational efficiency.

• Financial Compliance & Reporting: Ensure compliance with the company’s external reporting requirements and financial covenants.

• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with executive leadership to support strategic decision-making and the achievement of long-term priorities.

• Operational Efficiency: Implement cost management and efficiency initiatives to enhance profitability.

• Technology & Systems Integration: Drive the adoption of technology and systems to improve efficiency, streamline reporting, and enhance decision-making capabilities.

• Risk Management: Oversee efforts in enterprise risk management, identifying financial risks and mitigation strategies in alignment with the company’s growth plans.

• Team Development & Leadership: Build and mentor a high-performing team, promoting talent development and succession planning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field; MBA or CPA preferred.
• 0+ years of progressive financial leadership experience.
• Experience raising and managing large debt facilities.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and planning.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across all levels.