Job Description

The Company

First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch’s chef-driven menu rotates multiple times per year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact to our communities – raising approximately $2.0 million to date. A recipient of many “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, and also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace in America by the Best Practice Institute – an accolade most recently featured in The Wall Street Journal – after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023, as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 660 First Watch restaurants in 33 states. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.

Job Summary

The Senior Accountant oversees core accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, strong internal controls and insightful analysis to support business growth and strategic decisions for our public company.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required.

• Financial Reporting & Close – Lead month-end, quarter-end and year-end closing processes, preparing journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations and financial statement disclosures in accordance with GAAP.
• Analysis & Variance – conduct variance analysis to ensure the accuracy of financial statement amounts.
• Systems & Process Improvement – Utilize and optimize systems and automated workflows. Identify and implement process improvements.
• Compliance & Audit – Support internal and external audits, including maintaining and providing documentation for key areas.
• Collaboration - Work collaboratively with other Corporate functions (Development, Operations, Marketing, Finance, Information Technology, etc.). Work effectively and alongside third-party service providers (consultants, auditors).
• Support Company and Department Initiatives - Lead and support accounting related projects and functions as assigned, including process and internal control improvement efforts.
• Mentorship – Assist in the development and training of accounting staff.
• Adhere to and enforce Company policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in Accounting required; pursuing CPA license a plus.
• Minimum 3 years of progressive accounting experience; ideally in multi-unit restaurants, public accounting and/or public companies.
• Experience with public company reporting and financial closes, including account reconciliations.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and relevant financial accounting regulations
• Knowledge of internal controls, including the requirements of SOX
• Experience with and understanding of SEC rules
• Experience working with internal and external auditors
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required
• Experience with Accounting and Financial Reporting systems a plus (including Great Plains, Blackline, Workiva)

First Watch is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, First Watch will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.