Director of Accounting

Director of Accounting

Location: Monday–Thursday in office in New York City, Fridays WFH after introductory period completed

Reports to: EVP of Finance and Accounting

Role type: Full-Time, Exempt

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 Director of Accounting is a hands-on accounting leader responsible for executing and managing the day-to-day accounting operations of the business. Reporting to the EVP of Finance and Accounting, this role ensures the integrity of financial reporting, supports the development of scalable accounting processes, and maintains compliance across both corporate and franchise operations. The Director of Accounting is a key contributor to the financial health of a high-growth brand and works cross-functionally to support business decisions and planning.

Essential Responsibilities

• Manage the monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to established procedures across all entities
• Maintain general ledger integrity, prepare and review journal entries, and perform account reconciliations
• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll accounting functions
• Ensure consistent application of GAAP across all accounting activities
• Support royalty reporting, franchise fee recognition, and intercompany reconciliations
• Coordinate accounting processes across corporate-owned and franchise locations to ensure consistency and compliance
• Assist in maintaining franchisee financial reporting standards and support franchise accounting compliance
• Prepare and review internal financial statements and management reports
• Support external audit and tax preparation processes; serve as a key point of contact for auditors and tax advisors
• Maintain and help enforce internal controls, policies, and procedures
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local tax and regulatory requirements
• Supervise and develop accounting staff, including Staff Accountants and Accounting Associates; foster a culture of accountability and professional growth
• Partner cross-functionally with FP&A, Operations, and HR to provide financial support on budgeting, forecasting, and business decisions
• Contribute to special projects, systems implementations, and process improvement initiatives as directed by the EVP of Finance and Accounting

Required Education, Experience, and KSAs

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required
• 5-8 years of progressive accounting experience, including 2-3 years in a supervisory or lead role
• Strong working knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting
• Experience in multi-entity or multi-location accounting environments
• Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems and advanced Excel skills
• Exposure to system implementations or process improvement initiatives preferred
• Experience in franchising, retail, or hospitality industries strongly preferred
• Familiarity with franchise royalty accounting and FDD-related financial disclosures strongly preferred
• Solid understanding of internal control frameworks (e.g., COSO) and audit processes
• Experience using Restaurant 365, or similar restaurant management platforms
• Proficiency in ERP and accounting systems with an ability to leverage technology to improve reporting and processes
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables and large data set management
• Strong financial statement preparation skills across income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
• Sound professional judgment, high attention to detail, and strong analytical skills
• Ability to adapt to changing business conditions and priorities in a fast-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.