Director of Finance

Department: Finance
Reports to: CEO, Country Executive
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Location: Greater Toronto Area (Mississauga) Hybrid (23 days per week in office)

About Nando's Canada

At Nando's, we believe it's never just about the chicken it's about the people who make it. We are a people-first, values-driven organization on an exciting growth journey, and we're looking for a Director of Finance to join our leadership team and help guide the business forward.

The Opportunity

The Director of Finance is the senior financial leader for Nando's Canada, responsible for overseeing the entire finance and accounting function across corporate-owned and franchise operations.

Reporting to the CEO, this role acts as the financial quarterback of the business ensuring accurate reporting, strong controls, disciplined planning, and actionable insights that drive profitable growth in a multi-unit restaurant environment.

Key ResponsibilitiesFinance & Accounting Leadership

• Lead and develop the finance and accounting teams, fostering accountability, partnership, and continuous improvement

• Oversee all core accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll, fixed assets, and revenue accounting

• Ensure all financial transactions are recorded accurately, completely, and on a timely basis in accordance with GAAP and company policies

• Own the monthly close process, ensuring financial statements are prepared, reviewed, and finalized on schedule

• Review balance sheet reconciliations and ensure strong documentation and discipline across all accounts

• Act as the primary escalation point for technical accounting and financial reporting matters

• Generate, review, and distribute internal and external financial reporting each accounting period

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning across restaurant operations, G&A, and franchise support

• Lead the annual operating plan, rolling forecasts, and internal financial models

• Partner with the CEO and leadership team on multi-year strategic planning, including unit growth, margin improvement, and capital deployment

• Coordinate G&A planning to ensure alignment with strategic and operational priorities

• Analyze weekly and monthly performance trends, including sales, labour, food costs, margins, and unit-level profitability

• Prepare clear variance analyses and forward-looking insights to support decision-making

Reporting & Business Insights

• Deliver clear, decision-oriented financial reporting for senior leadership and the board

• Develop and enhance reporting that compares actual results to budgets, forecasts, and strategic targets

• Partner with leaders to interpret results, identify risks and opportunities, and apply learnings to future decisions

• Support automated reporting, dashboards, and data views through financial systems and Power BI

• Provide ad hoc financial analysis to support restaurant operations, franchise performance, and cross-functional initiatives

Audit, Tax & Internal Controls

• Own external audit planning, coordination, and execution, ensuring timely and clean audit outcomes

• Support year-end audit preparation, including schedules and supporting documentation

• Partner with external advisors on corporate and franchise-related tax compliance and filings

• Review internal accounting controls, identify gaps, and implement improvements to mitigate risk and improve efficiency

• Communicate with leadership on how internal controls support risk management and profitability

Treasury & Financial Stewardship

• Oversee cash management, forecasting, and working capital optimization

• Monitor liquidity, cash flow trends, and capital needs

• Support capital planning decisions related to new restaurant openings, remodels, technology investments, and strategic initiatives

People Partnership & Systems

• Partner closely with the People team on the design, administration, and analysis of incentive plans

• Provide financial insight into compensation strategy and incentive outcomes

• Lead finance-related system implementations, upgrades, and process improvements

• Ensure finance systems, processes, and reporting scale effectively with business growth

What We're Looking ForEducation & Experience

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

• 7+ years of progressive finance experience, including senior leadership roles

• Experience in restaurant, hospitality, retail, or multi-unit environments preferred

• Proven experience leading and developing teams

Role Requirements

• People-first leader who builds, coaches, and develops high-performing teams

• Strong commercial and operational mindset with an understanding of restaurant economics

• Trusted business partner who translates complex financial data into clear, practical insights

• Sound judgment and ownership over financial integrity, controls, and risk management

• Strategic thinker who balances long-term growth with hands-on execution

• Confident communicator able to influence across all levels of the organization

• Solutions-oriented and comfortable operating in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

• Values-led leader aligned with Nando's culture and people focus

Why Join Nando's?

• Values-driven, people-first culture

• Key leadership role with real impact on business growth

• Hybrid work model

• Competitive compensation and benefits

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility

Nando's Canada is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodations are available upon request throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.