First Watch Restaurants · 2 days ago
Senior Internal Audit Manager
Bradenton, FL
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
7+ years expFirst Watch Restaurants is a leading Daytime Dining concept known for its made-to-order breakfast and brunch. The Senior Internal Audit Manager will oversee the execution of the annual SOX audit plan and lead complex audits while partnering with executive leadership to enhance risk mitigation strategies.
E-CommerceFood and BeverageWine And Spirits
Hiring Manager
Eric Hugan
Responsibilities
Lead the planning, execution and reporting of financial, operational and compliance audits across the organization
Drive the development and ongoing refinement of a risk-based annual audit plan, ensuring alignment with the Company’s key risks and strategic priorities
Develop and maintain a risk-based audit plan and ensure alignment with business priorities
Evaluate internal controls and identify opportunities for process improvement and risk mitigation
Prepare and deliver clear, compelling audit reports and presentations to senior leadership and stakeholders
Monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and corrective actions
Build effective relationships with process owners and senior management to stay abreast of activities within the Company’s operations for consideration in risk assessment exercises and audit planning activities
Educate management and process owners by leading training sessions to demonstrate compliance requirements and share hot topics in SOX compliance
Collaborate with external auditors and regulatory bodies as needed
Provide guidance and mentorship to audit team members and support their professional development
Stay current on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in internal auditing and adjust audit plans accordingly
Drive cross-functional initiatives to strengthen internal controls, enhance operational efficiency, and support regulatory compliance
Champion the use of data analytics and automation to improve audit quality, efficiency, and insight generation
Partner with external auditors on SOX strategy and testing to optimize reliance and reduce duplication of efforts
Lead or support investigations into suspected fraud or misconduct, coordinating with Legal and Compliance as needed
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA, CIA, or CISA certification strongly preferred
7+ years of progressive experience in internal audit public accounting or a related field
Comprehensive understanding of internal control frameworks (e.g. COSO), risk assessment, audit methodologies, PCAOB standards, and GAAP
Experience auditing IT general controls (ITGCs) and application controls
EPR system knowledge
High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail
Excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to lead through change and drive strategic initiatives
Strong presentation and communication skills, including experience presenting to Audit Committees, Boards and/or external auditors
Proven ability to influence and build relationships across all levels of the organization
Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
Strong computer skills (Great Plains, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat Pro, etc.)
Able to document and analyze business processes
Resourceful with an established bias for action in a team environment
Preferred
Restaurant, hospitality or retail industry experience preferred
Company
First Watch Restaurants
At First Watch, you’re the reason we wake up at the crack of dawn, ready to make your day that much brighter.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$158.08M2024-11-12Post Ipo Secondary· $158.08M
2022-09-12Post Ipo Equity
2021-10-01IPO
Leadership Team
Dan Jones
Chief Operations Officer
Eric Hartman
Chief Development Officer
Recent News
2026-01-07
2026-01-06
Company data provided by crunchbase