Financial Analyst - Operations

The Financial Analyst is responsible for providing analytical and financial support across all areas of the Business. This position will play a key role in the company’s financial planning function as well as driving operational efficiency through reporting and analysis. The role will partner with leadership and senior managers to monitor key performance metrics, understand sales/traffic/product mix trends, and analyze the company’s financial results.

This role requires a self-starter with excellent business modeling skills, a keen attention to detail and focus on time management as well as the ability to challenge conventional thinking in a fast-paced environment.

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

• Forecasting/Budgeting: Participate in quarterly and annual financial forecasts/budgets, typically working with broader organization to understand key forecast/budget assumptions.
• Construct and maintain models in support of the forecast/budget process. Play key role in unit-level planning process.
• Understand performance of current limited-time menu offerings and project impact of future ones. Perform pricing analyses as necessary. 
• Analyze/forecast how changes in product mix and pricing impact our cost of goods sold (COGS).
• Perform testing analysis and effectively communicate the risk or upside of potential marketing tactics or menu changes.
• Ad-hoc Reporting/Analysis: Provide robust and accurate ad-hoc financial analysis and effectively present the results and recommendations to leadership.  Report on week, period, quarter, and annual financial performance to the leadership team, and prepare explanations of variances to budget.

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or analytical discipline with 1+ years of corporate financial planning and analysis experience
• Intermediate Excel skills and proficient in PowerPoint
• Experience with SQL
• Solid understanding of financial statement analysis, corporate finance and financial modeling
• Analytical skills and ability to understand First Watch’s business model through metrics and analysis
• Effective communication skills in presenting results

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 630 First Watch restaurants in 32 states. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.

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.