Manager – Franchise Revenue & Accounts Receivable [T500-18857]

About Inspire Brands:

Inspire Brands is disrupting the restaurant industry through digital transformation and operational efficiencies. The company’s technology hub, Inspire Brands Hyderabad Support Center, India, will lead technology innovation and product development for the organization and its portfolio of distinct brands. The Inspire Brands Hyderabad Support Center will focus on developing new capabilities in data science, data analytics, eCommerce, automation, cloud computing, and information security to accelerate the company’s business strategy. Inspire Brands Hyderabad Support Center will also host an innovation lab and collaborate with start-ups to develop solutions for productivity optimization, workforce management, loyalty management, payments systems, and more.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The Manager will lead the Franchise Revenue and Accounts Receivable functions to ensure accurate and efficient franchise invoicing, collections, close, internal and external reporting, and controls. This role will assist in the formation of a new accounting shared services team in the Inspire Hyderabad Support Center (“HSC”). The Manager will be responsible for training and transitioning work from the Global Accounting Shared Services support centers in Atlanta, GA and Canton, MA to the HSC.

This role will partner closely with the Franchise Revenue Accounting, Franchise Collections, Corporate Cash, and Franchise Services teams in the Atlanta and Canton support centers. The successful candidate will have prior experience managing Accounts Receivable functions in a shared services environment, strong communication skills, and experience building relationships and communicating with both external and internal stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibility for Franchise revenue billing, cash collections, close, and reporting processes. Ensure compliance with U.S. GAAP, internal controls, company policies, and company procedures for accurate and timely reporting.

• Manage the end-to-end process for franchise revenue, including billing, collections, application of cash receipts for all brands (both domestic and international) to meet close and reporting deadlines (subledger and ledger) for approximately 33,000 franchise locations, representing ~$2.8B in annual revenue.
• Supervise testing and execution of A/R sub-system changes / upgrades and routine closings and maintenance.
• Participate in planning / testing / training for integrations and system implementations.
• Supervise and troubleshoot reporting / billing / invoicing process including any misc. billing (notes, sales corrections, etc.).
• Supervise execution and handling of cash posting and reconcile to the bank daily / weekly.
• Prepare, review, and analyze aging reports to identify trends and recommend solutions.
• Execute collections processes, initial franchisee follow-ups, and work with Legal, Franchise Operations, and other Inspire internal groups to move to resolution.
• Supervise research and resolution of franchisee account discrepancies and disputes.
• Point of contact for Franchisee accounting to resolve any reporting / billing / cash issues.
• Produce monthly reporting to management to assist in the wire process and other ad-hoc reporting.
• Work with internal Marketing, IT and FP&A teams to facilitate set-up and execution of any additional billing or credit programs involving franchisees.
• Lead efforts to form a new shared services team and transition A/R functions from other locations and teams to the HSC.
• Lead a team of 6-8 professionals including a mix of full-time employees and contractors.
• Manage and develop a high-performing team where inclusion and diversity are leveraged for innovation and continuous improvement. Develop a culture of collaboration, training, and success.
• Provide leadership and feedback on employee performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Drive employee engagement and career development for team.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends and variances to support the business regarding revenue performance.
• Assist with ad hoc projects and analysis as required.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, such as Treasury, IT, Financial Systems, AP, AR, etc., and provide support as required.
• Provide detailed analysis to support Accounting, Finance, senior management, and the business.
• Work closely with the Finance transformation team to review the end-to-end processes and evaluate opportunities to scale through digitalization, centralization, or automation.

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field
• Certified Public Accountant or Chartered Accountant is a plus

EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience in a similar role
• Prior experience of managing in a global accounting delivery model, including onboarding new processes and capabilities
• ERP, financial systems experience
• Experience building and leading high performing teams
• Experience with process improvement, change management and systems implementations

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS or ABILITIES:

• Excellent verbal and written communication, active listening, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates a customer focused approach.
• Organized and detail oriented.
• Experience with Oracle Cloud and/or system implementations or upgrades is a plus.
• Ability to plan work effectively, supervise and coordinate the work of the team, meet assigned deadlines, and make sound decisions.
• Self-sufficient, dependable, and strong ability to multi-task and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Highly proficient in Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Strong finance acumen and customer service focus
• Strong technical, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to combine technical abilities, business acumen and U.S. GAAP knowledge to develop and deliver solutions for business partners and senior management
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced, fast-growing company where adaptability is imperative

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY:

DIRECT REPORTS: