Sr. Manager of Tax

Overview The Senior Manager of Tax is a key member of the tax function, responsible for supporting the Company’s income tax provision, compliance, tax reporting, controls, and process improvement activities. The Senior Manager will help execute the Company’s tax strategy, ensure timely and accurate compliance and reporting, and provide practical tax support to internal stakeholders. Responsibilities The essential functions in this job description are not all-inclusive of this position’s duties and responsibilities. Reliable and dependable attendance is required. Tax Compliance & Reporting Manage and review federal, state, and local income tax compliance workstreams, including coordination with external advisors and internal stakeholdersSupport the quarterly and annual income tax provision process under ASC 740, including preparation and/or review of key schedules, rate reconciliation items, deferred tax analyses, uncertain tax positions, and related documentationPrepare and review tax-related financial statement support and disclosure tie-outs in a manner that is complete, accurate, and audit-readyAssist with sales and use tax, property tax, and related compliance matters, including coordination with internal teams, vendors, and advisors as needed Internal Controls & Governance Execute and strengthen tax controls, review procedures, and documentation standards consistent with public company expectationsMaintain organized, supportable workpapers and review evidence that demonstrate precision, completeness, and accountabilityPartner with internal audit, accounting, and external auditors to support efficient execution of SOX and financial statement audit procedures Tax Planning & Technical Research Conduct tax research and technical analysis to support business initiatives, tax accounting conclusions, compliance positions, and planning opportunitiesIdentify and escalate tax risks, opportunities, and judgmental matters to the VP of Tax with clear analysis and recommended next stepsSupport cash tax forecasting, state tax planning, credits and incentives, and legislative monitoring as assigned Audit & Controversy Management Manage day-to-day responses to income, indirect, and property tax notices and audits, including information gathering, support preparation, advisor coordination, and status trackingMaintain clear documentation of audit positions, open items, deadlines, and escalation matters Process Improvement & Transformation Help improve the scalability, transparency, and reliability of tax processes through better workpaper design, calendar discipline, data quality, automation, and use of technologySupport efforts to standardize recurring tax processes, improve handoffs, and reduce reliance on ad hoc knowledge or manual procedures Cross-Functional Partnership Serve as a practical tax resource for Accounting, FP&A, Treasury, Legal, HR, IT, Operations, and other stakeholders, escalating complex or sensitive matters to the VP of Tax as appropriateTranslate tax requirements and risks into clear, actionable guidance for non-tax audiences Leadership & Team Development Manage and coach tax team members and external advisors on assigned workstreams, deliverables, documentation standards, and deadlinesModel accountability, responsiveness, and high-quality execution across the tax functionDemonstrate readiness for expanded leadership responsibilities through consistent ownership, judgment, and continuous improvement Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required; Master’s in Taxation preferredActive CPA license required7+ years of relevant tax experience, including meaningful public accounting and/or public company tax experienceStrong ASC 740 and income tax compliance experience required; public company reporting and SOX/control experience strongly preferredExperience with multi-state taxation required; restaurant, food and beverage, hospitality, or other multi-unit, consumer-facing industry experience preferred but not requiredDemonstrated ability to review workpapers, identify issues, document conclusions, and communicate practical recommendationsExperience managing projects, deadlines, advisors, and/or staff; prior formal people-management experience preferred but not required for otherwise strong candidatesStrong tax technical and research skills, with ability to analyze complex matters and escalate conclusions appropriately Who We Are 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.