Big Onion Hospitality (BOH) is seeking a strategic, results-driven Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join our executive leadership team during an exciting phase of growth. This is a high-impact opportunity for a finance leader who understands the hospitality industry, thrives in fast-paced environments, and wants a true seat at the table shaping the future of a dynamic restaurant group.
This role goes far beyond reporting and compliance—you will be a key business partner to the CEO, and senior leadership, driving financial strategy, scalability, and long-term value creation across all Big Onion Hospitality brands.
Why This Role Is Special
Executive Influence & Ownership
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, directly influencing strategic decisions, growth initiatives, and capital allocation.
- Play a central role in Big Onion Hospitality’s Phase II growth, including expansion, and operational optimization.
Hospitality-Focused, Growth-Oriented
- Lead finance across a portfolio of full-service restaurants while gaining exposure to additional ventures and affiliated entities.
- Balance hands-on financial leadership with high-level strategy in a people-first, hospitality-driven organization.
Build, Lead, Scale
- Design and lead scalable financial systems, processes, and teams to support continued growth.
- Bring structure, insight, and discipline while preserving BOH’s entrepreneurial spirit.
About Big Onion Hospitality
Big Onion Hospitality is a collection of beloved Chicago-area restaurants known for bold concepts, exceptional hospitality, and deep community roots. From energetic neighborhood restaurants to polished-casual dining experiences, our brands consistently deliver quality, consistency, and memorable guest experiences.
As one of Chicago’s most respected hospitality groups, we are passionate about growth, innovation, and creating places where both guests and employees feel at home.
Learn more at www.BigOnionInc.com
The Role: Chief Financial Officer
As CFO, you will oversee all financial functions for Big Onion Hospitality and its affiliated entities, ensuring financial health, transparency, and strategic alignment across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Executive Leadership
- Partner with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to develop and execute financial strategy aligned with company goals.
- Provide financial modeling, forecasting, and analysis to support growth initiatives, and expansion opportunities.
- Serve as a key voice in executive decision-making, balancing risk, return, and operational realities.
Financial Oversight & Reporting
- Oversee all accounting operations, including month-end close, financial statements, and consolidated reporting across all entities.
- Deliver timely, accurate daily, weekly, and monthly reporting with actionable insights for leadership.
- Analyze trends, variances, margins, and unit-level performance to drive profitability and efficiency.
Accounting, Controls & Compliance
- Maintain a strong system of internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with tax filings, debt covenants, government reporting, and regulatory requirements.
- Manage external auditors, tax advisors, lenders, and other financial partners.
Cash Flow, Treasury & Capital Management
- Oversee cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, and banking relationships.
- Manage debt structures, lender reporting, and covenant compliance.
- Support capital planning, financing strategies, and potential equity initiatives.
Team & Systems Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting and finance team.
- Design workflows and leverage technology to improve accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
- Oversee outsourced providers and ensure alignment with BOH standards.
Capital Procurement (Debt & Equity)
- Lead and assist CEO with procurement of Equity capital to fuel growth of both full service operational and QSR operation.
- Lead and assist CEO with procurement of Debt capital to fuel growth of both full service operational and QSR operation.
What You Bring
- 8+ years of progressive finance or accounting experience, with significant leadership responsibility.
- Hospitality or multi-unit restaurant experience strongly preferred.
- Proven experience overseeing full-cycle accounting, financial reporting, and close processes.
- Experience with Restaurant365 (required); familiarity with Tonic is a plus.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (CPA or MBA a plus).
- Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.
- Track record of partnering with executive teams to drive business results.
The Ideal CFO
- Thinks strategically but isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves.
- Understands restaurant operations and unit-level economics.
- Thrives in a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.
- Communicates clearly, builds trust, and leads with accountability.
- Brings structure without stifling creativity.
What We Offer
- Competitive Executive Compensation: $150,000–$180,000+ (commensurate with experience).
- Annual bonus opportunities tied to company performance.
- Equity compensation—share in the long-term success of Big Onion Hospitality.
- Medical insurance with employer contribution.
- Employer-paid basic life insurance.
- Voluntary benefits including Dental, Vision, Accident, and more.
- 401(k) with employer match.
- Unlimited Paid Time Off and holidays.
Location & Work Style
This is primarily an in-office role at our corporate office in the greater Chicago area. Flexibility may be available for seasoned executives who consistently deliver results.
Ready to Lead With Us?
At Big Onion Hospitality, we’re building something special—and we’re looking for a CFO who wants to help lead it. If you’re energized by growth, hospitality, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Our interview process includes:
- Initial screening with Controller
- In-office interview with members of our Senior Leadership Team
- Final interview with the CEO
Big Onion Hospitality is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.
