Financial Planning & Analysis Senior Director

Our Flavor — Why Whataburger

Whataburger isn’t just a fast-food burger chain it is where bold leadership starts — and where potential doesn’t just grow, it heats up. Whether you're leading the line or working behind the scenes, this is the place where opportunities stack up, and every day gives you a chance to Make a Difference.

Since 1950, we’ve invested in people who lead with integrity, Serve with Heart, and bring their best flavor to the team. We believe in working together, speaking up, having a little fun, and Winning as One — because great burgers (and great teams) start with the right ingredients. If you're ready — to learn, grow, impact, and Move Forward Boldly — we’ve got your back and your path cooked to perfection.

Your Recipe for Impact — What You’ll Do

As a Financial Planning & Analysis Senior Director, you’ll be the enterprise’s strategic finance engine—turning data into decisions that Make a Difference for our Guests and Family Members by funding the initiatives that matter most. You’ll Serve with Heart as a trusted partner to executives and operators, delivering clear, actionable insights that illuminate the story behind our numbers. You’ll Win as One by aligning plans across Finance, Operations, and cross‑functional teams to drive accountability, performance, and shared results. And you’ll Move Forward Boldly by modernizing our planning processes, advancing scenario modeling, and elevating the cadence and quality of executive‑level reporting to shape Whataburger’s long‑term growth.

Day-to-Day Ingredients — Responsibilities

As a Financial Planning & Analysis Senior Director,  you will:

• Lead end‑to‑end annual planning, budgeting, and forecasting cycles enterprise‑wide.

• Build long‑range plans and scenario models to assess risks, opportunities, and strategic tradeoffs.

• Deliver executive‑ready reporting and financial storytelling for Senior Leadership and board forums.

• Drive performance management—define KPIs, analyze profitability drivers, and surface insights that inform action.

• Strengthen FP&A governance, cadence, and analytical frameworks to improve accuracy, transparency, and decision support.

• Provide strategic financial analysis for major initiatives (e.g., capital investments, acquisitions, enterprise programs).

• Partner cross‑functionally with Finance, Accounting, Operations, and other teams to align financial and operational goals.

• Build, mentor, and elevate a high‑performing FP&A team and analytical capability.

The Sauce — Pay & Perks

As a Financial Planning & Analysis Senior Director,  you will receive:

• Base compensation range: $175,000 to $225,000

• Bonus Program that scales up to 2.5X payout potential based on company results

• 5 weeks PTO

• Flex Weeks

• Paid Corporate Holidays

• Paid Parental Leave*

• 401(k) match $1/$1 up to 4%

• Competitive Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits*

• Short-term and Long-term Disability Benefits*

• Opportunities for Career Development and Growth

• Whataburger Family Foundation - Scholarship Program (dependents eligible) and Hardship Grant Assistance

• Wireless Service Discounts

• Computer & Software Discounts

• Fitness / Gym Discounts

• Awards and recognition for all you do

• Retirement Celebration Program

What You Bring to the Table — Required Experience

As a Financial Planning & Analysis Senior Director,  you must have: 

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• 12+ years of progressive FP&A/corporate finance experience; 5–7+ years leading and developing teams.

• Proven leadership of budgeting, forecasting, long‑range planning, and performance analysis in complex organizations.

• Advanced financial modeling and scenario planning; strong business storytelling for executive audiences.

• Ability to translate complex data into clear insights that influence strategy and decisions.

• Track record of cross‑functional collaboration and enterprise mindset.

Extra Toppings — Desired Experience

As a Financial Planning & Analysis Senior Director,  we prefer you to have: 

• MBA or other advanced degree.

• CPA or CFA.

• Experience in multi‑unit, restaurant, retail, or consumer businesses.

• Hands‑on leadership with enterprise planning platforms (e.g., Anaplan, Adaptive, Hyperion).

• Driving finance transformation and process improvement (governance, cadence, data quality).

• Board‑level reporting exposure and strategic investment evaluation experience.

Where & How You’ll Work

This role is based at the San Antonio Home Office, working on‑site Monday through Thursday. In this role, you’ll have strong collaboration with leadership, across cross-functional teams, and with external partners to align capabilities with restaurant realities. The work environment is fast‑paced and requires sound judgment, strategic thinking, and strong collaboration skills. Full‑time availability is required, with occasional extended hours based on business needs, along with occasional travel to properties, project sites, and external meetings. Candidates must reside within commuting distance of the San Antonio Home Office.

Whataburger is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, veteran status, age, or other condition or status protected by law. Whataburger participates in the federal E-Verify Program. For more information go to www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

*Eligibility rules may apply