Meet Angela, Director of Accounting and one of our many success stories!!

How long have you been with Portillo’s and what made you come work for us?

I have been with Portillo’s for 25 years. Prior to joining Portillo’s, I led the internal audit team with Underwriter’s Laboratories. I was looking to switch over to corporate accounting. A fellow colleague was on the external audit team for Portillo’s and provided a reference. Portillo’s was growing and diversifying and seeking to add a CPA to help maintain its growth. At the time, I was the only CPA on the team.

What do you love about Portillo’s?

What’s not to love about the brand! The food is so crave-able and second to none. The people I work with and interact with are amazing. Everyone is so passionate about their craft and eager to share ideas. It’s truly a family environment where you can be your authentic self, have fun, and grow your career.

What was your first position here and what position did you get promoted to?

I was first hired as an Accountant. As the department grew, I was promoted to Accounting Manager. After significant contributions during the sale of the company in 2014, I was promoted to Director of Accounting. Today, I am responsible for the consolidation and internal financial management reporting and lead the development of improvements in the financial reporting system and processes. I oversee our accounting, accounts payable, payroll, and tax groups consisting of 14 team members.

I also serve as the Treasurer of the Heart of Portillo’s Fund, our 501(c)3 charity created to support Portillo’s team members with financial hardships.

What do you love about your position?

It’s rewarding mentoring staff and watching them become stronger leaders, take on new roles, and advance in their careers. Also, with the continued company growth, there is always a new challenge. We are looking at how to streamline processes for efficiency and scalability. I enjoy reporting accurate and timely financial information and providing insights to my business partners which enables them to make informed decisions.

What advice would you give to someone at Portillo’s looking to move up?

Work hard and invest in your own development. Build relationships with cross functional teams to better understand the business and their roles. It’s all about being that trusted advisor and business partner. Be a contributor.

Where do see yourself growing in this company?

I have contributed as the company evolved from a small conglomerate of family-owned restaurants to a corporate powerhouse of dining hotspots serving customers across nine states. I continue to grow my technical and leadership skills so that I am prepared for a senior-level role. As Portillo’s continues to grow, the possibilities are endless!