Being a good investor and being a good firm are two different things. We want to be both.

We are an Atlanta-based private equity firm with $42 billion in assets under management specializing in franchise and franchise-like business models. Our portfolio companies span multiple sectors including restaurants, business and consumer services, health and wellness, and education and youth activities.

Since our founding in 2001, we have been guided by the same core values – do what’s right and long-term smart, regardless of conventional wisdom…even when it’s hard, and even when no one’s looking.

We view investing as a team sport. Our goal is shared success – for customers, employees, franchisees, strategic partners, service providers, management teams, and shareholders. We have a focused investment strategy that provides pattern recognition and a deep belief in win-win partnerships.

We partner with market-leading companies and management teams and believe in value creation through operational excellence. Currently, they generate $100 billion in annual system sales from 117,000+ locations across the globe.

Job Description

Roark is adding to their finance team to support continued growth. We are seeking a Finance Associate that will report to the Finance Manager and Chief Financial Officer. The Finance Associate will be a member of the finance team, with responsibility for the reporting and maintenance of records of Roark’s employee investment vehicles, support of the firm’s employee compensation processes, and management company FP&A. The Finance Associate will be expected to play an active role in day-to-day operations and projects, with direct exposure to senior leadership and a working understanding of how Roark's funds and employee vehicles are economically structured.

Summary of Essential Job Functions

Responsible for the capital and carried interest reporting for all of Roark’s employee vehicles
Prepare capital call and distribution calculations, allocations, and investor notices
Assist with the preparation of investor capital account statements and various ad hoc reports
Maintain and reconcile employee investor database
Support and enhance employee compensation processes and initiatives
Support management company FP&A, including annual budget preparation, forecasting and variance analysis
Be an integral part of Finance function by providing support to employee investors while ensuring investor queries are responded to on a timely basis
Become a champion of core systems used in day-to-day tasks, including, but not limited to, Investran, DX and Kyriba

Characteristics of an Outstanding Performer

Keen attention to detail with superior organization and time management
Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills and ability to interact with senior leadership.
Results-focused work ethic and a “roll up your sleeves”
High sense of urgency and strong follow-
Ability to work independently, with little supervision in a fast-paced, high performing environment
Demonstrated ability to meet established deadlines along with the flexibility to accommodate changing priorities
Comfort with working collaboratively in a small team in a fast-paced office environment
Sound judgment and discretion in handling highly confidential compensation, carried interest and individual capital account information.

Desired Education Credentials and Professional Experience

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance or relevant field
1-3 years of prior accounting experience – Big 4 / Public Accounting preferred
CPA or CPA candidate
Experience with partnership accounting a plus
Experience in Investran a plus
Strong analytical, problem solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills, with the ability to multitask and deliver under tight deadlines; the candidate should be a self-starter that handles complexity well and identifies potential solutions.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Compensation and Benefits

Roark provides a highly competitive package that includes, but is not limited to:

Base salary plus annual performance bonus
Medical, dental, vision, life insurance and long-term disability insurance
401k with employer match
Paid time off and holidays
Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks are provided daily in the office

About the company

Roark Capital is an Atlanta-based private equity firm that invests in consumer and business services, with a concentration on franchise and franchise-like models. It grows its investments by acquiring franchise networks and multi-location brands, then providing capital and management collaboration to help those brands expand across locations. It differentiates itself through scale and a stakeholder-aligned approach, boasting 105 franchise or multi-location brands with about 107,500 locations and roughly $94 billion in system revenues across 50 states and 118 countries. Its goal is to build durable, growth-oriented franchise brands by partnering with management and owners to create value for customers, employees, franchisees, partners, and investors.

Company Size

N/A

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Atlanta, Georgia

Founded

1996

Get referred to Roark Capital

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Reuters on May 8, 2026 said Inspire Brands confidentially filed for a U.S. IPO.
Bloomberg reported April 17, 2026 Roark picked JPMorgan and Bank of America for Inspire.
Dave’s Hot Chicken joined Roark in June 2025, adding a fast-growing franchise platform.

What critics are saying

FTC scrutiny already slowed Subway in 2024; future restaurant deals face tougher antitrust reviews.
ADW Capital pressed Driven Brands on June 9, 2026, forcing a strategic-review fight.
Franchisee lawsuits against Moe’s accuse Roark-linked systems of kickbacks, risking dividend capacity and exits.

What makes Roark Capital unique

Roark controls franchise-heavy platforms like Subway, Inspire Brands, and Driven Brands.
Roark specializes in royalty-based, multi-location businesses with repeatable unit economics.
Roark’s 2026 portfolio spans restaurants, automotive services, fitness, and facility services.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Paid Holidays
Meal Benefits

Company News

PR Newswire

Mar 27th, 2026

Nick Saban presents Communities In Schools of Atlanta's top honor to Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Adam Chamberlain at annual choose Success Awards Dinner.

Nick Saban presents Communities In Schools of Atlanta's top honor to Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Adam Chamberlain at annual choose Success Awards Dinner. Mar 27, 2026, 09:34 ET Chamberlain Receives Anne Cox Chambers Champion for Kids Award; Roark Honored with Corporate Partner Award at Sold-Out Celebration Benefiting Metro Atlanta Students ATLANTA, March 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Former head college football coach Nick Saban took the stage Thursday night to present Adam Chamberlain, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA, with the Anne Cox Chambers Champion for Kids Award - the highest honor given by Communities In Schools of Atlanta (CIS of Atlanta) - at the organization's sold-out "Choose Success" Awards Dinner. Roark also received the Corporate Partner Award at the event, which drew nearly 300 of metro Atlanta's most influential leaders in business, philanthropy and civic life to support the region's largest dropout prevention organization. "When we are present for our students, they are far more likely to stay in school and graduate," said Frank Brown, chief executive officer of Communities In Schools of Atlanta. "We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary support of Adam Chamberlain, Roark and every partner who believes that every student, regardless of their ZIP code, deserves a quality education and a bright future." Chamberlain received the award in recognition of his leadership, advocacy and longstanding commitment to CIS of Atlanta's mission. Under his tenure, Mercedes-Benz USA has championed educational equity and youth empowerment across metro Atlanta. "Through Driving Your Future, Mercedes-Benz USA is dedicated to preparing students for long-term success and ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom," Chamberlain said. Roark received the Corporate Partner Award for its sustained investment in expanding access to critical resources for students across metro Atlanta. "Supporting young people aligns directly with Roark's mission of Helping People and Companies Reach Their Potential," said Allison Hill, chief social impact officer at Roark. "Lasting impact is created through sustained commitment and meaningful investment." This school year, CIS of Atlanta is serving more than 41,000 students across six metro Atlanta school districts. During the 2024-25 school year, 99% of caseload students remained in school and 97% graduated or were promoted to the next grade - outcomes powered by the organization's model of embedding dedicated support staff within school walls to address students' academic, social and emotional needs. 2026 CHOOSE SUCCESS HONOREES ANNE COX CHAMBERS CHAMPION FOR KIDS AWARD * Adam Chamberlain, CEO, Mercedes-Benz USA CORPORATE PARTNER AWARD CIS OF ATLANTA STUDENTS OF THE YEAR * High School: Mya Harris, Tri-Cities High School * Middle School: Demir Williams, Bunche Middle School * Elementary School: Dequan Woodard, West Clayton Elementary School ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR * Khari Crooms About Communities In Schools of Atlanta Communities In Schools of Atlanta is an award-winning dropout prevention organization established in Atlanta in 1972 and part of the nation's largest dropout prevention network. The organization's mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. CIS of Atlanta currently serves more than 41,000 students across 62 schools in six metro Atlanta school districts. For more information, visit www.cisatlanta.org. SOURCE Communities In Schools of Atlanta

Benzinga

Mar 26th, 2026

KKR acquires Nothing Bundt Cakes from Roark Capital for $2 billion.

KKR acquires Nothing Bundt Cakes from Roark Capital for $2 billion. Stock score locked: want to see it? Benzinga Rankings give you vital metrics on any stock - anytime. KKR & Co Inc (NYSE:KKR) is acquiring Nothing Bundt Cakes from private equity firm Roark Capital for more than $2 billion. The company added 390 locations since Roark acquired the chain in 2021. The private equity firm has been looking for a buyer for the U.S. bakery chain since last year, Restaurant Business reported. Nothing Bundt Cakes was founded in 1997 by Dena Trip and Debbie Shwetz. The bakery makes customizable bundt cakes for all occasions and has more than 600 locations across the U.S. KKR previously made a strategic investment into India-based cloud kitchen platform Rebel Foods, the parent company of brands such as Faasos, Oven Story Pizza and The Good Bowl. KKR has also historically invested in major food industry entities such as Del Monte Foods and various supermarket chains like Safeway and Stop & Shop. Roark Capital has made acquisitions with other franchise businesses including Arbys, Culvers, Jimmy John's, Auntie Anne's and Subway. Last year, the firm acquired Nashville-style spicy chicken chain Dave's Hot Chicken for $1 billion. The Atlanta-based private equity firm has $41 billion in assets under management. Roark focuses on investments in consumer and business services companies, with a specialization in franchise and franchise-like business models, its website states. Private equity firms have been buying up franchises in recent years due to the value proposition that franchising offers. PE in franchising offers investors "fast, scalable growth with predictable revenue streams." "That predictability, often delivered through royalty-based cash flows and ongoing fees, is a natural fit for PE's typical 5-year investment horizon and margin expectations," a financial news platform, StancheCow, reported. Investor Alert: 5 New Stock Opportunities Every Week Every Friday, the Whisper Index reveals 5 under-the-radar stocks showing early signs of upside. Paired with daily rankings and actionable setups, you'll know what to buy, what to avoid, and where momentum is building next. Posted In:

Restaurant Dive

Mar 26th, 2026

Roark reportedly sells Nothing Bundt Cakes to KKR for $2B.

Roark reportedly sells Nothing Bundt Cakes to KKR for $2B. The brand's fast growth and four-wall EBITDA likely made the 700-unit chain an appealing acquisition target. Published March 26, 2026 Roark Capital is selling Nothing Bundt Cakes to KKR for $2 billion, according to reports by The Wall Street Journal and Reuters, both of which cited sources familiar with the matter. KKR declined to comment, and Roark did not respond immediately to a request for comment. The fast-growing dessert chain had 660 units at the end of 2024, after opening more than 100 in the year, according to its most recent franchise disclosure document. The brand opened its 700th location last May. In 2024, the chain had an average net revenue of over $1.4 million, among stores open longer than two years, per its FDD. Among the base of units open two years or more, Nothing Bundt Cakes reported an average four-wall EBITDA of $316,591, or about 21.6% in 2024. Royalties and marketing fees from the average mature store amounted to $161,455, or 11% of sales, per its FDD. The brand's unit economics are strengthened by the simplicity of its menu - varying sizes of bundt cakes in different flavors - and operations. The cost-of-goods sold for its mature stores in that year was about 23.5%, and labor about 27.5%. The combination of strong unit-level economics and rapid unit growth could explain why the chain is an attractive investment for private equity. KKR is invested in a number of restaurant-sector companies, including MyPizzaTechnologies, a platform meant to digitize small- and medium-sized pizza brands, according to its portfolio. The private equity firm also co-led a $135 million funding round for Restaurant365 in 2023, and has a significant investment in Rebel Foods, a ghost kitchen company based in India. Roark, which owns Inspire Brands, Subway and a majority stake in Dave's Hot Chicken, is a major player in the restaurant industry, while KKR is a relative outsider these days. The acquisition of a major franchisor could indicate greater interest by private equity in the U.S. restaurant sector. Denny's sold itself to a group of private equity buyers and one of its franchisees late last year, while private equity firms have been buying up franchisees - like 7Crew - and encouraging more development.

FoodMarket

Feb 25th, 2025

Goya Foods CEO, Bob Unanue, Announces Next Chapter

Private-equity firm Roark Capital is in advanced talks to acquire Dave's Hot Chicken for roughly $1 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.

The Middle Market

Jan 14th, 2025

Roark Capital Acquires Majority Stake in GPRS from Kohlberg

GPRS provides subsurface damage prevention, existing conditions documentation and facility management services to utilities, contractors and engineers.

Roark Capital

Finance Associate

About the job