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Restaurant Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Restaurant Zone

Restaurant Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Previous Controller experience * Hospitality or restaurant industry experience preferred * Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting * Experience leading accounting teams * CPA is a plus ...

New

OCVIBE

Controller, Hospitality

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$175K - $210K/yr

The Controller serves as the primary accounting and finance partner to operations, culinary leadership, and independent restaurant partners, ensuring accurate accounting, transparent reporting ...

Anaheimducks

Controller, Hospitality

Anaheim, CA

$175K - $210K/yr

The Controller serves as the primary accounting and finance partner to operations, culinary leadership, and independent restaurant partners, ensuring accurate accounting, transparent reporting ...

OCVIBE

Controller, Hospitality

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$175K - $210K/yr

The Controller serves as the primary accounting and finance partner to operations, culinary leadership, and independent restaurant partners, ensuring accurate accounting, transparent reporting ...

Robert Half

Controller

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$110K - $115K/yr

The ideal candidate will bring experience from restaurant, hospitality, entertainment, food service ... Controller title as the organization continues to grow. * Experience in a senior accounting ...

Amirian Management Company

Controller

Glendale, CA · On-site

$165K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Assistant Controller to join our organization. Qualifications ... Restaurant, retail and/or multi-unit experience preferred * Previous supervisory experience ...

AMPED STAFFING LLC

Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... brands, restaurant groups, caterers, meal-subscription companies, and other food businesses ... We're looking for a Controller to lead the accounting function and help us do that well. The Role ...

AMPED STAFFING LLC

Controller

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

... brands, restaurant groups, caterers, meal-subscription companies, and other food businesses ... We're looking for a Controller to lead the accounting function and help us do that well. The Role ...

JC Resorts

Golf Controller

San Diego, CA · On-site

$119K - $150K/yr

... with restaurants, pro shops, event venues, and catering services. JC Golf is proudly owned by JC ... To further explore the Golf Controller opportunity, click here to view the in detail. This position ...

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All JobsRestaurant Controller JobsRestaurant Controller Jobs in California

Restaurant Controller information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$117.9K

$173.2K

How much do restaurant controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurant controller in California is $117,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $136,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a restaurant controller?

Restaurant controllers are financial professionals responsible for managing the accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting of a restaurant or hospitality group. They oversee bookkeeping, payroll, inventory management, and compliance with financial regulations. Their main goal is to ensure profitability and financial health by analyzing costs, managing expenditures, and providing financial insights to restaurant management. They often work closely with owners, managers, and external accountants to support business decisions and growth.

What is the difference between Restaurant Controller vs Restaurant Manager?

AspectRestaurant ControllerRestaurant Manager
Primary FocusFinancial oversight, budgeting, and accountingDaily operations, staff management, customer service
Required CredentialsAccounting or finance certifications, degree in business or financeHospitality management, experience in restaurant operations
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, finance departmentsFront-of-house and back-of-house restaurant settings
Employer UsageCorporate restaurants, hospitality groupsIndividual restaurant locations, hospitality industry

The Restaurant Controller primarily handles financial management, budgeting, and accounting tasks, ensuring the restaurant's financial health. In contrast, the Restaurant Manager oversees daily operations, staff, and customer experience. While both roles are essential in the restaurant industry, they focus on different aspects—financial versus operational management.

What are the main challenges a restaurant controller faces in managing financial operations within a busy restaurant environment?

A Restaurant Controller often deals with the complexities of balancing tight margins, fluctuating inventory costs, and labor expenses. One major challenge is ensuring accurate and timely reporting while coordinating with kitchen, front-of-house, and management teams to track sales, control costs, and prevent waste. Controllers must also stay updated on regulatory compliance and implement financial controls that adapt to peak service periods and seasonal changes. Effective communication and a hands-on approach are key to overcoming these challenges and supporting the restaurant's profitability.

What does a restaurant controller do?

A restaurant controller performs accounting duties for an eatery or food service company. As a controller, you oversee all accounting and reporting activities within the business. Your responsibilities include handling financial reporting tasks and ensuring compliance with financial regulations, working on tasks such as tax preparation, payroll, invoicing, accounts payable, and bookkeeping. Controllers also help with budget planning and financial strategizing with restaurant executives or ownership. You can undertake cost comparison activities, perform financial forecasting, and conduct other assessments to improve the financial performance of the restaurant.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restaurant controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Restaurant Controller, you need a solid background in accounting, financial analysis, and hospitality management, often supported by a degree in finance or accounting. Familiarity with point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory management software, and proficiency in Excel or accounting platforms like QuickBooks is typically required. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with both management and kitchen staff are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate financial oversight, cost control, and efficient operations within a fast-paced restaurant environment.
More about Restaurant Controller jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Restaurant Controller jobs in California? The most popular types of Restaurant Controller jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Controller jobs in California? For Restaurant Controller jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Restaurant Controller jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurant Controller jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Restaurant Controller jobs? Cities in California with the most Restaurant Controller job openings:
Restaurant Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Controller job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $117,932 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Restaurant Controller

The Restaurant Zone

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

A growing hospitality organization is seeking an experienced Controller to oversee all accounting and financial operations. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys working in a fast paced environment and partnering with executive leadership.
Local Southern California candidates are strongly preferred.
Responsibilities
  • Manage all accounting functions and financial reporting
  • Prepare monthly and annual financial statements
  • Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow
  • Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations
  • Lead accounting staff and improve financial processes
  • Partner with executive leadership on strategic planning

Qualifications
  • Previous Controller experience
  • Hospitality or restaurant industry experience preferred
  • Strong knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting
  • Experience leading accounting teams
  • CPA is a plus

Compensation & Benefits
  • $120,000 to $140,000 salary
  • Comprehensive benefits
  • Leadership role with a growing organization

Apply