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Restaurant Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Proven Recruiting

Interim Controller

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80 - $90/hr

INTERIM CONTROLLER - FULLY REMOTE (within the US)- $80-90/HR Looking for an opportunity to step ... Join a rapidly growing multi-brand restaurant organization where you'll help stabilize day-to-day ...

Spirit League

Controller

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$130 - $190/hr

Norton Simon Museum Accounting Controller The Norton Simon Museum is known around the world as one ... its shops and restaurants, and adjacent to the vibrant neighborhoods of northeast Los Angeles ...

New

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 ...

Rancho Bernardo Inn

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 ...

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 ...

Woodstock's Pizza, Inc

Corporate Controller

San Diego, CA · On-site

$118K - $132K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description This isn't a controller role buried in the back office. At Woodstock ... Prior restaurant or services industry leadership experience * Willingness to travel in-state up to ...

Woodstock's Pizza, Inc.

Corporate Controller

San Diego, CA · On-site

$118K - $132K/yr

Description This isn't a controller role buried in the back office. At Woodstock's Pizza, you'll be ... Prior restaurant or services industry leadership experience * Willingness to travel in-state up to ...

Woodstock's Pizza - Admin

Corporate Controller

San Diego, CA · On-site

$118K - $132K/yr

This isn't a controller role buried in the back office. At Woodstock's Pizza, you'll be the head of ... Prior restaurant or services industry leadership experience * Willingness to travel in-state up to ...

Woodstock's Pizza

Controller

San Diego, CA · On-site

Utilize a servant leadership approach to develop our teams to grow in areas of managerial accounting, utilizing KPIs to achieve financial goals, and operate the restaurants more profitably.Support ...

New

Brigantine Restaurants

Restaurant Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Contributes to controlling costs via labor, food, and beverage cost controls. * Conducts daily inspection of restaurant to ensure compliance with health, safety, food handling, and hygiene standards.

Brigantine Restaurants

Restaurant Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Contributes to controlling costs via labor, food, and beverage cost controls. * Conducts daily inspection of restaurant to ensure compliance with health, safety, food handling, and hygiene standards.

Brigantine Restaurants

Restaurant Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Contributes to controlling costs via labor, food, and beverage cost controls. * Conducts daily inspection of restaurant to ensure compliance with health, safety, food handling, and hygiene standards.

Woodstock's Pizza

Controller

San Diego, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Utilize a servant leadership approach to develop our teams to grow in areas of managerial accounting, utilizing KPIs to achieve financial goals, and operate the restaurants more profitably. Support ...

New

Brigantine Restaurants

Restaurant Manager

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Contributes to controlling costs via labor, food, and beverage cost controls. * Conducts daily inspection of restaurant to ensure compliance with health, safety, food handling, and hygiene standards.

Brigantine Restaurants

Restaurant Manager

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Contributes to controlling costs via labor, food, and beverage cost controls. * Conducts daily inspection of restaurant to ensure compliance with health, safety, food handling, and hygiene standards.

Brigantine Restaurants

Restaurant Manager

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Contributes to controlling costs via labor, food, and beverage cost controls. * Conducts daily inspection of restaurant to ensure compliance with health, safety, food handling, and hygiene standards.

Glass & Vine

Restaurant Manager

Corona, CA · On-site

$55 - $85/hr

A Restaurant Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a restaurant. Their ... Controlling operational costs and identifying ways to cut waste * Appraising staff performance

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Showing results 21-40

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 Sep 7, 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 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.

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 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.

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 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $117,932 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

Interim Controller

Proven Recruiting

San Diego, CA • On-site

$80 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

INTERIM CONTROLLER - FULLY REMOTE (within the US)- $80-90/HR
Looking for an opportunity to step into a high-impact accounting leadership role with immediate ownership and autonomy? Join a rapidly growing multi-brand restaurant organization where you'll help stabilize day-to-day accounting operations while leadership focuses on a major ERP implementation initiative.
Who you are:
  • CPA preferred with strong senior-level accounting, controllership, and technical accounting expertise.
  • Able to work independently, take ownership of the accounting function, and operate with minimal oversight.
  • Experience supporting month-end close, financial reporting, and accounting operations in a growing organization.
What you'll do:
  • Assume ownership of day-to-day accounting responsibilities during a key team member's leave of absence.
  • Maintain accounting operations and ensure accurate financial reporting while leadership focuses on ERP implementation efforts.
  • Provide technical accounting support and serve as a trusted resource on accounting and tax-related matters.
Why work here:
  • Fully remote opportunity with significant autonomy.
  • Join a high-growth organization expanding through new brands and locations.
  • People-first culture focused on employee value, development, and long-term success.
What does this position pay?
Compensation is determined by several factors which may include skillset, experience level, and education.
The expected range for this role is $80-90 per hour. Please note this range is an estimate and actual pay may vary based on qualifications and experience.
What’s next?
Please email your resume to mcornelius@provenrecruiting.com if you’re excited to explore this opportunity with our client.
We actively support and promote people of various backgrounds, from race, religion, gender to geographical area, university, lifestyle, and personality type. Proven Recruiting is minority-owned, majority women, and is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the broader community. Apply today!

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