1

Restaurant Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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.

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.

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.

Restaurant Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

A Manager is responsible for the hands-on day-to day activities of the restaurant. You are also ... with controlling expenses relative to goals. This is a hands-on position that requires ...

Restaurant Manager

Concord, CA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

A Manager is responsible for the hands-on day-to day activities of the restaurant. You are also ... with controlling expenses relative to goals. This is a hands-on position that requires ...

Restaurant Manager

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

A Manager is responsible for the hands-on day-to day activities of the restaurant. You are also ... with controlling expenses relative to goals. This is a hands-on position that requires ...

A Manager is responsible for the hands-on day-to day activities of the restaurant. You are also ... with controlling expenses relative to goals. This is a hands-on position that requires ...

Controller (CA-Hayward)

Hayward, CA · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

We are working with a well-established and fast-growing multi-unit restaurant group. Known for its authentic cuisine and strong operational standards, Dough Zone USA is deeply committed to quality ...

Restaurant Manager

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

A Manager is responsible for the hands-on day-to day activities of the restaurant. You are also ... with controlling expenses relative to goals. This is a hands-on position that requires ...

A Manager is responsible for the hands-on day-to day activities of the restaurant. You are also ... with controlling expenses relative to goals. This is a hands-on position that requires ...

A Manager is responsible for the hands-on day-to day activities of the restaurant. You are also ... with controlling expenses relative to goals. This is a hands-on position that requires ...

Restaurant Manager

Napa, CA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

A Manager is responsible for the hands-on day-to day activities of the restaurant. You are also ... with controlling expenses relative to goals. This is a hands-on position that requires ...

Showing results 21-40

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 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 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.
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:
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.

Inventory Controller

Jetro Restaurant Depot

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$23.93 - $26/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

JOB DETAILS
Position Title: Inventory Controller
Department: Branch Management
Supervisor: Assistant Branch Manager/Branch Manager
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Position Summary:
Works closely with Assistant Branch Managers and Branch Manager to ensure efficient operations in Inventory, Front End, Cash Room and Receiving Departments. Maintains a positive company image by providing courteous, friendly and efficient customer service. Supports the Branch Manager in maintaining company standards. Can be responsible for holding warehouse keys. Performs manual labor as needed.
Essential Functions:
  1. Maintains the accuracy of the physical inventory at the branch.
  2. Uses a scan gun and moves merchandise as needed in order to obtain information needed
  3. Makes decisions on pricing and insures that gross margins are maintained on a level required by corporate.
  4. Communicates margin issues to buyers and follows up for timely response.
  5. Reviews sales price differential report to determine if front end pricing is accurate and makes the appropriate changes.
  6. Insures that cycle counts are being conducted on a timely and regular basis.
  7. Trains all staff for inventory purposes and is responsible for the preparation and conducting of semi-annual inventories.
  8. Coordinates Inventory Control with the Receiving, Perishables, Dry Goods Floor and Front End to make sure low stock, out of stock, negative on hand and computer inventory is correct.
  9. Supervises Stock-taker (see # 5).
  10. Coordinates writing of adjustment vouchers to vendors for damages and meets with vendor reps to obtain their approvals.
  11. Responsible for liquor and tobacco tax filings with the proper governmental agencies.
  12. Reports shrink and research causes.
  13. Controls markdowns & voids by monitoring damages and overstock.
  14. Analyzes and determines reasons for negative inventory and margins.
  15. Reviews store statistical reports for any abnormal or erroneous data.

Other Responsibilities:
  1. Assists other Departments when needed including Front End.
  2. Performs various tasks and projects as directed by Branch Manager and Corporate Headquarters.

Education, Experience and Skills Required:
  1. Minimum 4 years experience in retail or wholesale.
  2. Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience.
  3. Background in Physical Inventory maintenance/control.
  4. Proven leadership skills; ability to supervise and direct employees.
  5. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, employees, vendors, customers and buying department.
  6. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions, percentages, area, mass and volume.
  7. Effective oral and written communication skills.
  8. Commitment to company values and strong customer orientation.
  9. Must be PC literate; working knowledge of MS Office; 10-key skills a big plus.

Physical Requirements:
  1. Lift/Carry Abilities (measured for maximum or average load)
  2. Lift - 50 lbs
  3. Carry strength (50' or less) - 50 lbs
  4. frequently lift/carry (<> 12x/hour) - 50 lbs
  5. Constant lift/carry (> 30x/hr) - 20 lbs
  6. Occasional Push/Pull (> 5x/hour) - 450 lbs
  7. Physical Aptitudes (rated based on level of skill involved)
  8. Agility/dynamic balance 80-100%
  9. Finger dexterity - 80-100%
  10. Manual dexterity - 80 - 100%
  11. Posture Tolerance (rated based on frequency or time involved)
  12. Stand/walk - for up to 4 hours at a time, during full inventory must stand for up to 6 hours at a time.
  13. Reach above shoulder level - occasionally
  14. Twist/turn head - frequently
  15. Bend over/stoop - frequently
  16. Climb steps/ladder - occasionally
  17. Kneel/squat - occasionally

Work Environment:
  1. For the most part the ambient temperature will be moderate but will need to perform inventory in refrigerated area and freezer.
  2. There will be industrial vehicles (forklifts, Hilo) moving material throughout the warehouse.