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Restaurant Controller Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Controller

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

CONTROLLER Are you ready to jump in and handle the accounting function for multiple entities? If so ... restaurant experience preferred * Proficient with MS Office Products (Excel, Word, Outlook) and ...

Controller

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

CONTROLLER Are you ready to jump in and handle the accounting function for multiple entities? If so ... restaurant experience preferred * Proficient with MS Office Products (Excel, Word, Outlook) and ...

... winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions ... As a Controller, you will be responsible for ensuring the accurate management and reporting of the ...

Controller

Evanston, IL · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions ... As a Controller, you will be responsible for ensuring the accurate management and reporting of the ...

Senior Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

The Senior Controller also partners with operations and commercial leaders on inventory, cost ... Our journey began in 2003 with the opening of our first restaurant, and today Wow Bao is a thriving ...

Senior Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140 - $170/hr

The Senior Controller also partners with operations and commercial leaders on inventory, cost ... Our journey began in 2003 with the opening of our first restaurant, and today Wow Bao is a thriving ...

The Senior Controller also partners with operations and commercial leaders on inventory, cost ... Our journey began in 2003 with the opening of our first restaurant, and today Wow Bao is a thriving ...

The Senior Controller also partners with operations and commercial leaders on inventory, cost ... Our journey began in 2003 with the opening of our first restaurant, and today Wow Bao is a thriving ...

The Senior Controller also partners with operations and commercial leaders on inventory, cost ... Our journey began in 2003 with the opening of our first restaurant, and today Wow Bao is a thriving ...

The Senior Controller also partners with operations and commercial leaders on inventory, cost ... Our journey began in 2003 with the opening of our first restaurant, and today Wow Bao is a thriving ...

The Senior Controller also partners with operations and commercial leaders on inventory, cost ... Our journey began in 2003 with the opening of our first restaurant, and today Wow Bao is a thriving ...

The Senior Controller also partners with operations and commercial leaders on inventory, cost ... Our journey began in 2003 with the opening of our first restaurant, and today Wow Bao is a thriving ...

Controller- Wrigley Field

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... winning restaurants; iconic sports and entertainment venues, zoos and cultural institutions ... Job Summary As the Controller for Levy- Wrigley Field, you will be responsible for ensuring the ...

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Restaurant Controller information

See Illinois salary details

$53.3K

$115.8K

$170.1K

How much do restaurant controller jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurant controller in Illinois is $115,795.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,000.00 and $134,200.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Restaurant Controller jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Restaurant Controller jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Controller jobs in Illinois?

For Restaurant Controller jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Restaurant Controller jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Restaurant Controller job openings:

Infographic showing various Restaurant Controller job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $115,795 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

Regional Controller - Maverick Hotels & Restaurants

United Service Companies

Chicago, IL • On-site

$99 - $121/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Regional Controller - Maverick Hotels & Restaurants

Controller USC-UPR - MAVERICK CORPORATE OFFICE, Chicago, IL, US

6 days ago Requisition ID: 11651

Salary: $110,000.00 Annually

Role: Regional Controller - Midwest Region

Lead the Numbers. Shape the Strategy. Drive Performance.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Regional Controller to oversee financial operations across a diverse portfolio of hotels. This individual will serve as a strategic partner to property leadership and corporate teams, ensuring financial integrity, compliance, and profitability. The Regional Controller will provide guidance and leadership in all aspects of accounting, forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis to support both short- and long-term business goals.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a rapidly growing hospitality management company that prides itself on fostering career development, innovation, and a strong culture of excellence.

What You’ll Do:
  • Provide financial oversight, support, and training to Directors of Finance, Controllers, and property-level accounting teams across the region.
  • Partner with General Managers, Regional Hotel Directors, and Corporate Leadership to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, forecasting, and budget preparation.
  • Monitor and analyze financial performance, identifying risks and opportunities to improve profitability.
  • Ensure compliance with Waterford Hotel Group policies, GAAP, and all brand/ownership reporting requirements.
  • Review balance sheets, income statements, and monthly/quarterly financial packages for accuracy and consistency.
  • Lead annual budget and capital planning processes for assigned hotels.
  • Conduct property visits to audit financial practices, provide guidance, and support operational efficiency.
  • Mentor and develop finance leaders, building strong bench strength for the region.
  • Partner with corporate HR and leadership on staffing, training, and succession planning within the finance discipline.
  • Act as the primary liaison with ownership groups, auditors, and external stakeholders for financial matters.
Job Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; MBA or CPA strongly preferred.
  • Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive hotel finance/accounting experience, including multi-property oversight.
  • Proven track record of leadership in hospitality finance with strong analytical, organizational, and mentoring skills.
  • Deep knowledge of GAAP, hotel accounting practices, and financial systems.
  • Experience with hotel brand financial reporting systems (Marriott, Hilton, IHG, etc.) preferred.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and with ownership groups.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to provide strategic financial insights to drive business results.
  • Must be able to pass a background check.
  • Ability to travel regularly to assigned properties within the region.

United Service Companies is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Our commitment extends beyond preventing discrimination and harassment; it’s about creating an environment where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are valued. We believe in the power of our people, the ideas they bring, and what we can accomplish together.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), all state & federal requirements, it is the policy of United Service Companies to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. United Service Companies also provides reasonable accommodations as required under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) for limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Recruitment Team 813-425-1985.

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