ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Restaurant Controller Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Thompson Hospitality Corporation

Controller

Reston, VA · On-site

We're seeking an experienced Controller to join our Finance team and partner with business leaders ... Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management ...

Jose Andres Group

Corporate Controller

Washington, DC · On-site

Corporate Controller Location: Washington, D.C. (In-Office) Salary Range: $180,000 - $230,000 ... With a portfolio of award-winning restaurants and hospitality concepts across multiple markets, JAG ...

José Andrés Group

Corporate Controller

Washington, DC · On-site

Corporate Controller Location: Washington, D.C. (In-Office) Salary Range: $180,000 - $230,000 ... With a portfolio of award-winning restaurants and hospitality concepts across multiple markets, JAG ...

The Stratagem Group

Controller {S}

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Overall, its historic sites, museums, breweries, restaurants, music and many family fun activities ... This position requires the incumbent to access export-controlled information. If you are not a U.S.

ARKA Group

Controller {S}

Chantilly, VA

Overall, its historic sites, museums, breweries, restaurants, music and many family fun activities ... This position requires the incumbent to access export-controlled information. If you are not a U.S.

ARKA Group

Controller {S}

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Overall, its historic sites, museums, breweries, restaurants, music and many family fun activities ... This position requires the incumbent to access export-controlled information. If you are not a U.S.

Hell's Kitchen - DC

Restaurant Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

Ensuring the supply chain and stock control is effectively managed and controlled in keeping with the concept and in line with Gordon Ramsay Restaurant standards * Effective management of targets set

Colony Grill

Restaurant Manager

Mclean, VA · On-site

Restaurant Manager positions available in our DC market locations in Arlington, VA and Cabin John ... Also optimize profits by controlling food, beverage, and labor costs. Increases sales by ensuring ...

Colony Grill

Restaurant Manager

Mclean, VA · On-site

$58K - $65K/yr

Restaurant Manager positions available in our DC market locations in Arlington, VA and Cabin John ... Also optimize profits by controlling food, beverage, and labor costs. Increases sales by ensuring ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRestaurant Controller JobsRestaurant Controller Jobs in Washington

Restaurant Controller information

See Washington salary details

$62.3K

$135.3K

$198.8K

How much do restaurant controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurant controller in Washington is $135,342.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,900.00 and $156,900.00 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 popular job titles related to Restaurant Controller jobs in Washington?

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

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Controller jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Controller jobs in Washington are:

Restaurant Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Controller job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,342 per year, or $65.1 per hour.

Senior Controller

Reston, VA • On-site

Thompson Hospitality Corporation
Hospitality Services • 1 - 5K employees

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Respectful managers

Uninterrupted breaks

Learn more about Thompson Hospitality Corporationexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Overview
Position Summary
The Senior Controller is responsible for directing and overseeing all accounting operations, financial reporting, internal controls, compliance, and financial administration for the organization. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), this position ensures the accuracy and integrity of financial records, compliance with GAAP, and the timely delivery of financial information to executive leadership. The Senior Controller leads a team of accounting professionals and serves as a strategic business partner in supporting organizational growth and profitability.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Reporting
  • Direct all accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, payroll accounting, and month-end close.
  • Prepare and oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to executive leadership and stakeholders.
  • Develop and maintain accounting policies, procedures, and controls.

Internal Controls & Compliance
  • Establish and maintain a strong internal control environment.
  • Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local financial regulations.
  • Coordinate annual external audits and tax filings.
  • Manage relationships with auditors, tax advisors, banks, and regulatory agencies.

Budgeting & Financial Planning
  • Partner with FP&A and operational leaders in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
  • Monitor financial performance and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
  • Support strategic initiatives, acquisitions, and business growth.

Team Leadership
  • Recruit, develop, coach, and evaluate accounting staff.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development.
  • Ensure proper segregation of duties and efficient workflow across the accounting function.

Cash Management & Treasury
  • Oversee cash flow management and liquidity planning.
  • Monitor banking relationships and debt compliance.
  • Ensure effective management of working capital.

Strategic Partnership
  • Provide financial insight and recommendations to senior leadership.
  • Support business decisions through financial analysis and operational reporting.
  • Participate in cross-functional initiatives to improve processes, systems, and profitability.

Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
  • Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred.

Certifications
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA) required.

Experience
  • 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance experience.
  • Minimum 5 years in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior finance leadership role.
  • Experience leading financial reporting, audits, and multi-entity accounting environments.
  • Hospitality, food service, restaurant, retail, or multi-location operational experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Expert knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting requirements.
  • Strong understanding of internal controls, audit practices, and multi-entity consolidation and reporting.
  • Advanced proficiency in accounting systems (NetSuite or similar) and Microsoft Excel.
  • Demonstrated leadership and team development capabilities.
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) & Attributes
  • Timely completion of month-end and year-end close.
  • Employee engagement and retention within the accounting team.
  • Bias towards Action and Solution Orientation - willingness to make recommendations and drive change within an organization.

Competitive Benefits:
  • Health/Dental/Vision
  • Paid Time Off
  • 401(k), matched up to 4%
  • Short and Long Term Disability
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Pet Insurance
  • Discounts: Hotels, Travel, Tickets, Restaurants
  • Employees and their relatives are eligible for a discounted meal plan at any of our HBCU client locations while they are attending school

Who We Are:
Thompson Hospitality is of the largest restaurants, food service, and facilities management companies in the country. We are highly built upon our values, do the right thing, do the best you can, and treat others how you want to be treated, which are shaped by more than 33 years of relationships with our clients, guests, and communities. We offer competitive benefits, see our website for more. https://www.thompsonhospitality.com/
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
Thompson Hospitality logo

About Thompson Hospitality

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Thompson Hospitality is the nation's largest minority-owned food and facilities management company. Our services include hospitality, full dining and quick service restaurants, campus dining, diversity consultation, facility operations and maintenance management. We are a family-run organization with more than twenty-five years providing services built on our core mission to provide a positive experience to every relationship we are involved in: one guest, one client, one team member at a time. As a fast growing company, we have a growth plan to more than double in size over the next three years. We are looking for team members who are interested in developing their careers to the next level while joining our team of over 4,000 employees, serving clients in over 40 states to include more than 1.9 million guests each year.

Industry

Hospitality services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

Year founded

1992

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Thompson Hospitality Jobs

What Thompson Hospitality employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply