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Restaurant Controller Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Miller Cooper

Controller

Des Plaines, IL

$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 ...

Miller Cooper

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 ...

Compass Group

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 ...

Compass Group

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 ...

Compass Group

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 ...

Wow Bao

Senior Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

Wow Bao

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 ...

Socket.dev

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 ...

New

Wow Bao

Senior Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

Wow Bao

Senior Controller

Chicago, IL · On-site

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 ...

Compass Group

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 ...

Compass Group

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 ...

Compass Group

Controller- Wrigley Field

Chicago, IL

$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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All JobsRestaurant Controller JobsRestaurant Controller Jobs in Chicago, IL

Restaurant Controller information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$56.8K

$123.3K

$181.1K

How much do restaurant controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurant controller in Chicago, IL is $123,304.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,100.00 and $142,900.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Restaurant Controller jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Restaurant Controller jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Restaurant Controller jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Restaurant Controller jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Restaurant Controller jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Restaurant Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restaurant Controller job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $123,304 per year, or $59.3 per hour.

Controller

Des Plaines, IL

Miller Cooper
Accounting Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Miller Cooperexternal

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

CONTROLLER

Are you ready to jump in and handle the accounting function for multiple entities? If so, our client, the owners of Tempesta Salumi, Tempesta Market, and Volo Quality Meats, a growing, family-owned business, is looking for an experienced controller to join their team!

Highlights

  • Newly created position reporting directly to the owner!
  • Onsite location in Vernon Hills with some flexibility.
  • Neighborly, family atmosphere and culture.
  • Learn more at www.tempestaartisansalumi.com

How You'll Contribute

  • Responsible for overseeing the accounting function for multiple entities ensuring timely and accurate reporting to the owners.
  • Handle the close process for multiple locations including the analysis and balancing of accounts, bank reconciliation, journal entries, etc.
  • Produce consolidated financial reports and provide information and reports as needed.
  • Manage accounting staff and oversee accounts receivable, accounts payable, bookkeeping and payroll, as well as HR and IT.
  • Develop, implement, maintain process improvements to increase efficiency and improve financial and operational reporting and analysis.
  • Calculate and ensure remittance of sales and use tax.
  • Calculate current ratio, gross and net margins, labor cost percentage, food cost ratio, COGS.
  • Monitor cash flow and ensure debt coverage liquidity. Monitor fixed assets and calculate CapEx.
  • Conduct food waste audits and review menu item profitability.
  • Ensure inventory accuracy, monitor usage/turnover ratio, and review for completeness.
  • Act as point of contact for outside accountants and maintain documentation for accounting and tax purposes.
  • Assist in the development and monitoring of budgets; perform variance analysis monthly.
  • Responsible for overseeing business insurance and monitoring risk management

About YOU!

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field.
  • 7+ years of accounting experience including at least 4 as an assistant controller, accounting manager or similar role in a multiple entity environment; manufacturing and restaurant experience preferred
  • Proficient with MS Office Products (Excel, Word, Outlook) and QuickBooks online. Knowledge of Toast software a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including internal equity, market data, the candidate's qualifications- including but not limited to specialty skills, prior relevant industry experience, relevant degrees or certifications. The salary range estimate below is inclusive of all departments, and offered salaries may vary within the given range between departments. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this level is $100,000 to $130,000 annualized and other competitive benefits.