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Restaurant Controller Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Restaurant Manager

Canby, OR · On-site

$20 - $25.89/hr

Ensures that cost categories including food cost, labor cost, cash and controllable expenses are controlled to company guidelines and budgeted levels. * Works within their restaurant to produce ...

Restaurant Manager

Camas, WA · On-site

$20 - $25.89/hr

Ensures that cost categories including food cost, labor cost, cash and controllable expenses are controlled to company guidelines and budgeted levels. * Works within their restaurant to produce ...

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Restaurant Controller information

See Portland, OR salary details

$58.3K

$126.7K

$186.1K

How much do restaurant controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurant controller in Portland, OR is $126,727.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,900.00 and $146,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are restaurant controllers?

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 popular job titles related to Restaurant Controller jobs in Portland, OR? For Restaurant Controller jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Restaurant Controller jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Restaurant Controller jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Restaurant Controller job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,727 per year, or $60.9 per hour.

Restaurant Manager

The Eastburn Public House

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Life

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Eastburn is a busy, fun Pacific Northwest style gastro pub in Portland.  We are seeking a self- motivated, positive, and friendly Restaurant Manager to oversee the overall daily operations of the restaurant and bar.

We are a family-run business and we believe in work/life balance, and that work should be a pleasant and enjoyable place. We are professionals in the hospitality business… Our goal is to ensure excellent service is delivered to all guests. We are seeking people that see their role as a career-- not just as a job. Our employees have longevity, and we take pride in our diverse and hardworking team.

Weekends and some holidays are required for this position. Flexibility is a must as hours may vary.

Compensation and Benefits highlights:

-        Salary is competitive and based on experience 

-        Paid vacation

-        Quality of life scheduling with two days off in a row 

REQUIRED SKILLS:

  • Minimum of 3 years restaurant management experience in a full-service restaurant (full service waiting and bartending experience a must)
  • Experience in leading, motivating and empowering the workforce—with the ability to manage a team of 30 - 35  employees.
  • Must be able to manage the entire operations of a restaurant along side our Chef & Sous Chef (FOH, BOH, Bars, and Events)
  • Experience with POS system management and reports: daily reports and troubleshooting (Restaurant Manager POS)
  • Ensure maintenance, cleanliness, and optimal operation of restaurant equipment, facility, and grounds through the use of a daily preventative measures maintenance plan
  • Educated and Proactive in restaurant and guest safety as per Dept. of Health and Food Safety Practices, OLCC, OSHA, and Fire Safety regulations
  • Recruit, interview, hire, and schedule quality FOH team; conduct performance reviews, take disciplinary actions, motivate and train the restaurant team
  • Ability to lead by example and to direct, manage, and work cohesively as a team with all staff
  • Craft marketing strategies and programs that build restaurant awareness and traffic
  • Development of sales programs and all forms of social media
  • Ensure complete and timely execution of marketing programs
  • Must be able to work independently, under pressure, and use sound business judgment
  • Ability to follow directions thoroughly
  • Excellent organizational skills:  attention to detail, speed and accuracy
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
  • A clear thinker: able to remain calm and resolve problems using critical thinking and sound judgment
  • Will be trained to be the next AGM
  • Inventory, ordering and  P&L’s, understanding and controlling costs
  • POS system management and reports: daily report accounting, tracking, forecasting, and troubleshooting (Restaurant Manager POS)
  • Create and maintain managerial business plans, notes, records, and files
  • Strong Quick Books, Excel, Microsoft Office, and computer skills.

We are seeking someone with a strong floor presence who can establish and maintain customer relationships to insure customer satisfaction and repeat business by…

  • Being a respected and genial representative/ambassador for the restaurant by conducting business with honesty, integrity, and ethics
  • Being a professional both on and off the clock
  • The ability to lead by example and to direct, manage, and work cohesively as a team with all staff
  • Exhibiting extensive customer service and resolution skills
  • Performing calmly and effectively in a high-volume environment
  • Model strong leadership with the ability to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities
  • Having an ownership-driven mentality with a hands-on attitude—is visible, hands on, and has a strong personal presence in FOH AND BOH

Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license

Candidates must agree to a background and credit check and have the ability to pass a drug test

Salary offered is competitive and commensurate with experience

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the essential job functions.  They are not intended to be ALL responsibilities or qualifications

Company Description

We are a family-run business and we believe in work/life balance, and that work should be a pleasant and enjoyable place. We are professionals in the hospitality business... Our goal is to ensure excellent service is delivered to all guests. We are seeking people that see their role as a career-- not just as a job. Our employees have longevity, and we take pride in our diverse and hardworking team.