Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required. * Public accounting experience preferred but not required. * Relevant work experience involving restaurant ...
Controller
San Diego, CA · On-site
$120K - $150K/yr
Controller Salary Range: $120,000-$150,000 / Year, DOE This is an opportunity to take ownership of the financial engine behind a growing, multi-unit restaurant organization and make it smarter ...
Controller
San Diego, CA · On-site
$120K - $150K/yr
Controller Salary Range: $120,000-$150,000 / Year, DOE This is an opportunity to take ownership of the financial engine behind a growing, multi-unit restaurant organization and make it smarter ...
Assistant Controller Join our growing global restaurant & hospitality group in Glendale, CA! We're looking for an experienced accounting professional to support financial reporting, month-end close ...
Assistant Controller Join our growing global restaurant & hospitality group in Glendale, CA! We're looking for an experienced accounting professional to support financial reporting, month-end close ...
Controller
Atlanta, GA · On-site
Vibrant Location - Work in bustling Atlanta, surrounded by top-tier restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Key Responsibilities of the Controller: In this critical role, the Controller will ...
Controller
Atlanta, GA · On-site
Vibrant Location - Work in bustling Atlanta, surrounded by top-tier restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Key Responsibilities of the Controller: In this critical role, the Controller will ...
Assistant Controller Join our growing global restaurant & hospitality group in Glendale, CA! We're looking for an experienced accounting professional to support financial reporting, month-end close ...
Quick apply
Assistant Controller Join our growing global restaurant & hospitality group in Glendale, CA! We're looking for an experienced accounting professional to support financial reporting, month-end close ...
Controller, Hospitality
$175K - $210K/yr
The Controller serves as the primary accounting and finance partner to operations, culinary leadership, and independent restaurant partners, ensuring accurate accounting, transparent reporting ...
Controller, Hospitality
$175K - $210K/yr
The Controller serves as the primary accounting and finance partner to operations, culinary leadership, and independent restaurant partners, ensuring accurate accounting, transparent reporting ...
Manage hospitality and restaurant accounting, including QuickBooks and Toast systems, payroll ... Construction Controller, Construction Accounting, Sage 300 CRE, Job Costing, WIP, Multi-Entity ...
Manage hospitality and restaurant accounting, including QuickBooks and Toast systems, payroll ... Construction Controller, Construction Accounting, Sage 300 CRE, Job Costing, WIP, Multi-Entity ...
Manage hospitality and restaurant accounting, including QuickBooks and Toast systems, payroll ... Construction Controller, Construction Accounting, Sage 300 CRE, Job Costing, WIP, Multi-Entity ...
Manage hospitality and restaurant accounting, including QuickBooks and Toast systems, payroll ... Construction Controller, Construction Accounting, Sage 300 CRE, Job Costing, WIP, Multi-Entity ...
Accountant/Controller
$90K - $100K/yr
Accountant/Controller - Full Time Field of Greens | West Palm Beach, FL We are a rapidly growing ... If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a strong restaurant accounting background, we ...
Quick apply
Accountant/Controller
$90K - $100K/yr
Accountant/Controller - Full Time Field of Greens | West Palm Beach, FL We are a rapidly growing ... If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have a strong restaurant accounting background, we ...
Restaurant Controller information
See salary details
$55K - $66K
1% of jobs
$66K - $76.9K
4% of jobs
$76.9K - $87.9K
9% of jobs
$97.2K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$87.9K - $98.8K
13% of jobs
$98.8K - $109.8K
15% of jobs
The median wage is $115.6K / yr.
$109.8K - $120.7K
15% of jobs
$120.7K - $131.7K
15% of jobs
$134.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$131.7K - $142.6K
11% of jobs
$142.6K - $153.6K
9% of jobs
$153.6K - $164.5K
5% of jobs
$164.5K - $175.5K
3% of jobs
$55K
$119.5K
$175.5K
How much do restaurant controller jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for restaurant controller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 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?
| Aspect | Restaurant Controller | Restaurant Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Financial oversight, budgeting, and accounting | Daily operations, staff management, customer service |
| Required Credentials | Accounting or finance certifications, degree in business or finance | Hospitality management, experience in restaurant operations |
| Work Environment | Office-based, finance departments | Front-of-house and back-of-house restaurant settings |
| Employer Usage | Corporate restaurants, hospitality groups | Individual 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 cities are hiring for Restaurant Controller jobs?
Cities with the most Restaurant Controller job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Restaurant Controller jobs?
The most popular types of Restaurant Controller jobs are:
What states have the most Restaurant Controller jobs?
States with the most job openings for Restaurant Controller jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Restaurant Controller jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Restaurant Controller jobs are:
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement
Re-posted 11 days ago
CliftonLarsonAllen rating
7.0
Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
21st of 23 rated bookkeepers and accountants
Job description
CLA is a top 10 national professional services firm where our purpose is to create opportunities every day, for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. Even with more than 8,500 people, 130 U.S. locations, and a global reach, we promise to know you and help you.
CLA is dedicated to building a culture that invites different beliefs and perspectives to the table, so we can truly know and help our clients, communities, and each other.
About the role:
CLA is looking to hire a Controller with Retail industry experience, to join our Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS) practice in Wisconsin. Our CAAS team helps our clients transform their business with a collaborative approach that allows them to seamlessly mitigate risk, overcome challenges, meet deadlines, and identify personnel to help them with their workforce needs.
As a Controller, you will:
Act as the Controller for the designated clients you service
Take on the role of consultant and advisor to your clients on best practices for accounting and finance-related engagements
Mentor the staff and seniors within your team and assist in designing customized back-office solutions for clients
Prepare and analyze client financial statements and make recommendations
Prepare management reporting packages to assist management teams and Boards with understanding their financial results
Become an industry professional and attend industry-leading events and trainings
Maintain knowledge of the client's organizational policies and procedures, federal and state policies and directives, and current accounting standards
Qualifications:
Education:Bachelors degree in Accounting or related field required. Combination of related experience, education, and training may be accepted in lieu of degree.
Experience: 7 years relevant work experience as a Controller or equivalent is required.
Public accounting experience preferred but not required.
Relevant work experience involving restaurant franchises is HIGHLY preferred!
Aptitude for developing and maintaining a thorough working knowledge of accounting software and systems.
Travel: This position requires working primarily in-office, with frequent local travel to/from client sites and may require occasional non-local or overnight travel for client visits, training, meetings and/or other business-related purposes
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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Wellness at CLA
To support our CLA family members, we focus on their physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being and offer comprehensive benefit options that include health, dental, vision, 401k and much more.
To view a complete list of benefits, click here.
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About CliftonLarsonAllen
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) is a leading professional services company based in Minneapolis, MN, US. CLA operates in the accounting industry and offers a broad range of products and services such as wealth advisory, outsourcing, audit, tax, and consulting services. The company was founded in 1953 with a merger between two firms, Clifton Gunderson and LarsonAllen, in 2012. Working in accordance with their mission to create opportunities for clients, people, and communities, they have established a presence across the US, serving privately held businesses, non-profits, and governmental entities. Recognized for their contributions, CLA has received accolades such as the Innovative Firm of the Year award.
Industry
Accounting services
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Minneapolis, MN, US
Year founded
2012