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Restaurant Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Controller, Hospitality

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$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 ...

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Controller

West Henrietta, NY · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

... restaurants throughout the region. Salary & Benefits $100K+ (depending on experience) + Defined ... The company's long-tenured Controller plans to retire within the next year, and they are seeking ...

A PE-backed, fast-growing multi-unit fitness franchisee is looking for a Controller to lead their ... Multi-location restaurant, retail, hospitality, or similar backgrounds translate well. Fitness ...

Controller

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Title: Controller Location: Brentwood, TN Work Site: In Office Job Type: Full-Time Pay ... Retail & Restaurant Finance & Support * Assist management in financial planning, budgeting, and ...

Controller

Miami, FL · On-site

$170K - $220K/yr

... restaurants, events, and experiences. By fusing cutting-edge technology with the art of luxury ... The Controller will own accounting operations across month-end close, AP, budgeting, FinOps, audit ...

Controller

Vernon Hills, IL · Hybrid

$100K - $140K/yr

GROUP CONTROLLER Are you a hands-on accounting professional, ready to jump in and handle the ... restaurant experience preferred * Proficient with MS Office Products (Excel, Word, Outlook) and ...

... restaurants, events, and experiences. By fusing cutting-edge technology with the art of luxury ... The Controller will own accounting operations across month-end close, AP, budgeting, FinOps, audit ...

Hotel Department Leaders, Restaurant Leadership, Study Hotels Home Office Responsibilities * Manage ... Controller, Hospitality Controller, Finance Manager, Hotel Accounting, Financial Controller ...

Controller

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

GROUP CONTROLLER Are you a hands-on accounting professional, ready to jump in and handle the ... restaurant experience preferred * Proficient with MS Office Products (Excel, Word, Outlook) and ...

Controller

Glendale, CA · On-site

$165K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Assistant Controller to join our organization. Qualifications ... Restaurant, retail and/or multi-unit experience preferred * Previous supervisory experience ...

We are looking for an experienced Assistant Controller to join our organization. Qualifications ... Restaurant, retail and/or multi-unit experience preferred * Previous supervisory experience ...

About You Feels Like Home hospitality (FLHO) is seeking a Corporate Controller to lead all ... FLHO restaurant discounts * Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

About You Feels Like Home hospitality (FLHO) is seeking a Corporate Controller to lead all ... FLHO restaurant discounts * Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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The Controller is responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, ensuring financial accuracy ... Restaurant industry experience is required. * Working knowledge of finance law and regulatory ...

... restaurants throughout the region. Salary & Benefits $100K+ (depending on experience) + Defined ... The company's long-tenured Controller plans to retire within the next year, and they are seeking ...

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Restaurant Controller information

See salary details

$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do restaurant controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 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 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 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:

Controller, Hospitality

OCVIBE

Anaheim, CA • On-site

$175K - $210K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

A great experience starts with you!
Join our team to help create and develop the future of live entertainment and sports in Orange County!
Once you've had a chance to explore our current open positions, apply to the ones you feel best suit you, as an applicant, you can always see your application status in your profile.
Mission: To enrich the lives in our community through shared experiences, welcoming spaces, and responsible actions.
Vision: We will be the social and entertainment center of Orange County - a place where the cultural kaleidoscope of the region converges and connects. Our vibrant, rich collection of experiences will celebrate the diversity of our community.
Values: Be Safe | Do the Right Thing | Be Generous | Include Everyone | Make it Easy | Be Bold
Job Title:
Controller, Hospitality
Pay Details:
The annual base salary range for this position in California is $175,000 to $210,000 per year. The starting pay for the successful candidate depends on various job-related factors, including but not limited to the candidate's geographic location, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, education/training, internal value, peer equity, external market demands, and organizational considerations.
OCVIBE, a premier mixed-use community and live entertainment district, is coming to Anaheim in 2027! This $5 billion, 95-acre, mixed-use community will surround its anchor, Honda Center, with new live entertainment venues, dining and retail offerings, and public amenities. OCVIBE will provide a full range of entertainment, activating the District daily for the enjoyment of its guests.
The Controller, Hospitality plays a critical leadership role in launching and operating a newly formed portfolio of food & beverage spaces, including a multi-tenant food hall comprised of independent restauranter operators, company-operated bars, and Restaurant Row concepts of third-party contracted restaurants.
This role is responsible for building the accounting and financial infrastructure from the ground up, including systems, processes, internal controls, budgets, and reporting. The Controller must bring deep experience in multi-tenant food establishments, with demonstrated expertise in restauranter settlement models, transactional reporting, reconciliation, and ongoing financial management of "licensed" concepts.
The Controller serves as the primary accounting and finance partner to operations, culinary leadership, and independent restaurant partners, ensuring accurate accounting, transparent reporting, timely settlement of funds, and strong internal controls across all venues
Responsibilities
  • Drive day-to-day management and accountability over all accounting functions for the multi-tenant food hall, bars, and restaurant concepts, including general ledger, general oversight of accounts payable, cash, revenue, inventory, and cost accounting
  • Build and oversee month-end and year-end close processes for a complex, high-volume food & beverage environment
  • Ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of POS systems, merchant services, bank accounts, gift cards, house accounts, and third-party delivery platforms across tenant-operated and company-operated concepts
  • Establish, implement, and monitor internal controls and accounting policies in accordance with U.S. GAAP and company standards
  • Oversee accounting, reporting, and settlement processes for independent restauranters
  • Ensure restauranter agreements are properly reflected in accounting treatment, system configuration, and financial reporting
  • Manage timely and accurate settlement, reporting, and payment processes with restauranter partners and serve as the primary finance point of contact for issue resolution
  • Lead implementation, configuration, and optimization of restaurant systems, including POS platforms, back-office accounting systems, merchant services, and inventory and recipe costing tools, ensuring scalability for a multi-tenant operating model
  • Ensure proper accounting treatment for revenue recognition, sales taxes, service charges, tips, discounts, promotions, voids, comps, and chargebacks specific to food hall and restaurant operations
  • Drive automation and process improvements to reduce manual effort and increase accuracy in a transaction-intensive, multi-operator environment
  • Partner with FP&A and operations to develop annual budgets, forecasts, opening proformas, and financial operating plans for new and existing venues
  • Prepare and distribute monthly financial statements, management reports, and detailed variance analyses for operations and finance leadership
  • Analyze food and beverage margins, labor productivity, prime costs, tenant-level profitability, and operating revenue trends to support operational and strategic decision-making
  • Oversee inventory accounting processes, including physical counts, valuation, shrink, waste, yield analysis, and cost of goods sold accuracy
  • Establish controls around purchasing, receiving, pricing updates, and recipe management to protect margins and profitability across both tenant and company-operated concepts
  • Monitor cash handling, fraud risk, loss prevention controls, and compliance in a cash- and card-intensive operating environment
  • Manage sales tax, use tax, alcohol-related tax, and regulatory reporting specific to food & beverage operations
  • Build, lead, and develop a high-performing hospitality-focused accounting team with experience supporting multi-tenant and restaurant operations
  • Support operations by ensuring accounting readiness, reporting and settlement setup, system training, and post-opening stabilization

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA strongly preferred
  • 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, with significant experience in restaurants, hospitality, multi-tenant food establishments, and/or franchise
  • Experience with Financial Systems (D365, NetSuite and Entrata a plus)
  • Pre-opening & scaling experience
  • Deep understanding of restaurant P&Ls, unit economics, POS systems and integrations, merchant services, and inventory and margin analysis
  • Experience setting up accounting structures and systems for new entities, new venues, or new food hall concepts
  • Strong knowledge of internal controls in a high-volume, operationally complex environment and Audit / controls mindset
  • Exceptional analytical, organizational, and communication skills, including the ability to explain financial results to non-finance operators
  • Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving environment with both internal stakeholders and external restaurant partners
  • Experience with mixed-use developments, entertainment districts, or destination-style food & beverage venues
  • Familiarity with both company-operated and third-party operated restaurant models
  • Experience leading POS, accounting system, or financial process implementations in hospitality

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Education - Bachelor's Degree
Experience Required - 7+ Years
This position is on-site.
RL2026
Company:
OC Sports & Entertainment, LLC
Our Commitment:
We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and team members without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws. We are firm believers that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.
Thanks for your interest in becoming part of OCVIBE!