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Restaurant Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Restaurant Zone

Be Seen First

Controller | Multi-Entity Hospitality & Entertainment Group

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Position Overview The Controller will oversee accounting and financial operations across multiple ... Restaurant finance * Event operations * Catering operations * Venue management * Entertainment ...

New

The Avra Group

CORPORATE CONTROLLER

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Corporate Controller We are seeking a hands-on Corporate Controller to lead all accounting operations for a growing multi-unit restaurant organization. Reporting to the CFO, this role will oversee ...

The Restaurant Zone

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Controller - Live Entertainment & Hospitality Venue Group

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Position Overview The Controller will lead all accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and financial ... Hospitality, restaurant, nightlife, entertainment, or events industry experience strongly preferred

New

Taylor White

Controller

Tampa, FL · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Petersburg, FL |Compensation: $140,000-$180,000 + Benefits Step into a high-visibility Controller role at a growing, multi-site organization in the restaurant space, where your leadership presence ...

OCVIBE

Controller, Hospitality

Anaheim, CA

$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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How much do restaurant controller jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 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 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 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.

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Restaurant Controller jobs near you

CAAS Controller (Retail/Restaurant Franchise)

Clifton Larson Allen

Wausau, WI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

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: 6 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

Our Perks:

  • Flexible PTO (designed to offer flexible time away for you!)

  • Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave

  • Paid Volunteer Time Off

  • Mental health coverage

  • Quarterly Wellness stipend

  • Fertility benefits

  • Complete list of benefits here

#LI-TT1

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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