Freelance Restaurant Accountant – Work Description

The Freelance Restaurant Accountant is responsible for managing the financial operations of the restaurant to ensure accuracy, profitability, and compliance. This role supports management by providing financial insights, cost controls, and organised accounting systems tailored to restaurant operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Accounting & Reporting

Maintain accurate books of accounts, including daily sales, expenses, and journal entries

Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements (Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow)

Reconcile bank statements, POS reports, and vendor invoices

Monitor cash flow and support budgeting and forecasting

2. Menu Pricing & Cost Control

Analyze food and beverage costs to determine optimal menu pricing

Calculate recipe costing, portion control, and gross profit margins

Recommend pricing strategies to improve profitability while remaining competitive

Track variances between actual and standard food costs

3. Inventory & Storage Management

Monitor inventory levels for food, beverages, and supplies

Track stock movement, wastage, spoilage, and theft

Coordinate inventory valuation (FIFO/LIFO as applicable)

Ensure proper documentation for storage, purchasing, and stock audits

4. Vendor & Expense Management

Record and verify supplier invoices and payments

Track recurring expenses such as rent, utilities, payroll, and maintenance

Assist in negotiating supplier pricing through cost analysis

Maintain organised records of all expenses and contracts

5. Payroll & Labor Cost Management

Calculate payroll, tips, overtime, and deductions

Monitor labor cost percentages against sales

Ensure compliance with local labor and tax regulations