ResumeToolsResources

Restaurant Accountant Resume Examples

By Silvia Angeloro

Jul 18, 2024

|

12 min read

Craft an impressive restaurant accountant resume: Tips and tricks for balancing your skills and experience.

4.70 Average rating

Rated by 348 people

As a restaurant accountant, crafting the perfect resume can often feel like creating a complex recipe—one misstep can leave you with a sour result. You know the importance of running accurate financial reports, but translating that expertise onto a resume is a whole different entrée. If you find yourself puzzled over what details to include or how to format your achievements, you're not alone. Many restaurant accountants face the same challenges. Employers want to see more than just basic bookkeeping. They want a detailed account of your unique contributions, cost-cutting strategies, and your knack for keeping the financial wheels of a restaurant turning smoothly. That's where this guide comes in. Let's break down each step to make sure your resume is a five-star dish, not a kitchen nightmare.

Choosing the right resume template is crucial. It sets the stage for showcasing your skills efficiently and professionally. The right format ensures that your key accomplishments and expert knowledge are easy to spot, giving you a strong advantage in the competitive job market.

Get started today by exploring our collection of more than 700 resume examples tailored for various roles.

Take your first step toward a standout resume now!

Key Takeaways

  • Choosing the right resume template is crucial for showcasing your skills efficiently and professionally.
  • Highlight your experience with budgeting, payroll, restaurant-specific accounting software, and compliance with financial regulations.
  • Incorporate specific percentages or figures to demonstrate cost reductions and profit increases you achieved.
  • Essential resume sections should include Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications, and optionally, Relevant Projects or Achievements.
  • Utilize action words and specific accomplishments in your work experience to show your impact and contributions.

What to focus on when writing your restaurant accountant resume

A restaurant accountant resume should show your skills in financial management, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Your resume must highlight your experience with budgeting, payroll, and compliance with financial regulations, all within the unique setting of a restaurant business. Effectively communicating your ability to manage accounts, create financial reports, and work efficiently with restaurant management teams will make you a strong candidate.

Boost Your Impact:

  • Include specific percentages or figures to demonstrate cost reductions or profit increases you achieved.
  • Highlight experience with restaurant-specific accounting software.
  • Mention any relevant certifications like a CPA (Certified Public Accountant).
  • Showcase your ability to streamline financial operations and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Must have information on your restaurant accountant resume

Creating a standout resume for a restaurant accountant is crucial to land the job you want. Essential resume sections should include:

  • Contact Information
  • Professional Summary
  • Work Experience
  • Education
  • Skills
  • Certifications

Additional sections like Accomplishments or Volunteer Work can further highlight your qualifications. Tailoring each section to your specific experience in restaurant accounting will make your resume shine.

Which resume format to choose

For a restaurant accountant resume, choosing the right format is crucial. The chronological format is often best, highlighting your work experience in reverse order, which is key in your industry. Opt for modern fonts like Rubik and Montserrat instead of Arial or Times New Roman to make your resume look up-to-date. Always save and send your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting across different devices and platforms. Set your resume margins to one inch on each side to ensure a clean, professional look. Use clear section headings—these improve readability for both hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), making sure your resume gets noticed.

A restaurant accountant resume should include the following sections: Contact Information, Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications, and optionally, Relevant Projects or Achievements.

Resume Mentor's free resume builder handles all of this for you, ensuring you get noticed with a polished, professional resume.

How to write a quantifiable resume experience section

When writing your resume experience section as a restaurant accountant, it's essential to keep a clear and concise format. Start with your most recent job and work backward. Generally, focus on the past 10-15 years of your work history. Include job titles that match the position you are applying for or show your growth in the field. Tailor your resume to the job description by highlighting skills and experiences that align with the role you are seeking. Use action words like "managed," "led," "increased," and "developed" to show your contributions and impact.

Below are two resume experience examples. The first is poorly written, while the second one is strong and well-crafted.

Experience
Accountant
Generic Restaurant
New York, NY
A popular local eatery
  • Handled accounting
  • Worked on budgets
  • Did financial reports

This example is poorly written for several reasons. It lacks details about specific contributions or achievements. The bullet points are vague and do not provide a clear picture of the candidate's skills or impact. Simply stating "handled accounting" doesn't tell an employer what you accomplished or how well you performed your tasks.

Now compare the previous example with this well-crafted one:

Experience
Senior Restaurant Accountant
Gourmet Bistro
San Francisco, CA
Upscale fine dining restaurant
  • Reduced food costs by 20% through improved inventory management and supplier negotiations
  • Led a team to implement a new accounting software system, cutting monthly reporting time by 30%
  • Analyzed financial data to identify cost-saving opportunities, increasing annual profits by $150,000

This example is effective because it highlights specific achievements with quantifiable results, making the impact clear. The bullet points show exactly what you did and how it benefited the company. Using action words like "reduced," "led," and "analyzed" makes the resume dynamic and compelling. This approach shows not just what you did, but how your work made a difference, making it easier for potential employers to see your value.

Always remember to tailor your resume experience section to the job you are applying for, use impactful action words, and focus on achievements that demonstrate your skills and value.

Restaurant accountant resume experience examples

Looking to beat the "bean-counter" stereotype, restaurant accounting offers a savory mix of skills and experiences! Let’s explore 15 flavors of resume experience sections that blend numbers with a touch of hospitality.

Achievement-focused

When you showcase your achievements, you spotlight your significant contributions and impact. Highlight awards, milestones, or notable successes that set you apart.

Work Experience

Senior Accountant

Gourmet Bistro

Jan 2019 - Dec 2021

  • Streamlined financial processes resulting in $50k annual savings
  • Implemented cost-effective inventory management techniques
  • Reduced waste and improved profitability through detailed financial analysis

Skills-focused

Showcase the skills that make you an exceptional restaurant accountant. Highlight technical abilities and soft skills relevant to the role.

Work Experience

Financial Controller

Urban Eats Group

Mar 2020 - Present

  • Proficient in QuickBooks and POS systems integration
  • Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail

Responsibility-focused

Detail the key responsibilities you've managed during your tenure. Emphasize the breadth and depth of your role within the company.

Work Experience

Accounting Manager

Culinary Delights

Jan 2018 - Jun 2022

  • Overseen monthly financial reporting and analysis
  • Ensured compliance with industry regulations and accounting standards
  • Managed payroll, accounts payable, and receivable cycles

Project-focused

Highlight specific projects you’ve handled, showcasing your project management skills and contributions to successful outcomes.

Work Experience

Project Accountant

Food Fest LLC

May 2021 - no

  • Migrated to a new accounting software, improving efficiency
  • Trained staff on new systems and procedures
  • Provided ongoing support and troubleshooting post-implementation

Result-focused

Concentrate on the outcomes and results of your efforts. Show how your work directly contributed to the company’s success.

Work Experience

Accounting Analyst

The Great Spice Co.

Apr 2019 - Sep 2022

  • Implemented aggressive revenue management practices
  • Identified and eliminated unprofitable menu items
  • Increased operational efficiency resulting in 10% profit growth

Industry-Specific Focus

Your experience in the restaurant industry sets you apart. Focus on roles that have specifically catered to hospitality and dining establishments.

Work Experience

Lead Accountant

Cuisine Haven

Feb 2018 - Jul 2023

  • Developed and maintained budgets for multiple restaurant locations
  • Facilitated audits and ensured compliance with health and safety regulations
  • Conducted monthly and annual profit and loss analysis

Problem-Solving focused

Detail instances where your problem-solving abilities made a significant impact. Highlight solutions you’ve implemented and their outcomes.

Work Experience

Accounting Specialist

Epicurean Ventures

Aug 2020 - Dec 2022

  • Implemented audit trails and checks that reduced errors by 30%
  • Optimized cash flow management during financially turbulent periods
  • Developed solutions for better resource allocation during peak seasons

Innovation-focused

Show your creativity and ability to innovate within your role. Highlight new methods or technologies you’ve introduced.

Work Experience

Financial Innovator

Bistro Dynamics

Jun 2018 - Nov 2021

  • Developed a custom dashboard for real-time financial monitoring
  • Implemented digital receipt management system
  • Pioneered a data-driven approach to optimize purchasing decisions

Leadership-focused

Emphasize your leadership experiences and your ability to guide and influence teams.

Work Experience

Accounting Team Lead

Fine Dine Enterprises

Mar 2017 - Aug 2021

  • Provided training and mentorship to junior accountants
  • Led weekly meetings to align financial strategies with business goals
  • Fostered a collaborative and high-performance work environment

Customer-focused

Show how your work improves customer satisfaction and contributes to a better overall dining experience.

Work Experience

Customer Focused Accountant

Happy Patrons Café

Dec 2019 - Present

  • Developed pricing strategies that balanced profitability with customer satisfaction
  • Managed loyalty programs and tracked their financial impact
  • Worked closely with customer service to resolve billing issues promptly

Growth-focused

Highlight how you’ve contributed to the growth and expansion of the restaurant business.

Work Experience

Growth Strategist

Global Gourmets

May 2018 - Dec 2022

  • Conducted market analysis to identify expansion opportunities
  • Created financial forecasts to guide business decisions
  • Supported funding efforts and managed investment portfolios

Efficiency-focused

Emphasize your ability to make processes more efficient and streamlined.

Work Experience

Efficiency Expert

Speedy Eats

Apr 2020 - Present

  • Automated repetitive tasks, reducing manual labor by 40%
  • Implemented a new POS system, improving transaction speed
  • Optimized inventory management to minimize waste and save costs

Technology-focused

Spotlight your expertise with technology and how you've used it to improve financial processes.

Work Experience

Tech-Savvy Accountant

Digital Deli Delights

Jan 2018 - Jun 2023

  • Integrated advanced analytics tools to enhance financial reporting
  • Implemented cloud-based solutions for data storage and access
  • Utilized technology to improve accuracy and reduce errors in accounting processes

Collaboration-focused

Highlight your ability to work well with others and how collaboration has led to successful outcomes.

Work Experience

Collaborative Accountant

United Flavors

Feb 2019 - Present

  • Worked closely with the culinary team to manage cost controls
  • Partnered with marketing to track and analyze promotional impacts
  • Coordinated with suppliers to ensure financial accuracy in invoicing

Training and Development focused

Showcase how you've contributed to the development of others through training and mentorship.

Work Experience

Training Manager

Culinary Accounts Inc.

Mar 2016 - present

  • Developed training materials for new accounting software
  • Mentored junior accountants, improving their performance and skills
  • Facilitated workshops on best financial practices

Write your restaurant accountant resume summary section

Creating a compelling resume summary section is key to catching a hiring manager's eye quickly. As a restaurant accountant, you need to highlight your skills and accomplishments succinctly. Your resume summary should give employers a snapshot of your experience, skills, and what you bring to the table. Describing yourself effectively involves using clear, concise language that conveys confidence and competence.

A resume summary differs from a resume objective, profile, and a summary of qualifications. A resume summary focuses on your accomplishments and skills. A resume objective states what you aim to achieve in the role. A resume profile is a brief paragraph about your background and what you offer. A summary of qualifications is a bullet-point list of your skills and experiences.

SUMMARY
I am a restaurant accountant with many years of experience. I do accounting for restaurants and have strong skills in bookkeeping, payroll, and taxes. I am very detail-oriented and hardworking.

The first summary example is problematic. It's vague and lacks specific details about accomplishments. It uses a simple list of duties like bookkeeping and payroll without quantifying or elaborating on those skills. It also repeats the word "restaurant accountant" unnecessarily.

SUMMARY
Seasoned restaurant accountant with over 8 years of experience managing financial records for high-volume dining establishments. Proficient in QuickBooks, Excel, and financial reporting. Expert in reducing costs by analyzing spending patterns and implementing budget plans. Recognized for impeccable accuracy and attention to detail.

The second summary example is effective. It provides specific details, such as "over 8 years of experience" and highlights key tools like "QuickBooks" and "Excel." The mention of "reducing costs" and "analyzing spending patterns" indicates problem-solving abilities. The summary concludes with a strong statement on accuracy and attention to detail, making it compelling.

By following these guidelines, you can craft a summary that clearly communicates your value to potential employers. Highlighting your standout qualifications will give you an edge in your job search. Generating a well-rounded summary sets the tone for the rest of your resume.

Listing your restaurant accountant skills on your resume

When creating the skills section of your restaurant accountant resume, you can either make it a standalone section or integrate your skills into other sections like your experience and summary. Strengths and soft skills can be highlighted in the summary or experience sections to show how you use them in your work. Hard skills refer to specific, teachable abilities or knowledge sets, which are often quantifiable through tests or achievements.

Skills and strengths can also act as resume keywords. These keywords help applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers identify your qualifications quickly. Including relevant skills and strengths in your resume increases the chances of your resume getting noticed.

Skills
Financial Reporting
Payroll Management
Accounts Payable/Receivable
Budgeting and Forecasting
Tax Preparation
Inventory Management
Financial Analysis
Point of Sale (POS) Systems

A standalone skills section like this one is effective because it draws immediate attention to your most relevant and valuable qualifications. This is particularly useful for the restaurant accounting field, where specific financial and operational skills are crucial.

Best hard skills to feature on your restaurant accountant resume

Hard skills for a restaurant accountant are specific technical abilities that show you can handle the job's demands. These skills communicate your proficiency in financial management, accounting principles, and specialized software systems.

Hard Skills

  • Financial Reporting
  • Payroll Management
  • Accounts Payable/Receivable
  • Budgeting and Forecasting
  • Tax Preparation
  • Inventory Management
  • Financial Analysis
  • Point of Sale (POS) Systems
  • Microsoft Excel
  • QuickBooks
  • Cost Accounting
  • Compliance and Regulations
  • Cash Flow Management
  • General Ledger Accounting
  • Audit Coordination

Best soft skills to feature on your restaurant accountant resume

Soft skills are personal attributes that enable you to interact effectively and harmoniously with others. Restaurant accountants should showcase skills that highlight their ability to work well in a team, adapt to change, and solve problems efficiently.

Soft Skills

  • Attention to Detail
  • Time Management
  • Communication Skills
  • Problem-Solving
  • Organizational Skills
  • Adaptability
  • Teamwork
  • Integrity
  • Customer Service Orientation
  • Ability to Work Under Pressure
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Self-Motivation
  • Multitasking
  • Decision-Making
  • Dependability

How to include your education on your resume

The education section is an important part of your resume, especially for a restaurant accountant position. Tailor this section to the job you're applying for—omit any irrelevant education. Highlight your degrees, relevant coursework, and other notable academic achievements.

When including your GPA, do so only if it's above a 3.5 and beneficial to the application. If you graduated with honors such as cum laude, showcase this to stand out. Always list your degree clearly, including the degree type, institution, and graduation dates.

Now, let's look at a poorly written example:

Education
Bachelor of Arts in History
Some University

This example is bad because the degree is unrelated to accounting and hospitality management. It includes unnecessary details and lacks essential information relevant to a restaurant accountant role.

Here’s a well-written example:

Education
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, cum laude
State University
3.8
3.8
/
4.0

This example is excellent because it highlights a relevant degree, includes impressive honors, and mentions a high GPA, all of which make you a strong candidate for a restaurant accountant role.

How to include restaurant accountant certificates on your resume

Adding a certificates section to your restaurant accountant resume is crucial. This part showcases your additional training and qualifications, making you stand out to employers. You can also include certificates in the header for quick reference.

Start by listing the name of the certificate. Include the date you received it to show your current expertise. Add the issuing organization because it verifies the authenticity of your credential. Ensure all information is accurate and easy to read.

Here's an example in JSON:

Certificates
Certified Management Accountant
Institute of Management Accountants
Certified Public Accountant
American Institute of CPAs
Restaurant Management Certification
National Restaurant Association

This example works well because it includes relevant certificates for a restaurant accountant, like "Certified Management Accountant" and "Certified Public Accountant." These credentials are issued by recognized organizations, adding credibility to your resume. The "Restaurant Management Certification" is particularly relevant, showing you have specialized skills in the restaurant industry. By clearly stating the certificates and their issuers, you demonstrate to prospective employers that you have the necessary qualifications for the role.

Extra sections to include in your restaurant accountant resume

As a restaurant accountant, your resume needs to showcase your financial expertise while also highlighting your diverse skills and interests. Ensuring your resume is well-rounded gives potential employers a fuller picture of your capabilities and character.

  • Language section — Highlight your ability to speak multiple languages. This showcases your communication skills and can be particularly valuable in a multicultural work environment.
  • Hobbies and interests section — Show your personality and problem-solving skills through hobbies. This can make you more relatable and demonstrate your ability to handle stress.
  • Volunteer work section — Highlight your commitment to the community. This demonstrates your character and your willingness to go beyond your job duties.
  • Books section — Mention books that you have read related to finance or management. This shows your commitment to personal growth and staying updated in your field.

Adding these sections can help your resume stand out. They give potential employers a well-rounded view of you. This could be the key to landing your desired job in restaurant accounting.

Pair your restaurant accountant resume with a cover letter

A cover letter is a document sent with your resume to provide extra information about your skills and experience. It highlights why you are the best fit for the job and adds a personal touch that a resume alone can't provide. This letter explains your interest in the role and showcases your communication skills.

For a restaurant accountant, your cover letter should focus on your experience with financial records, compliance with health and safety standards, and any work you’ve done with budgeting and payroll. Mention specific software you are proficient in, such as QuickBooks or Excel, and provide examples of how your accuracy and attention to detail have benefited past employers. Highlight any experience with restaurant-specific accounting issues, like managing inventory or costing recipes.

Ready to craft the perfect cover letter? Use Resume Mentor's cover letter builder for an easy and hassle-free experience. Exporting your cover letter as a PDF will ensure that your content and formatting stay intact. Give yourself the best chance to impress and start building your cover letter today!

Jackson Thompson

Washington, D.C.

+1-(234)-555-1234

help@resumementor.com


Dear Hiring Manager,

I am reaching out to express my keen interest in the Restaurant Accountant position at your esteemed company. Having closely followed your company’s innovative approaches and commitment to excellence, I believe my background in restaurant accounting aligns perfectly with your goals.

While working as a Senior Restaurant Accountant at Darden Restaurants, I successfully implemented a new fixed asset ledger system. This initiative reduced manual errors by 20% and significantly improved data input efficiency. This experience, combined with my proficiency in Excel and financial reporting, has equipped me with the skills to maintain accurate records and streamline financial processes, which are critical to the success of your finance department.

I would be thrilled to further discuss how my experience and skills can contribute to your team. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience to schedule an interview. Thank you for considering my application; I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your company's continued success.

Sincerely,

Jackson Thompson

Restaurant Accountant
Side Banner Cta Image

Make job-hunting a breeze!

Build your resume and focus on finding the right job

Build Resume