Catering Cost Controller

The Catering Cost Controller ensures all food and beverage costs are controlled, accurate, and aligned with profitability targets, directly supporting the Operations Manager in decision-making and operational discipline.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Monitor daily food and beverage costs and flag variances to OM
2. Prepare pre- and post-event costing analysis
3. Maintain accurate recipe and menu costing
4. Oversee inventory, stock movement, and controls
5. Verify purchasing, receiving, and supplier pricing
6. Submit clear, insight-driven reports
7. Enforce cost discipline across kitchen and operations
8. Success Profile (What You’re Looking For
9. Detail-oriented but operationally aware
10. Firm and confident in enforcing controls
11. Can challenge kitchen and purchasing when needed
12. Not just reporting numbers—but explaining and improving them

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
2. Experience - At least 2–4 years’ experience in cost control, finance, or accounting. Experience in catering, food service, hospitality, or restaurant operations is an advantage
3. Familiarity with inventory costing, food costing, and variance analysis
4. Technical Skills - Strong knowledge of cost accounting principles (standard costing, FIFO, variance analysis)
5. Proficient in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis)
6. Experience with inventory and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar tools)
7. Ability to prepare cost reports, budget monitoring, and financial analysis
8. Analytical Skills - Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to analyze cost trends and identify discrepancies
9. Problem-solving skills for cost reduction and efficiency improvement
10. Operational Knowledge - Understanding of food costing, recipe costing, and wastage control
11. Knowledge of purchasing, stockroom, and kitchen operations workflow
12. Soft Skills - Good communication and coordination skills
13. High level of integrity and accountability
14. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines