Reviewed and updated October 16, 2026

Reconcile sales to deposits

A restaurant’s bank deposits rarely equal gross sales. Credit-card fees, delivery commissions, tips, sales tax, refunds and timing differences explain the gap. Start with point-of-sale totals and reconcile each payment channel through to the bank. Record delivery-platform commissions separately when appropriate instead of treating every net deposit as revenue.

Sales tax collected is a liability. Employee tips require careful tracking through payroll and should not be confused with restaurant revenue. Mandatory service charges follow different payroll and tax rules from voluntary tips.

Track food cost and inventory

Purchases are only part of food cost. An inventory-based calculation generally starts with beginning inventory, adds purchases and subtracts ending inventory, with adjustments appropriate to the accounting method. Count inventory consistently and investigate waste, transfers, spoilage and unusual differences. Tax inventory treatment can differ for qualifying small businesses, so select a method with advice.

Separate food, beverage, packaging and other costs in a chart of accounts that makes monthly comparisons meaningful. Equipment purchases and renovations may need capitalization or depreciation rather than an immediate ordinary expense.

Close the books on a schedule

Reconcile bank accounts, cards, loans, payroll liabilities and sales-tax balances each month. Separate owner distributions from payroll and business expenses. Review a profit-and-loss statement, balance sheet and near-term cash forecast together: accounting profit does not guarantee enough cash to cover rent and payroll.

Maintain invoices, vendor statements, payroll reports and asset records in a consistent digital filing system. A monthly bookkeeping routine gives owners usable information before a tax deadline and helps identify pricing or purchasing problems while there is time to act.

Official sources

This guide provides general information. The rules depend on the tax year, jurisdiction and your circumstances. Ask our team which filing or planning steps apply to you.