Controller

Aston Carter•Pleasantville, NJ

8d•$100,000 - $130,000•Onsite

About The Position

This senior leadership role serves as the second-in-command to the General Manager at a well-established automotive dealership in Pleasantville. The position oversees all accounting operations, ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, and partners closely with executive leadership to drive operational improvements and profitability. The role reports directly to the CFO and ownership, with a clear, structured succession plan leading to full ownership of the position as the incumbent transitions into retirement.

Requirements

Assistant Controller or Controller experience.
Strong knowledge of accounting, including NADA Uniform Accounting Standards and franchise financial practices.
Demonstrated experience managing the full accounting cycle, including month-end close, financial statement preparation, account reconciliations, and oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger activities.
Proficiency in management and accounting systems, with experience using platforms such as DealerBuilt, CDK, or Reynolds & Reynolds.
Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial reporting tools for analysis, budgeting, and management reporting.
In-depth understanding of key dealership financial functions such as floor plan reconciliation, factory receivables, F&I reserve accounting, inventory accounting, and cash flow management.
Experience partnering with executive leadership, including General Managers, CFOs, and ownership, to provide financial insights and support operational decision-making.
Proven leadership experience supervising accounting and administrative staff while maintaining strong internal controls, compliance standards, and adherence to reporting deadlines.
Experience with budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, payroll administration, and commission calculations in a high-volume dealership environment.
Strong organizational and time management skills with a high attention to detail and the ability to consistently meet deadlines.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly and collaborate effectively across departments.

Nice To Haves

Experience with DealerBuilt automotive accounting software is a plus.
Familiarity with other dealership management systems such as CDK or Reynolds & Reynolds.
Experience working within a multi-store automotive group is beneficial.
Demonstrated ability to thrive in a stable, process-driven environment with established financial procedures and clean books.
Interest in long-term career growth within a growing automotive group, including stepping into full ownership of the role as part of a structured succession plan.
Comfort working closely with executive leadership and contributing to strategic discussions around store performance and profitability.

Responsibilities

Serve as second-in-command to the General Manager, working side-by-side daily to identify and drive operational improvements across the store.
Manage day-to-day accounting operations, including preparation of financial statements, account reconciliations, and completion of the month-end close process.
Oversee dealership schedules such as F&I reserves, inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and fixed operations schedules, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Review and analyze monthly financial statements in alignment with manufacturer and NADA Uniform Accounting Standards.
Report directly to the CFO and ownership on performance, providing accurate, timely, and transparent financial information.
Manage cash flow, including floor plan reconciliation, factory receivables, and related cash management activities.
Supervise office and accounting staff, providing leadership, guidance, and oversight to ensure internal controls and policies are consistently followed.
Partner with the General Manager and department heads on budgeting, forecasting, expense control, and profitability analysis to support strategic decision-making.
Ensure compliance with state, federal, and manufacturer reporting requirements, including adherence to established accounting and regulatory standards.
Oversee payroll processing and commission calculations, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in a high-volume dealership environment.
Utilize management systems and financial reporting tools to perform detailed financial analysis and support continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and refine processes that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall performance.
Support year-end close and preparation of workpapers, maintaining clean books and timely completion of annual financial reporting.