Automotive Assistant Controller

Kahlig Auto Group•San Antonio, TX

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Kahlig Automotive Group is hiring an Assistant Controller to support the Controller in running the store’s accounting office. This hands-on, interactive management role oversees the accounting office’s daily work, keeps schedules and reconciliations current, and helps deliver an accurate, timely month-end close and financial statement. The Assistant Controller steps in for the Controller when needed and supervises the day-to-day work of accounting office staff, including billing, titles, accounts payable, payroll, and accounts receivable. The role is full-time and on-site in San Antonio, Texas. The position oversees daily accounting operations, vehicle deal posting, funding follow-up, title processing, cash activity, reconciliations, reporting, payroll review, tax reporting, audit documentation, and internal controls. It also trains and supports accounting staff, helps recruit and onboard employees as needed, responds to managers and corporate accounting, and improves office processes. The role requires flexible hours during peak business times and offers an opportunity to grow into a Controller role. This is an office-based position involving extended periods of computer work, regular walking within the dealership or affiliated office buildings, and occasional lifting of up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

At least 3 years of franchised dealership accounting experience.
Hands-on experience with dealership month-end close, including schedules and account reconciliations.
Working knowledge of dealership schedules, controlled accounts, the general ledger, and bank, floorplan, and manufacturer reconciliations.
Understanding of vehicle deal posting, contracts in transit, and title processing.
Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
High character and strong work ethic.
Accurate and detail-oriented while meeting fixed monthly deadlines.
Analytical ability to identify errors, aged items, and variances.
Ability to explain accounting issues clearly to managers who are not accountants.
Ability to build working relationships with the Controller, General Manager, department managers, and corporate accounting.
Ability to train and coach staff and lead by example.
Ability to manage several priorities at once in a fast-paced store.
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and integrity.
Willingness to work flexible hours during peak business times.
Desire to grow into a Controller role.

Nice To Haves

Prior Assistant Controller, Office Manager, or senior Staff Accountant experience at a franchised dealership.
Experience supervising or training accounting staff.
Experience preparing the manufacturer financial statement.
Working knowledge of Texas sales and motor vehicle tax returns.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
Experience with CDK.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily accounting office work and ensure postings are timely and accurate.
Review and post vehicle deals for proper accounting treatment; follow up on missing paperwork and funding.
Review journal entries and accounts payable and accounts receivable postings for accuracy before month end.
Monitor contracts in transit and coordinate with F&I to get deals funded promptly.
Oversee title processing and ensure trade payoffs are made on time.
Manage the month-end close checklist and track its completion with the Controller.
Reconcile balance sheet accounts monthly, including bank, floorplan, manufacturer receivables, contracts in transit, and warranty accounts; clear reconciling items promptly.
Review accounting schedules and correct aged or misposted items.
Assist with preparing the manufacturer financial statement and internal reports by required deadlines.
Run and review monthly expense trend reports and flag unusual items to the Controller.
Monitor daily cash, deposits, and bank activity.
Follow and enforce internal controls consistent with Kahlig Group policies and safeguard store assets.
Support floorplan payoffs, floorplan audits, and vehicle inventory accounting.
Prepare documentation for external, manufacturer, workers’ compensation, and group audits and reviews.
Review payroll and commission calculations for accuracy before submission, and reconcile payroll postings to the general ledger.
Prepare state sales and motor vehicle tax returns and other required reports for Controller review.
Assist with maintaining state licenses for company operations.
Ensure every transaction is recorded according to dealership accounting policies and procedures.
Train, supervise, and support accounting office staff day to day.
Help recruit and onboard new office staff as needed.
Act for the Controller when they are out of the office.
Respond promptly to questions from department managers and requests from corporate accounting.
Improve office processes and workflows.
Keep the Controller informed of key office issues.