Controller - San Fernando Valley, CA

Element Partners•Reseda, CA

10d

About The Position

The Automotive Controller reports the dealership’s financial condition to the dealer or general manager regularly and accurately. The role analyzes sales and expenses to identify potential problem areas and opportunities to improve profitability relative to monthly and annual forecasts. It oversees financial reporting, accounting procedures, cash management, compliance, insurance, audits, inventory, dealership computer-system utilization, and the accuracy of dealership information.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university, or one to two years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
The posting also lists two to four years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
The posting also lists four to ten years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence, business and technical materials, financial reports, and legal documents; write correspondence, reports, manuals, speeches, and articles; and present information effectively to individuals and groups, including top management and boards.
Ability to perform arithmetic and financial calculations, including rates, ratios, percentages, interest, commissions, and proportions, and apply algebra, geometry, probability, and statistical inference.
Ability to follow written, oral, diagrammatic, and technical instructions; use sound judgment; solve practical problems; analyze data; establish facts; and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to perform the essential duties satisfactorily, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.

Responsibilities

Prepare a complete monthly financial statement according to dealership guidelines and each manufacturer’s format and schedule.
Ensure manufacturer accounts, including warranty claims, rebates, interest protection, and co-op advertising, are current and accurate.
Interpret financial statements and the daily operating control (DOC), and inform the dealer of developing trends.
Participate in preparing short- and long-term dealership financial forecasts.
Provide department managers with detailed financial and management reports.
Maintain a cash management system that forecasts cash needs and recommends profitable uses for excess cash.
Direct assessment of depreciation rates for capital assets.
Review the general ledger and scheduled accounts, investigate unusual entries, and review reconciliations with outside sources, including bank, reserve, factory payable, and floor plan payable accounts.
Monitor tax-code revisions and advise the dealer about operational adjustments needed to accommodate them.
Ensure compliance with applicable government finance regulations and required filings and records, including payroll taxes and deposits, income taxes, and retirement-plan records.
Manage the dealership computer system to maximize utilization.
Administer a loss-review program and maintain loss reserves for contingent liabilities and trade receivables.
Meet with the dealer to evaluate insurance renewals; purchase property and liability insurance; and prepare and process insurance claims.
Coordinate the annual audit or review and physical inventory.
Ensure office personnel use proper accounting procedures and maintain accurate records and analyses; supervise preparation of CPA information to minimize audit or review costs.
Continually improve data integrity and information reporting throughout the dealership.
Attend managers’ meetings and maintain a professional appearance.
Perform other tasks as assigned.