Automotive Controller - San Bruno, CA
About The Position
Element Recruiters is partnering with one of the Bay Area's largest and most respected Import dealerships to find its next Controller. This is a high-volume, well-capitalized franchise store with a strong reputation, a stable leadership team, and an accounting office that runs on precision. The dealership needs a hands-on financial leader who owns the numbers, keeps the office sharp, and serves as a trusted partner to the General Manager and ownership. If you know how a dealership actually makes money, can close a month on time without drama, and take pride in a clean factory statement, this is a role where you'll be valued and supported.
Requirements
- 3+ years as a Controller or Assistant Controller at a franchised new-car dealership (high-volume experience strongly preferred)
- Proven ability to prepare and close a manufacturer financial statement; Honda/Acura experience is a significant plus
- Strong working knowledge of a major dealership DMS (CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds, Dealertrack, or Tekion)
- Deep understanding of dealership accounting, including F&I, floorplan, CIT, and fixed ops
- Experience leading and developing an accounting office team
- Familiarity with California payroll, sales tax, and DMV compliance
- Advanced Excel skills and a detail-driven, deadline-focused approach
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance preferred; equivalent dealership experience considered. CPA not required.
Responsibilities
- Own the full month-end and year-end close, delivering an accurate, on-time Honda factory financial statement
- Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations and schedules, including contracts in transit, receivables, inventory, and floorplan
- Deliver clear financial reporting and analysis to the GM and ownership, highlighting trends, risks, and opportunities by department
- Lead and develop the accounting office team (AP, AR, payroll, title/DMV, cashiering, and billing)
- Oversee deal posting, funding, and CIT follow-up to keep cash moving
- Manage floorplan reconciliation and payoffs, vehicle inventory control, and parts/service inventory reconciliations
- Supervise payroll processing, including commission and bonus plans for sales and fixed ops
- Maintain strong internal controls and safeguard dealership assets
- Coordinate with outside CPAs on audits, tax filings, and year-end work
- Ensure compliance with California sales tax, DMV, and labor requirements, as well as manufacturer and lender guidelines
- Support factory and lender audits and resolve findings promptly
- Partner with department managers on budgeting, forecasting, and expense control
- Identify opportunities to improve profitability, cash flow, and office efficiency
- Serve as a steady, trusted advisor to dealership leadership
Benefits
- Competitive base salary plus performance-based bonus
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Employee discounts on vehicles, parts, and service
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
