Automotive Dealership Controller

Advantage Dealer Group•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Automotive Dealership Controller will oversee and perform financial functions, ensuring accuracy and compliance with policies and procedures. This role involves monthly reconciliations, financial analysis, reporting, and supporting dealership operations. The Controller will also lead and mentor an accounting team, assist with new dealership integrations, and collaborate with General Managers and the executive team to meet financial objectives. A key aspect of this role is driving continuous communication and ensuring compliance across all dealerships.

Requirements

Completion of bachelor’s degree in accounting from a recognized post-secondary institution.
A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience.
A minimum of 3 years of experience working in an accounting capacity at a dealership.
Prior experience in an accounting oversight role is also required.
Must have previous experience building and mentoring a strong team.
Comprehensive knowledge of accounting theories, concepts and practices and the ability to navigate complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations.
In-depth understanding of accounting standards (IFRS GAAP) and operational accounting.
Must possess the expert knowledge required to make decisions related to implications of tax, risk, cash flow management, and financial agreements/covenants.
Must have expert excel skills and be highly skilled in other standard office software (MS Word, PowerPoint, Outlook etc.).
Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving history.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience and an understanding of the procedures and practices required to produce accurate reports and meet reporting timelines, would be considered assets.
A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Excellent verbal/written communication skills combined with the ability to interact and gain the support of senior leadership and other decision makers.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to manage priorities, perform a variety of tasks and meet required deadlines and targets.
Results-driven and career focused individual with an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong desire to be successful.
Detail oriented, self-motivated and resourceful.

Responsibilities

Oversee or perform tasks to ensure that financial functions are reconciled monthly including: cash, accounts receivables, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, accounts payable, manufacturer statements, payroll administration, vehicle deal commissioning, inter-company accounts.
Meet all monthly, quarterly and annual deadlines as required by Chief Controller and the General Managers including: monthly reconciliations, monthly and quarterly reporting, financial analysis, year-end reporting, etc.
Review dealership financial statements reports and quarterly binders to ensure consistency and compliance with policies and procedures.
Monitor the dealership’s actual vs. forecast results to ensure that issues are identified and corrected on a timely basis.
Work closely with the General Managers, the executive team and Chief Controller to ensure all their financial and accounting needs are met and relevant analysis is performed.
Be heavily involved in the integration process with the accounting departments for new dealerships to ensure compliance with Chief Controller accounting policies, controls, reporting timelines and procedures.
Lead, mentor and coach an accounting team, including planning, assigning, scheduling and reviewing of work, ensuring quality standards are met.
Assist with hiring, reviewing performance and administering corrective action plans to associates when necessary.
Assist with the training process and ongoing development of assigned team to ensure understanding and compliance with the accounting DMS, accounting policies, controls, reporting timelines and procedures.
Drive continuous communication with General Managers.
Attend and present relevant content and information at group and leadership meetings.
Support associates with all Chief Controller requests and projects to ensure timely and accurate implementation and execution.
Provide leadership and support to ensure the team is successful in achieving goals and objectives.
Promote professional development within a team environment ensuring associates are held accountable.
Celebrate team successes and cultivate a positive culture of excellence.
Review and monitor dealership compliance with Chief Controller accounting policies, procedures and controls, to ensure consistency among all dealerships.