Automotive Dealership Controller

Parkway Auto Group•Dover, OH

10d

About The Position

The Controller oversees accounting and financial operations across a multi-location automotive dealership group. The role maintains accurate financial records, manages accounting personnel, ensures compliance with manufacturer and regulatory requirements, and provides timely financial reporting and analysis to ownership and executive leadership. The ideal candidate has automotive dealership accounting experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to establish consistent processes and financial controls across multiple locations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred.
At least 5 years of progressive accounting experience in automotive retail.
Prior experience as a dealership Controller or multi-store accounting leader.
Strong understanding of dealership financial statements, inventory accounting, floorplan financing, and departmental financial reporting.
Experience overseeing accounting operations across multiple locations.
Proficiency with dealership management systems (DMS), accounting software, and Microsoft Excel.
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to lead teams, manage deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professional judgment.

Responsibilities

Oversee accounting and financial reporting for multiple dealership locations, including accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end financial statements.
Review dealership financial statements, balance sheets, income statements, and departmental profitability; analyze performance and trends and communicate opportunities to improve profitability.
Prepare budgets, forecasts, and financial projections for ownership and executive management; monitor cash flow, working capital, expenses, and overall financial performance.
Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll, and bank reconciliations.
Ensure accurate posting and reconciliation of vehicle inventory, floorplan accounts, vehicle sales, and cost of sales; oversee new and used vehicle, parts and service, warranty, and manufacturer accounting.
Review schedules and reconcile balance sheet accounts, resolving outstanding items in a timely manner.
Oversee month-end and year-end closing processes and maintain consistent accounting procedures and reporting standards across locations.
Establish and maintain internal controls, accounting policies, and procedures; ensure compliance with accounting standards, tax requirements, regulatory obligations, dealership policies, manufacturer requirements, and lender or floorplan reporting requirements.
Coordinate with external accountants, auditors, tax professionals, financial institutions, and other business partners.
Identify and address financial risks and accounting discrepancies, and strengthen controls as appropriate.
Lead, develop, and support accounting managers, office managers, and dealership accounting personnel; establish expectations, performance standards, and accountability.
Standardize accounting processes, reporting deadlines, and reconciliation procedures across locations.
Partner with General Managers, department managers, and executive leadership to improve financial results; periodically review dealership performance and follow up on outstanding issues.
Support dealership acquisitions, integrations, system implementations, and process improvements as needed.