Business Manager

Lithia & Driveway•Walnut Creek, CA

19d•$63,250 - $132,250

About The Position

Business Manager I is a mid-level role that provides financial thought partnership to a dealership and serves as a strategic partner to General and Department Managers. The position oversees dealership specialists and cashier personnel, oversees dealership accountants in the single point structure, and acts as a liaison with Dealership Accounting and Shared Service leadership. The role reports to the Business Manager III or Area Controller. The Business Manager partners with dealership leadership to support financial performance, maintain financial controls and processes, achieve manufacturer goals, and ensure accurate store financials. The role includes reviewing operational financial information and conducting quarterly physical inventories.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience as a dealership Business Manager or Controller.
Experience leading teams.
Excel skills sufficient to maintain complex spreadsheets.
Ability to review and research variances and resolve them when necessary.
Ability to offer solutions or recommendations based on analysis and interpretation of financial results.
Ability to partner with dealership leadership to achieve financial results.
Acceptable driving record and a valid driver’s license in the state of residence.
High school graduate or equivalent.
At least 18 years old.

Nice To Haves

CDK experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance, or 5 years of commensurate experience.

Responsibilities

Build financial partnerships with dealership leadership, including the General Manager, Sales and Operations leaders, and Manufacturer Representatives.
Ensure the dealership operates within financial guardrails and communicate risks and opportunities to operational leaders.
Ensure financial processes are in place to support new business plans.
Understand manufacturers’ Excellence Goals and work with the General Manager to achieve them.
Maximize benefits from manufacturer incentive programs by understanding their rules and payment structures, partnering with General Managers on results, and keeping the Shared Services team current on program rules.
Ensure compliance with internal controls.
Ensure accurate store financials through regular reviews of operational income statements, general ledger activity, supporting schedules, and balance sheet accounts.
Conduct quarterly physical inventories of vehicles, parts, and supplies.
Oversee dealership specialists and cashier personnel, and dealership accountants in the single point structure.
Liaise with Dealership Accounting and Shared Service leadership.
Review and research variances and resolve them when necessary.
Offer solutions or recommendations based on analysis and interpretation of financial results.
Partner with dealership leadership to achieve financial results.