Dealership Controller

Schumacher Auto Group•West Palm Beach, FL

27d

About The Position

Schumacher Automotive Group in West Palm Beach is seeking a Controller, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's financial operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, and financial analysis, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant regulations while providing key financial insights to management for decision-making along with managing and ensuring the accuracy of payroll processing and compliance with payroll regulations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance required. Master's degree in business or accounting field is preferred.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license required.
10+ years of experience in accounting and financial management within the automotive industry is required.
Proven experience in conducting internal and/or external audits, preferably within a regulated industry.
2+ years' experience leading an office team of 10+ employees to include billers, warranty admins, AP/AR clerks, etc.
Strong ethical values and the ability to maintain objectivity and independence throughout the audit process.
Familiarity with risk management principles and practices.
Strong understanding of business processes and controls, including the ability to assess risks and design effective control solutions.
Exceptional analytical skills with the ability to provide strategic financial insights.
Strong leadership abilities with experience in team building and conflict resolution.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Microsoft Excel Proficiency, including Vlookups, Sumifs, Pivot Tables.
Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Please note that candidates without retail automotive dealer experience will not be considered.

Responsibilities

Financial Reporting:
Prepares accurate and timely financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, adhering to GAAP standards.
Analyzes financial data to identify trends and potential issues, providing insightful commentary to leadership.
Establishes and manages financial controls for our dealership operations that ensure the highest level of accountability, risk mitigation, and internal control and regulatory compliance.
Conducts analytical reviews of monthly financial statements, highlighting deviations from budget and unusual variances in revenue and expenses.
Conducts regular internal audits of dealership financial operations, including sales, service, parts, and F&I departments, to ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
Oversees a team of accounting managers, ensuring that all manufacturer accounts, including warranty claims, rebates, interest protection, and co-op advertising are current and accurate.
Completes month-end and year-end close of income statement and balance sheets, reconciles accounts and oversees general ledger analysis.
Reconciles balance sheet accounts and clears reconciling items every month.
Submits all Financial Statements to the Manufacturers by the required date as per OEM guidelines.
Provides department managers with detailed financial and management reports.
Trains and supports department managers on audit readiness and the importance of compliance with internal financial protocols.
Budgeting and Forecasting:
Develops annual operating budgets for different departments within the company.
Monitors actual performance against budget, identifying variances and taking corrective actions.
Prepares forecasts for future periods based on market trends and company goals.
Reviews all accounting schedules and aging of payables and receivables.
Works closely with leadership to develop accurate financial forecasts.
Manages dealership license renewals.
Internal Controls:
Regularly reviews, manages, and updates internal controls to align with evolving business needs and regulations, ensuring the stores' assets.
Oversees calculations and approves the Month-End commissions for Managers, Sales, and Fixed Operations personnel.
Accounting Operations:
Supervises accounting manager, ensuring accurate and timely processing of transactions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and inventory.
Monitors and manages the general ledger, ensuring proper classification and coding of transactions.
Attracts, retains, and develops the accounting team via coaching, mentoring, career development, and performance management feedback.
Directs assessment of depreciation rates to apply to capital assets.
Reviews the reconciliation of general ledger accounts with outside sources to ensure proper bank reconciliation, reserve accounts, factory payable, and floor plan payable.
Coordinates annual review and physical inventory.
Tax Compliance:
Coordinates with tax advisors to ensure accurate and timely filing of all federal, state, and local tax returns.
Analyzes tax implications of business decisions and proposes strategies for tax optimization.
Develops and performs detailed testing procedures to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of internal controls, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.
Audit:
Oversees preparation for external audits by coordinating with third-party auditors and ensuring timely and accurate delivery of financial documents and reports.
Responsible for leading periodic inventory audits of vehicles, parts, and accessories to confirm alignment with accounting records and manufacturer reporting requirements.
Financial Analysis:
Conducts in-depth financial analysis to identify areas for cost reduction, revenue enhancement, and operational improvement.
Provides management with actionable insights to support strategic decision-making.
Payroll Processing:
Supervises and mentors staff involved in payroll processing.
Delegates tasks to ensure the complete payroll cycle, including time and attendance tracking, calculation of wages, deductions, and taxes.
Reviews and approves payroll data before it is posted.
Compliance:
Ensures adherence to all relevant accounting standards, regulations, and company policies.
Monitors for potential compliance risks and address issues promptly.
Stays abreast of tax code revisions and advises leadership of operational adjustments needed to accommodate revisions.
Establishes controls to maintain accurate payroll records and documentation for audit purposes.
Stays current on payroll regulations and legislative changes.
Other duties or projects assigned by Management.