Automotive Controller

Confidential - Saint Petersburg, FL

Full-time - Mid Level

Saint Petersburg, FL

About the position

The Controller will oversee all functions within the accounting department of a multi-franchise automobile dealership group. This role is responsible for coordinating and directing the accounting staff, providing sales and expense analyses, and preparing accurate monthly financial statements for review by the Ownership Group, CFO, and General Manager. The Controller will also implement internal controls across various departments, ensuring compliance with dealership accounting processes and policies.

Responsibilities

• Supervise, assign tasks, and review the work of the accounting staff including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cashiers, payroll, etc.
• Ensure bank deposits (including ACH) are made and recorded daily.
• Complete monthly account reconciliations including floor plan, bank, finance reserves, parts, accounts payable, etc.
• Supervise and complete monthly closings of the books.
• Post monthly standard entries in a timely manner.
• Prepare complete financial statements for review by ownership, CFO, and management and submit to the manufacturer within established timeframes.
• Understand, interpret, and analyze financial statements.
• Keep the Ownership, CFO, and General Manager informed on trends and cash needs of the business.
• Develop and maintain an effective cash management system.
• Manage day-to-day accounting operations to ensure compliance with dealership accounting processes and policies for each franchise.
• Ensure DMV title work is processed accurately and timely.
• Ensure vehicle inventory is stocked daily as received.
• Process daily vehicle sales, service, parts, and body shop sales and post to accounting.
• Review outstanding repair orders (WIP) to verify timely closure.
• Ensure physical parts inventory is performed annually or semi-annually as necessary.
• Ensure monthly accounts receivable statements are mailed on time and collect outstanding accounts timely.
• Manage and safeguard assets and ensure internal controls are in place.
• Work with Ownership, CFO, and General Manager to improve revenue or reduce expenses to meet or exceed budget and grow the business.
• Provide information and reports for annual tax returns and interact with CPA firm personnel.
• Work with 401(K) auditors annually to comply with ERISA and IRS requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree with accounting focus preferred.
• Working knowledge of GAAP.
• CPA preferred, not necessary.
• Minimum 4 years automotive dealership accounting experience as a controller or assistant controller.
• Extensive knowledge of CDK DMS system preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of manufacturer, bank, and floorplan reconciliations.
• Extensive knowledge of accounting schedules/controlled accounts/general ledger.
• Extensive knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Working knowledge of dealership financial statements.
• Working knowledge of dealership accounting month-end close.
• Working knowledge of state sales, use, and tire tax filings.
• Working knowledge of most accounting office positions.
• Working knowledge of all payroll administration and payroll preparation.
• Supervisory experience.
• Strong work ethic and attendance accountability.
• Strong process improvement involvement (problem/resolution).
• Ability to explain technical financial information in an understandable manner.
• Excellent communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with CDK DMS system.
• Automobile dealership experience as assistant controller or controller.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Full benefits
• 401k
• Opportunities for additional responsibilities and advancement