Controller – Automotive Dealership Group (Franchise Experience Required)

Overview

We are seeking a seasoned Controller with franchised automotive dealership experience to lead the financial operations for a dealer group consisting of three locations. The ideal candidate will combine dealership accounting with operational management, possess a solid understanding of franchise accounting practices, and demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. A CPA or accounting degree is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Office Manager Supervision: Oversee and supervise the office managers at each location (three total), ensuring the 3–4 staff per site follow financial best practices and deliver accurate reporting.
• Financial Statement Management: Ensure monthly financial statements are accurate and issued on time. Establish clear accounting policies for all locations. Regularly review GL balances and trends to identify discrepancies. Adhere to GAAP and Manufacturer accounting standards.
• Cash Management: Monitor daily cash flow to keep records current, including daily vehicle floor plan and checking account sweeps. Identify discrepancies in pricing, discounts, taxes, or payment methods. Implement separation of duties or dual oversight in high-risk areas. Ensure transactions comply with internal policies.
• Regulatory Compliance / Risk Management: Ensure dealerships comply with applicable laws and regulations including IRS, EPA, OSHA, NHTSA, FTC, Indiana SOS, AG, and others. Evaluate risks, including employee safety, data privacy, safeguarding NPI, and mitigating cyber events. Develop preventive measures through policies and training. Maintain the Information Security Program.
• Insurance Program Management: Obtain annual quotes for health, dental, vision, and life insurance for the dealerships. Provide analysis and a comprehensive premium breakdown for employees. Secure and review annual proposals for property, liability, cyber, workers' compensation, and umbrella insurance to ensure appropriate coverage.
• IT Management: Oversee all technology at the dealerships, including hardware, software, networks, and data. Ensure systems operate effectively, with emphasis on the dealer management system CDK/Tekion. Manage the accounting structure and mapping of transactions within these systems. Obtain bids for IT support, software, or hardware as contracts expire. Collaborate with vendors to maintain IT infrastructure and security.
• Inventory Reconciliations: Supervise annual parts physical inventories, reconcile results, and provide improvement recommendations based on findings. Regularly verify reconciliation for other GL inventory accounts including labor.
• HR Department Oversight: Manage HR operations, ensuring compliance with employment laws and dealership policies including the Employee Handbook, Employee Benefits, Audits, Compliance testing, and required government reporting.
• Reporting to GMs and Owners: Prepare and present monthly reports for General Managers and owners, including trend analysis, gross margins, finance department comparisons, AR past-due reports, and inventory aging reports. Analyze and propose corrective actions.
• Payroll Management: Verify payroll, taxes, and related reports are accurate and filed on time. Ensure compliance with employee benefits and payroll tax regulations.
• Year-End Compliance and Coordination: Create task lists for office managers. Review accruals and payroll tax withholdings. Verify accounting staff have balances that reconcile to every asset and liability account. Collaborate with the accounting firm and office managers to complete year-end adjusting entries, compilation reports, tax returns, LIFO entries, and other year-end matters. Ensure all filings are completed in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Education: CPA or Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field is required.
• Experience: Minimum five years of experience as a Controller in a franchised automotive dealership or related automotive industry experience.
• Strong understanding of automotive dealership financials, floorplan management, and inventory processes.
• Experience working with DMS systems (CDK/Tekion) and related software tools.
• Skills & Abilities: Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage and lead a team.
• Proven capability to handle multiple priorities across multiple locations.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to interact with executives, department heads, and employees at all levels.
• Expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles, taxes, payroll, and regulatory compliance.

Job Details

Compensation

Projected Total Compensation: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Location and Work Arrangements

• Location: Indianapolis, IN 46240
• Work Location: In person
• Ability to Commute: Indianapolis, IN 46240 (Preferred)
• Ability to Relocate: Indianapolis, IN 46240; Relocate before starting work (Required)