Assistant comptroller Automotive dealership Top Pay

Position Overview

We are seeking a high-level Assistant Comptroller / Assistant Controller with automotive dealership experience REQUIRED to support and eventually grow into a full Controller/Comptroller role.

This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for assisting in the day-to-day accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls of a high-volume dealership.

You will work directly with the Controller, General Manager, and department leaders to ensure the dealership operates profitably, efficiently, and in full compliance.

This role is designed for a strong #2 leader who is capable of stepping into the top financial seat.

• Assist in preparing monthly financial statements (OEM-compliant) and ensure timely submission
• Support month-end close, reconciliations, and journal entries
• Maintain accurate general ledger, schedules, and financial reporting systems
• Provide daily operating control (DOC) and financial trend analysis to management
• Analyze departmental performance (Sales, Service, Parts, F&I)

• Oversee and support:
  • Accounts Payable / Receivable
  • Payroll & commissions
  • Deal posting and inventory accounting
  • Warranty receivables and manufacturer credits
• Ensure all transactions are properly recorded and compliant with dealership policies
• Assist with cash management, bank reconciliations, and deposits

• Help develop and enforce internal controls and accounting policies
• Ensure compliance with:
  • OEM requirements
  • State and federal regulations
  • Company accounting standards
• Assist in audit preparation (internal & external)

• Help manage, train, and develop accounting office staff
• Ensure workflows are efficient, accurate, and completed on time
• Support hiring, onboarding, and performance management of accounting personnel

• Partner with GM and department managers to:
  • Improve profitability
  • Control expenses
  • Identify financial risks and opportunities
• Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
• Provide actionable insights to drive dealership performance

• Automotive dealership accounting experience REQUIRED (3+ years minimum)
• Experience in:
  • Dealership financial statements (OEM format)
  • Deal posting, schedules, and DOC
• Strong understanding of:
  • GAAP accounting principles
  • Dealership accounting workflows

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 5+ years accounting experience (dealership strongly preferred)
• CPA or CPA-track is a plus
• Experience with dealership systems:
  • CDK
  • Reynolds & Reynolds
  • Dealertrack

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Leadership mindset with ability to step into Controller role
• Ability to work in a fast-paced dealership environment
• Strong communication skills - able to explain financials to non-accounting managers
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple deadlines

• Someone who can run the office when needed
• Someone who understands dealership accounting inside and out
• Someone who can grow into a full Comptroller / Controller seat quickly
• Not a bookkeeper - a future financial leader

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Bonus potential based on dealership performance
• Full benefits package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k)
• Paid time off

This role is structured for advancement into:
Controller / Comptroller
Group Controller / CFO (for multi-store groups)