Accounting, Accounting Policies, Analysis Skills, Automotive Industry, Automotive Repair and Maintenance, Automotive Sales, Banking Operations, Billing, Business Support, Career Development, Cash Management, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Corporate Finance, Customer Experience, Customer Satisfaction, Decision Support, Dental Insurance, Detail Oriented, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Expense Reporting Software, Expense Tracking, Finance, Financial Compliance, Financial Control, Financial Operations, Financial Reporting, Financial Statements, Financial Trend Analysis, Forecasting, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Insurance, Leadership, Legal, Maintain Compliance, Microsoft Excel, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), Office Management, Operational Strategy, Operational Support, Operations, Operations Management, Operations Planning, Operations Processes, Organizational Skills, People Management, Physical Demands, Process Development, Process Improvement, Profit & Loss, Reconciliation, Reporting Skills, Retail, Team Building, Team Lead/Manager, Team Player, Time Management, Vision Plan, Wholesale Industry
Principle Automotive
Dealership Controller - Dealership Operations
Lead Financial Operations for One of Texas' Premier Luxury Automotive Groups
Principle Automotive is seeking an experienced and people-focused Dealership Controller to join our high-volume luxury dealership team in San Antonio, Texas.
This is an opportunity for a strong automotive accounting leader to step into a highly visible role supporting multiple dealership operations, financial reporting, compliance, and accounting team development within a growing organization known for its culture, integrity, and operational excellence.
The ideal candidate is operationally strong, detail-oriented, and relationship-driven, someone who can lead teams, partner with dealership leadership, drive accountability, and create accurate, timely financial reporting while fostering a positive and professional culture.
If you are an experienced automotive Controller or Office Manager ready to grow your career with a stable and values-driven organization, we want to meet you.
Why Join Principle Automotive?
- High-volume luxury dealership environment
- Multi-dealership operational exposure
- Collaborative executive leadership team
- Stable and growing automotive group
- Strong culture focused on people and relationships
- Opportunity to lead and develop accounting teams
- Career growth and advancement opportunities
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
What You'll Do
Financial Leadership & Reporting
- Oversee the preparation and accuracy of financial statements for multiple dealerships
- Ensure financial reporting complies with GAAP and company accounting policies
- Prepare monthly financial statements within the first week of each month
- Analyze monthly operating results and partner with dealership leadership to improve profitability
- Forecast quarterly and annual financial goals to support dealership performance
- Assist with year-end audits and outside accounting firm reviews
- Analyze financial trends and develop reports supporting operational decision-making
Dealership Accounting Operations
- Review accounting accuracy and completeness of retail and wholesale deals
- Monitor deal flow between Finance & Insurance and accounting teams
- Investigate deal discrepancies and ensure timely posting of deals
- Verify pack accounts and ensure proper reconciliation procedures
- Manage daily banking operations including deposits, cash management, reconciliations, and commercial billing
- Oversee expense reporting systems and compliance
- Maintain strong internal controls and safeguard company financial information
Team Leadership & Development
- Hire, train, develop, and supervise Assistant Controllers, Office Managers, and accounting staff
- Lead weekly staff meetings and support team accountability and development
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing accounting office culture
- Assist in developing future accounting leaders within the organization
Operational Compliance & Process Improvement
- Maintain compliance with dealership accounting procedures and internal controls
- Identify process improvement opportunities and operational efficiencies
- Partner with dealership leadership and corporate teams to ensure consistent accounting practices
- Maintain working knowledge of dealership DMS systems including Tekion
- Support changing business needs and special projects as assigned by senior leadership
What We're Looking For
- Previous OEM new car dealership accounting experience required
- Minimum of 5 years of dealership accounting leadership experience
- Previous Controller or Office Manager experience preferred
- Strong understanding of dealership financial statements and accounting operations
- Experience managing accounting office personnel in a high-volume environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel required
- Experience with dealership management systems such as Tekion, DealerTrack, CDK, or Reynolds & Reynolds preferred
- Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
- High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced dealership environment
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive compensation based on experience
- Performance bonus opportunities
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- 401(k)
- Professional development and career advancement opportunities
Who We Are
Our Purpose
Helping people move through life in a meaningful way.
Our Niche
Providing exceptional service as a trusted and caring friend.
At Principle Automotive, we believe the automotive industry can be different. We are committed to building meaningful relationships with our guests, associates, OEM partners, and communities through integrity, care, and exceptional service.
We hire great people who align with our culture and values and empower them to build lasting careers - not just jobs.
DRIVEN By Our Values
Dedicated
Committed to customer satisfaction, associate growth, and operational excellence.
Results-Oriented
Focused on achieving meaningful outcomes and recognizing strong performance.
Innovative
Always improving processes, technology, and the customer experience.
Values-Centered
Operating with integrity, accountability, and respect in every interaction.
Enthusiastic
Bringing passion, positivity, and energy to our work every day.
Nurturing
Investing in long-term relationships, career development, and the success of our people.
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Equal Opportunity Employer
Principle Automotive is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all associates and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, citizenship, or any other protected classification under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to hold, handle, or feel; and able to reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to talk, hear, walk, climb, or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Principle Automotive maintains a strong policy of equal opportunities for all associates and applicants for employment. We hire, train, promote, and compensate associates on the basis of personal and professional competence and potential for advancement without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability or citizenship as well as other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. EOE