Automotive Controller
About the position Krause Auto Group is seeking a motivated, customer-focused, and detail-oriented Automotive Controller to join their growing team. This role is more than a traditional Controller position; it involves serving as a trusted business partner to executive leadership, providing strategic financial guidance, and leading high-performing accounting teams across two locations. The ideal candidate will be passionate about operational excellence, financial integrity, and developing people, making a meaningful impact within one of the nation's fastest-growing dealership groups.
Responsibilities
- Lead all accounting operations for two dealership locations, including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, and Month-End Close.
- Prepare accurate monthly financial statements in accordance with GAAP and OEM requirements.
- Submit timely manufacturer financial statements, composite reports, and required surveys.
- Analyze financial performance and provide actionable recommendations to improve profitability.
- Present financial results and key performance indicators to executive leadership.
- Develop and maintain strong internal accounting controls.
- Ensure compliance with OEM standards, federal and state regulations, tax requirements, and company policies.
- Coordinate external audits, manufacturer audits, and tax engagements.
- Monitor sales tax, payroll tax, property tax, and licensing compliance.
- Protect company assets through effective financial oversight and risk management.
- Oversee vehicle floorplan financing, reconciliations, audits, and curtailments.
- Monitor daily cash positions and working capital.
- Manage flooring assistance programs and inventory financing.
- Ensure accurate accounting for new and used vehicle inventories.
- Supervise vehicle inventory accounting and reconcile physical inventories.
- Monitor parts and service inventories, obsolescence reserves, and inventory adjustments.
- Analyze departmental expenses, gross profit trends, and operational efficiencies.
- Identify opportunities to improve profitability through financial analysis and process improvements.
- Lead, mentor, and develop accounting teams across both dealerships.
- Create consistency in accounting processes and best practices.
- Establish priorities, manage workloads, and coach team members for continued growth.
- Partner closely with General Managers and department leaders to improve operational performance.
- Develop annual budgets and financial forecasts.
- Provide meaningful financial insight to dealership leadership.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiencies.
- Support acquisitions, dealership integrations, and system implementations as the organization continues to grow.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- 5+ years of automotive dealership accounting experience
- Multi-store dealership accounting experience strongly preferred
- Strong knowledge of dealership financial statements and OEM reporting
- Experience with dealer management systems such as CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds, Dealertrack, or similar
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial modeling skills
Nice-to-haves
- Exceptional financial and business acumen
- Proven experience managing multiple dealership accounting operations
- Strong leadership and team development skills
- Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Strong communication skills with executives and operational leaders
Benefits
- Competitive Compensation Based on Experience
- Free Health Insurance Option Available
- 401(k) with Company Match
- HSA Company Contributions
- Dental & Vision Insurance
- Paid Vacation, PTO & Holiday Pay
- Employee Discounts on Products & Services
- Professional Development & Leadership Training
- Promote-from-Within Culture
- Family-Owned & Operated Company
- Long-Term Career Stability
- Opportunity to Grow Within a Rapidly Expanding Organization