The Mullings Group Search Canada has partnered with our client, the Okanagan’s premier Toyota dealership, Vernon Toyota, to find a Controller to join their senior operations leadership team.
Reporting directly to the Dealer Principal, the Controller will lead the accounting and finance functions across a growing, multi-location dealership. This critical role involves making informed financial decisions, ensuring timely and accurate accounting practices, and providing continuous leadership and development to a high-performing team.
In addition to overseeing the accounting and finance function, the Controller will provide leadership and oversight of human resources and administrative functions, contributing to the dealership’s operational excellence and long-term growth.
Responsibilities
- Lead and supervise the dealership’s accounting team, ensuring timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes.
- Prepare financial statements in manufacturer‑required format and deliver them within established timeframes.
- Reconcile general ledger accounts (e.g. bank, floorplan, warranty, parts inventory) and investigate variances.
- Provide detailed departmental sales and expense analysis to support operational decision‑making.
- Manage cash flow forecasting and maintain an effective cash management system.
- Ensure compliance with all financial regulations (GST/PST, payroll, income tax) and coordinate internal/external audits.
- Oversee payroll processing and administration, including benefits and tax remittances.
- Implement and maintain strong internal control procedures and policies to safeguard dealership assets.
- Collaborate with General Manager and department heads to monitor performance against budgets and drive profitability.
- Coordinate with third party financial advisors to track investment performance and ensure proper reporting and compliance.
- Ensure accurate accounting of intercompany transactions and allocations between dealership operations and family entities.
- Oversee all accounting functions for the family enterprise, ensuring accurate financial reporting, tax readiness, and alignment with the family’s strategic and generational goals.
Qualifications
- 5+ year of accounting experience with a preference for those with industry or dealership experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance.
- CPA designation is a requirement.
- Proficient using accounting software and Microsoft Office products.
- Exceptional communication and people skills to build strong relationships and ensure the highest level of customer service possible.
- Strong attention to detail, timelines, and demonstrated strong accounting skills and knowledge of relevant bookkeeping, and accounting standards.
- The ability to work on-site full-time.
- Demonstrate strong collaborative leadership by working cross-functionally with all team members.
- Proven ability to develop strong, trusted relationships across all areas of the business.
- Advanced knowledge with MS Office, Excel and accounting systems, SERTI preferred but not required.