Assistant Controller - Automotive Dealership Group

Preston-Automotive-Grou; Wrights Wharf (MD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k match

Mentorship from Controller

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Preston Automotive Group is seeking an Assistant Controller to join our centralized accounting team. This development role will work directly with the Controller to learn month-end close, reporting, and multi-store oversight across 25 locations.

You will assist with journal entries, reconciliations, and internal reporting, while training staff and identifying process improvements. Growth into leadership is encouraged.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of accounting experience; automotive dealership accounting a plus.
• Strong Excel skills and experience using AI to improve accounting workflows.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and account reconciliation.
• Highly organized and able to manage deadlines across multiple entities.
• Clear communicator who works well with store managers and office staff.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in accounting; prior supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist month-end close across multiple locations (journal entries, accruals, monthly statements).
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts including cash, contracts in transit, vehicle inventory, floor plan, parts, WIP, payables, and receivables.
• Review aging schedules for accuracy and timely clearing of items.
• Support Controller with internal reporting and store performance metrics.
• Help oversee and train office staff (billing, payables, receivables, title clerks).
• Ensure accurate processing of vehicle deals, F&I products, and incentives/holdbacks.
• Identify process improvements and maintain strong internal controls.
• Take on special projects and cover the Controller as needed.

Skills

Excel skills

GAAP knowledge

AI in accounting

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Tools

Journal entries

Job description

Description

About Us

Preston Automotive Group is a multi-rooftop dealership group committed to delivering an exceptional experience to our customers and our communities. Our centralized accounting team supports operations across 25 locations, and we’re looking for a detail-driven Assistant Controller to grow with us.

The Opportunity

This is a development role. You’ll work directly alongside our Controller, learning the full scope of dealership group accounting with the goal of taking on increasing ownership of month-end close, reporting, and multi-store oversight.

What You’ll Do

• Assist with month-end close across multiple dealership locations, including journal entries, accruals, and preparation of the monthly manufacturer financial statements.
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts, including cash, contracts in transit, vehicle inventory, floor plan, parts, WIP, payables, and receivables.
• Review and monitor schedules for aging, accuracy, and timely clearing of open items.
• Support the Controller with internal reporting, store performance metrics, and analysis for management.
• Help oversee and train office staff, including billing, payables, receivables, and title clerks.
• Ensure accurate processing of vehicle deals, F&I products, and factory incentives and holdbacks.
• Identify process improvements and help maintain strong internal controls.
• Take on special projects and cover for the Controller as needed.

What We’re Looking For

• 3+ years of accounting experience, automotive dealership accounting experience is a plus.
• Strong Excel skills and experience using and implementing AI to improve accounting workflows.
• Solid understanding of GAAP and account reconciliation.
• Highly organized, accurate, and able to manage deadlines across multiple entities.
• Clear communicator who’s comfortable working with store managers and office staff.
• Eagerness to learn and grow into greater leadership responsibility.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in accounting; prior supervisory experience.

What We Offer

• Salary range of $75,000 to $125,000, based on experience and qualifications
• Competitive benefits package with 401k match
• Direct mentorship from an experienced Controller and Director of Accounting
• A clear path for growth and advancement