Automotive Controller - Anderson, SC

Element Partners; Pendleton (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Element Partners in Anderson, SC seeks an experienced Dealership Controller to lead accounting across two locations. You’ll oversee month‑end close, financial statements, and CPAs’ year‑end work, with direct access to ownership.

You’ll build and guide a hands‑on finance team, ensure strict internal controls, and partner with managers on profitability, cash flow, and process improvements in a family‑owned setting near Lake Hartwell.

Qualifications

• 3+ years as a controller or assistant controller in a franchised auto dealership.
• Deep knowledge of dealership accounting and DMS systems.
• Track record of accurate, on-time financial statements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting operations for two locations, including month-end close and financial statements.
• Lead, train, and develop the office staff including AP/AR/payroll.
• Manage reconciliations, cash flow, and close processes to keep books current.
• Collaborate with ownership on profitability, cost control, and processes.
• Coordinate with CPAs for audits, tax filings, and year-end work.

Skills

Controller experience

Franchise dealership experience

DMS knowledge

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's in accounting/finance

Tools

CDK DMS

Reynolds & Reynolds

Dealertrack

Job description

Pendleton, United States | Posted on 09/15/2026

Dealership Controller | Family-Owned Auto Group | Anderson, SC

A well-established, family-owned dealership group in Anderson, South Carolina, is looking for an experienced Controller to lead accounting across two rooftops. Together, the stores sell about 200 new and used vehicles a month. This is a chance to be the financial leader of a growing operation where your work is visible, valued, and tied directly to the success of the business and the family behind it.

You won't be a number in a corporate structure here. You'll work closely with ownership and general management, have real input on decisions, and be part of a team that has built its reputation on treating customers and employees the right way.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee all accounting operations for both locations, including month-end close, financial statements, and factory reporting
• Lead, train, and develop the office staff, including AP, AR, payroll, and title/contracts personnel
• Manage schedules, reconciliations, and account analysis so the books stay clean and current
• Monitor floor plan, contracts in transit, and cash flow, and keep ownership informed of the numbers that matter
• Partner with department managers on expense control, profitability, and process improvements
• Coordinate with outside CPAs on audits, tax filings, and year-end work
• Keep the stores compliant with manufacturer, state, and federal requirements

What You Bring

• 3+ years as a Controller or Assistant Controller in a franchised auto dealership (multi-store experience is a strong plus)
• Deep knowledge of dealership accounting, including the DMS (CDK, Reynolds, Dealertrack, or similar)
• A track record of accurate, on-time financial statements and a clean, organized office
• Leadership skills to build and hold a team accountable while keeping morale strong
• Integrity, discretion, and a hands-on style that fits a family-owned culture
• Degree in accounting or finance preferred; equivalent dealership experience considered

Why Join Us

• Competitive salary plus performance-based bonus
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, plus 401(k)
• Paid time off and a stable, Monday–Friday schedule
• Direct access to ownership and a culture that values long-term people
• A great place to live, with a low cost of living near Lake Hartwell, and an easy drive to Greenville and Clemson