Automotive Controller - Anderson, SC

Element Partners; West Virginia; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Monday–Friday schedule

Job summary

Element Partners in Anderson, SC seeks an experienced Dealership Controller to lead accounting across two rooftops. You will partner with ownership and management, guiding month-end close, financial statements, and compliance in a closely held family environment.

The role requires 3+ years in dealership finance, with hands-on DMS expertise (CDK, Reynolds, Dealertrack). You’ll supervise AP/AR/payroll and collaborate on cost controls and profitability improvements in a supportive team.

Qualifications

• 3+ years as a Controller or Assistant Controller in a franchised auto dealership.
• Deep knowledge of dealership accounting and DMS systems.
• Ability to produce on-time financial statements with clean records.
• Strong leadership to manage staff and maintain morale in a family-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all accounting operations for both locations, including month-end close and financial reporting.
• Lead, train, and develop office staff (AP, AR, payroll, title/contracts).
• Manage reconciliations, cash flow, and account analyses to keep books current.
• Monitor floor plan, contracts in transit, and report metrics to ownership.
• Collaborate with managers on expenses, profitability, and process improvements.
• Coordinate with CPAs on audits, tax filings, and year-end work.
• Ensure compliance with manufacturer, state, and federal requirements.

Skills

Controller experience

Leadership

Integrity

Education

Accounting/Finance degree

Tools

CDK

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