Automotive Controller (New Car Dealership)

Automotive Search Group; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Room to grow with organization

Long-term workplace home

Job summary

Automotive Search Group is seeking an experienced Automotive Controller for a growing dealership in the Lakes Region of Minnesota, northwest of Minneapolis. The role leads a small accounting team, owns the month-end close, and ensures accurate financial statements to the OEM.

You will mentor staff, optimize processes, and collaborate with managers to meet budgets and strategic goals. Relocation candidates are encouraged to apply for a long-term home with the dealer.

Qualifications

• Controller experience with a new-car dealership.
• Strong knowledge of dealership accounting and financial statements.
• Proven ability to lead and develop an accounting team.
• Hands-on, organized, and willing to assist throughout the office.
• Positive leadership style and a stable professional track record.
• Interest in a long-term opportunity with the dealership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the dealership’s accounting office and manage a small team.
• Help oversee, maintain, and improve the financial well-being of the dealership.
• Own the month-end close process.
• Prepare and submit accurate financial statements to the OEM.
• Maintain clean and accurate financial records.
• Review and analyze parts monthly/annual reconciliation.
• Dealership vehicle inventory – review and reconcile physical to GL.
• Train, mentor, and cross-train accounting employees.
• Analyze and interpret financial data and recommend changes to improve controls and performance.
• Monitor and analyze monthly operating expenditures against budget.

Skills

Controller experience

Team leadership

Hands-on

Organized

Training/mentoring

Compliance

Long-term commitment

Job description

Automotive Controller – north of Minneapolis, MN - Lakes Region, MN (Relocators Encouraged to Apply)

Experienced Automotive Controller needed for growing dealership in the Lakes Region of Minnesota, northwest of Minneapolis. Serious relocation candidates, with experience as an Automotive Controller at a new car dealership, are encouraged to apply. Wonderful area to raise a family, safe, good schools, and low cost of living market.

This is a great opportunity for an experienced dealership Controller who leads by example, is a positive mentor to their team, and is a hands‑on leader who can fill‑in throughout the office (as needed), while also promoting cross‑training throughout their team. Looking for a Controller who wants a long‑term "home" with the dealer and who can be with the organization for many years to come.

The Automotive Controller hired will report directly to the Dealer Principal and will oversee a small team in the dealership's accounting office. This is a great long‑term opportunity for an experienced dealership Comptroller that is well versed in all areas of dealership accounting as to properly lead, train, and manage the accounting staff. It's important that the person hired is a able to own the month‑end close process and submit the month end financial statement to the OEM. The Controller hired will be supported from upper management and be able to structure their accounting office as they see best fit for long‑term success. Must be trustworthy, compliant, and have a stable track record in dealership accounting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the dealership’s accounting office and manage a small team
• Help to oversee, maintain, and improve the financial well‑being of the dealership
• Understand and maximize benefits from manufacturer incentive programs and payment structures, work with GMs to achieve results, and ensure the team is current on program rules.
• Own the month‑end close process
• Prepare and submit accurate financial statements to the OEM
• Maintain clean and accurate financial records
• Evaluate current processes and structure the office for long‑term success
• Train, mentor, and cross‑train accounting employees
• Analyze and interpret financial data and recommend changes to improve systems/processes for financial controls and performance.
• Monitor and analyze monthly operating expenditures against budget to identify expense and gross profit opportunities.
• Ensure all store transactions are processed timely, accurately, and in accordance with company policies and procedures.
• Review and analyze parts monthly/annual reconciliation.
• Dealership vehicle inventory – review and reconcile physical to GL.
• Expense Analysis
• Assist in the annual budgeting process.
• Internal controls – implement and ensure the store follows the internal control process.
• Work closely with other department managers to achieve store goals
• Ensure compliance with dealership and manufacturer requirements

Qualifications

• Current or previous Controller experience with a new-car dealership
• Strong knowledge of dealership accounting and financial statements
• Proven ability to lead and develop an accounting team
• Hands‑on, organized, and willing to assist throughout the office
• Positive leadership style and a stable professional track record
• Interest in finding a long‑term opportunity with the dealership

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation package in the $110,000 - $120,000+ range for the successful candidate based on experience.
• Competitive benefits package
• Room to grow with organization
• A true long‑term workplace "home"

Relocation and the Area

Serious relocation candidates with new-car dealership Controller experience are encouraged to apply. The Lakes Region offers a quieter lifestyle than the Twin Cities, affordable housing, a low cost of living, good schools, and low crime rates. It is also an excellent location for those who enjoy lake life, boating, fishing, ice fishing, and year‑round outdoor activities.

All applications and inquiries will be handled with discretion.