Automotive Controller - San Bruno, CA

Element Partners; San Bruno (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Growth potential

Ownership support

Job summary

Element Partners in California seeks a hands-on Controller for a high-volume Bay Area dealership in San Bruno. You will own month-end close, lead the accounting office, and partner with GM and ownership to drive profitability and cash flow.

The role requires 3+ years in dealership controlling, Honda/Acura experience is a plus, and proficiency with major DMS platforms. Competitive salary and benefits offered.

Qualifications

• 3+ years as Controller or Assistant Controller at a franchised dealership.
• Honda/Acura experience is a significant plus.
• Strong knowledge of dealership DMS (CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds, Dealertrack, Tekion).
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance preferred; CPA not required.

Responsibilities

• Own the full month-end and year-end close and deliver Honda factory statements.
• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations for contracts in transit, AR, inventory, and floorplan.
• Deliver clear financial reporting to the GM and ownership with trends and risks by department.
• Lead the accounting office team (AP, AR, payroll, title/DMV, billing).
• Oversee deal posting, funding, and CIT follow-up to keep cash moving.
• Manage floorplan reconciliations, vehicle and parts inventory.
• Supervise payroll processing including commissions for sales and fixed ops.
• Maintain strong internal controls and coordinate audits and tax filings.
• Partner with managers on budgeting, forecasting, and expense control.

Skills

Leadership

Advanced Excel

Analytical thinking

Communication with GM

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance

Tools

CDK

Reynolds & Reynolds

Dealertrack

Tekion

Job description

San Bruno, United States | Posted on 09/10/2026

About the Opportunity

Element Recruiters is partnering with one of the Bay Area's largest and most respected Import dealerships to find its next Controller. This is a high-volume, well-capitalized franchise store with a strong reputation, a stable leadership team, and an accounting office that runs on precision.

The dealership needs a hands-on financial leader who owns the numbers, keeps the office sharp, and serves as a trusted partner to the General Manager and ownership. If you know how a dealership actually makes money, can close a month on time without drama, and take pride in a clean factory statement, this is a role where you'll be valued and supported.

What You'll Do

• Own the full month-end and year-end close, delivering an accurate, on-time Honda factory financial statement
  
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations and schedules, including contracts in transit, receivables, inventory, and floorplan
  
• Deliver clear financial reporting and analysis to the GM and ownership, highlighting trends, risks, and opportunities by department
  

Accounting Operations

• Lead and develop the accounting office team (AP, AR, payroll, title/DMV, cashiering, and billing)
  
• Oversee deal posting, funding, and CIT follow-up to keep cash moving
  
• Manage floorplan reconciliation and payoffs, vehicle inventory control, and parts/service inventory reconciliations
  
• Supervise payroll processing, including commission and bonus plans for sales and fixed ops
  

Controls & Compliance

• Maintain strong internal controls and safeguard dealership assets
  
• Coordinate with outside CPAs on audits, tax filings, and year-end work
  
• Ensure compliance with California sales tax, DMV, and labor requirements, as well as manufacturer and lender guidelines
  
• Support factory and lender audits and resolve findings promptly
  

Business Partnership

• Partner with department managers on budgeting, forecasting, and expense control
  
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, cash flow, and office efficiency
  
• Serve as a steady, trusted advisor to dealership leadership
  

What You Bring

• 3+ years as a Controller or Assistant Controller at a franchised new-car dealership (high-volume experience strongly preferred)
  
• Proven ability to prepare and close a manufacturer financial statement; Honda/Acura experience is a significant plus
  
• Strong working knowledge of a major dealership DMS (CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds, Dealertrack, or Tekion)
  
• Deep understanding of dealership accounting, including F&I, floorplan, CIT, and fixed ops
  
• Experience leading and developing an accounting office team
  
• Familiarity with California payroll, sales tax, and DMV compliance
  
• Advanced Excel skills and a detail-driven, deadline-focused approach
  
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance preferred; equivalent dealership experience considered. CPA not required.
  

What's Offered

• Competitive base salary plus performance-based bonus
  
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  
• 401(k) with company match
  
• Paid time off and holidays
  
• Employee discounts on vehicles, parts, and service
  
• Stable, established organization with long-term growth potential
  
• Supportive ownership that values its accounting team