Controller

Talent Elite Group; Culver City (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid medical, dental, &/

Vision coverage

401(k) plan

Paid time off & sick leave

Employee purchase programs & discounts

Professional development & training

Job summary

Talent Elite Group is seeking an experienced Controller for an onsite leadership role in the Beverly Hills/West LA area. The ideal candidate will oversee accounting operations, lead monthly close under GAAP, and collaborate with executive leadership to drive financial performance.

The role emphasizes hands-on management of dealership finance, floor plan and vendor relations, with a focus on process improvements and internal controls.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Progressive accounting leadership experience in Controller/Assistant Controller roles.
• Automotive dealership accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Strong GAAP knowledge, financial reporting, and internal controls.
• Familiarity with dealership statements, floor plan accounting, and manufacturer reporting.
• Experience with Tekion or similar dealership management systems.
• Advanced Excel; payroll HR systems (Paylocity/ADP) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting operations and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Lead the monthly close process and GAAP-based financial statements.
• Review performance metrics to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Manage general ledger, reconciliations, cash management, and floor plan financing.
• Coordinate audits and strengthen internal controls; ensure regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with leadership across departments to improve financial processes.

Skills

Leadership

GAAP

Financial reporting

Internal controls

Excel (advanced)

Automotive dealership accounting

Tekion

Dealership finance ops

Education

Bachelor's in Accounting/Finance

Tools

Tekion

Excel

Paylocity / ADP

Job description

Targeting an experienced Controller to join the growing team!

Base Salary: $165,000–$175,000 + bonus

About the Opportunity

Seeking a Controller to oversee accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for a hands-on accounting professional who enjoys working closely with executive leadership, improving processes, and supporting the financial operations of a fast-paced, multi-department business.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical accounting expertise, excellent leadership skills, and experience managing the financial complexities of an automotive dealership environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with established policies and procedures.
• Lead the monthly financial close process, including preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP and manufacturer reporting requirements.
• Review financial performance, daily operating reports, and key performance indicators to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Manage general ledger activity, bank reconciliations, reserve accounts, factory payables, and floor plan financing reconciliations.
• Oversee cash management, banking relationships, and financial obligations.
• Partner with dealership leadership and department managers across Sales, Service, Finance & Insurance (F&I), and Parts to ensure accurate financial reporting and effective processes.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting and business office personnel.
• Coordinate annual audits, inventory reviews, and external accounting requirements.
• Strengthen internal controls, improve accounting procedures, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on operational improvements, financial performance, and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; Accounting preferred.
• Progressive accounting experience, including demonstrated success in a Controller, Assistant Controller, or comparable accounting leadership position.
• Automotive dealership accounting experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of GAAP, financial reporting, general ledger accounting, and internal controls.
• Familiarity with dealership financial statements, floor plan accounting, manufacturer reporting, and inventory accounting.
• Experience overseeing month-end close, reconciliations, cash management, and financial controls.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to partner effectively with operational management.
• Experience with Tekion or similar dealership management systems preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with payroll or HR systems such as Paylocity or ADP is a plus.
• CPA designation is not required.
• Performance Bonus: 10–15% annual target, paid quarterly based on KPIs
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees
• 401(k) plan
• Paid time off and sick leave
• Employee purchase programs and discounts
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Opportunity to work with a supportive, experienced executive leadership team

Additional Information

This is a full-time, onsite position based in the Beverly Hills / West Los Angeles area, with travel to a secondary location in the Westlake Village area approximately 1–2 days per week.