Controller

Benskin Talent Partners; East St. Louis (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid disability insurance

Company-paid life insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Benskin Talent Partners is conducting a retained search for a Controller for a family-owned dealership group with 15+ locations across four states. The Controller will oversee accounting operations, report to the CFO, and drive process improvements while retiring incumbent under a smooth transition.

The role is 100% on-site at the Collinsville, IL corporate office, with occasional 15–20% travel to other locations. CPA preferred; prior dealership or DMS experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Prior Controller, Assistant Controller, or Accounting Manager experience.
• Experience in an inventory-based business such as dealership, manufacturing, or distribution.
• Multi-entity or multi-location reporting experience.
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and financial reporting.
• Advanced Excel proficiency, including PivotTables, large datasets, and financial models.
• Experience managing and developing accounting staff.
• CPA preferred
• Public accounting experience preferred
• Dealership or DMS experience preferred but not required

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations.
• Lead the monthly and annual financial close across all locations and departments.
• Prepare, review, and analyze monthly financial statements.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger and financial records.
• Oversee account reconciliations and balance sheet support.
• Monitor and improve accounting processes and internal controls.
• Analyze financial performance, including revenue, gross profit, expenses, and working capital.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to the CFO and company leadership.
• Oversee cash management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and collections.
• Coordinate year-end financial statement review and tax activities with the outside CPA firm.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a four-person accounting team.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, controls, and reporting, including evaluating dealer management system add-ons and automation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Advanced Excel

Problem-solving

Leadership ability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting/finance

CPA preferred

Public accounting experience

Tools

PivotTables in Excel

Multi-entity reporting

Job description

$140,000 to $160,000 base plus lucrative bonus

About the Opportunity

Benskin Talent Partners is conducting a retained search for a Controller on behalf of our client, a family-owned commercial truck and refrigeration dealership group. The company operates 15+ locations across four states with annual revenue over $200 million and continues to grow through acquisition.

The Controller oversees the company's accounting operations and financial reporting, reports to the CFO, and works closely with the operational leadership team. This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for the accuracy of financial information, the strength of internal controls, improving accounting processes, and developing the accounting team. The current Controller is retiring and will remain in place to support the transition.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations
• Lead the monthly and annual financial close across all locations and departments
• Prepare, review, and analyze monthly financial statements
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger and financial records
• Oversee account reconciliations and balance sheet support
• Monitor and improve accounting processes and internal controls
• Analyze financial performance, including revenue, gross profit, expenses, and working capital
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to the CFO and company leadership
• Oversee cash management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and collections
• Coordinate year-end financial statement review and tax activities with the outside CPA firm
• Lead, develop, and mentor a four-person accounting team
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, accuracy, controls, and reporting, including evaluating dealer management system add-ons and automation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field
• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Prior Controller, Assistant Controller, or Accounting Manager experience
• Experience in an inventory-based business such as dealership, manufacturing, or distribution
• Multi-entity or multi-location reporting experience
• Strong knowledge of US GAAP and financial reporting
• Advanced Excel proficiency, including PivotTables, large datasets, and financial models
• Experience managing and developing accounting staff
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• CPA preferred
• Public accounting experience preferred
• Dealership or DMS experience preferred but not required

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary of $140,000 to $160,000
• Lucrative annual bonus based on company net profit
• 401(k) with 100% match on the first 4%
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability
• Company-paid life insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Employee assistance program

Work Arrangement

This position is 100% on-site at the corporate office in Collinsville, IL. Remote and hybrid arrangements are not available. Occasional travel to other locations, estimated at 15 to 20%.