Controller

Arkansas Talent Group; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Arkansas Talent Group seeks an experienced Dealership Controller for a multi-store automotive group. This strategic partner will drive financial health, partner with GMs, and guide growth initiatives across stores.

The role focuses on high-level analysis, budgeting, and near-term and long-term planning with strong emphasis on controls and reporting. Leadership and relationship-building are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Dealership Controller or senior automotive finance leader across multiple stores.
• Proven ability to partner with General Managers and operational leaders.
• Strategic growth mindset with focus on financial integrity and controls.
• Deep knowledge of CDK and advanced Excel for reporting and modeling.
• Degree in Accounting or Finance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with General Managers and store leadership to understand financial performance.
• Advise ownership on capital allocation, acquisitions, store performance, and growth initiatives.
• Translate financial results into clear, actionable insights for non-financial leaders.
• Oversee monthly, quarterly, and annual close, reporting and variance analysis across stores.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning in collaboration with ownership and leaders.
• Manage accounting assistant handling AP/AR, payroll, and routine operational accounting.
• Ensure internal controls, manufacturer reporting requirements, tax obligations, and best practices.

Skills

Dealership controller experience

Partnership with GMs

Advanced Excel

CDK dealer software

Education

Degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

CDK

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the job Controller (Multi Dealership)

Arkansas Talent Group is searching for an experienced, relationship-driven Dealership Controller for our client, a growing multi-store automotive dealership group operating several high-volume stores. This is not a heads-down, transactional accounting seat, but it is a strategic, business-partner role built for a big-picture leader who thrives on building trust with General Managers and store leadership, shaping growth strategy, and guiding the financial health of the organization.

We're looking for an automotive finance leader who truly understands how large, multi-store dealership operations run, and someone who thinks like a business partner, not a transactional accountant. The right person is energized by relationship building, coaching, and oversight, and motivated by the opportunity to help grow a scaling organization. A dedicated accounting assistant handles the day-to-day transactions and operational accounting, freeing the Multi Store Controller to focus on strategy, partnership, analysis, and long-term value creation

Job Functions:

Strategic Partnership & Business Performance

• Partner with General Managers and store leadership across all rooftops to understand financial performance, challenge assumptions, and support sound business decisions.
• Seve as a trusted advisor to ownership on capital allocation, acquisitions, store performance, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Translate financial results into clear, actionable business insights for non-financial leaders.
• Provide strategic financial oversight and consolidated reporting for the group, including monthly close, financial statements, and variance analysis across stores.
• Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of financial statements.

Planning, Growth & Scalability

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning in collaboration with ownership and store leaders, with an eye toward growth, expansion, and operational scalability.
• Identify and lead process, system, and reporting improvements as the group scales, positioning the finance function for sustainable growth.

Team, Controls & Compliance

• Manage and develop a dedicated accounting assistant who handles daily transactions, AP/AR, payroll, and routine operational accounting.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, manufacturer reporting requirements, tax obligations, and dealership accounting best practices.
• Build, coach, and develop the accounting function to grow with the organization.

Required Experience

• Experienced as a Dealership Controller, Assistant Controller, or senior automotive finance leader, ideally across multiple stores or a multi-roof operation.
• Proven track record of partnering with General Managers and operational leaders, not simply reporting to them with a relationship-first, collaborative leadership style.
• Strong strategic and growth mindset, with the ability to see the big picture while maintaining accountability for financial integrity and controls.
• Deep working knowledge of CDK dealer management software and advanced Microsoft Excel for reporting, analysis, and financial modeling.
• Solid command of dealership accounting principles, financial statement preparation, manufacturer statements, floor plan / lender management, and internal controls.
• Degree in Accounting, Finance, or business highly desired.
• Significant growth opportunity in position and salary + Bonus
• Work/Life Family balance, truly a corporate leadership focus
• Excellent benefits and perks
• Ability to work with two of the most respected leaders in automotive