Controller: Lead Finance & Internal Controls (Multi-Location)

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

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.