Corporate Controller

Symphony Search; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Health benefits package

Vacation/PTO

401(k)

Job summary

Berman Auto Group is seeking an accomplished accounting leader to join a growing, family-owned dealership group in the Chicagoland area. This role reports to the CFO and will lead the accounting organization, modernize reporting, and streamline month-end close while driving AI-enabled improvements.

The ideal candidate will bring an active CPA (or CPA-eligible) with 10+ years of progressive experience, preferably in automotive dealerships or related fields.

Qualifications

• CPA license preferred; CPA eligible.
• Minimum 10 years progressive accounting experience in automotive, manufacturing, trucking, or public accounting.
• Strong knowledge of financial planning, forecasting, and operational analysis.
• Advanced proficiency with accounting systems, Excel, and Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• Lead and strengthen the accounting organization.
• Improve financial reporting and month-end close processes.
• Modernize the finance function with better systems and AI-enabled reporting tools.
• Partner directly with the CFO and ownership team to drive strategic finance initiatives.

Skills

Executive leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Education

CPA license or CPA eligible

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Google Workspace

Job description

This is a rare opportunity for an accounting leader to join a growing, family-owned dealership group, modernize the finance function, and position themselves as the natural successor to the CFO.

The Company

Founded in 1987, Berman Auto Group is a successful, family-owned automotive organization with seven dealership locations serving the greater Chicagoland area, led by founder Michael Berman and his sons, Ross and Todd Berman.

The company has established a reputation for operational excellence, customer service, and employee development. With approximately 400 employees and a strategic plan to acquire additional Illinois dealerships every few years, the organization continues to experience steady, long-term growth. What distinguishes Berman Auto Group is its accessible ownership, entrepreneurial culture, and commitment to developing its people. The leadership team fosters an open, transparent, and collaborative environment where employees are encouraged to grow professionally, contribute ideas, and build lasting careers.

With minimal bureaucracy and direct access to executive leadership, Berman offers the stability of an established organization while maintaining the agility of a growing family-owned business.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, this individual will lead and strengthen the accounting organization, improve financial reporting, streamline the month-end close process, and help modernize the finance function through better systems, processes, and AI-enabled reporting tools. Over time, the role is expected to evolve into a broader senior finance leadership position with a potential path to Chief Financial Officer.

Position Highlights:

• Executive succession opportunity with a defined path to CFO.
• Improve month-end close and financial reporting processes.
• Drive process improvements and AI-enabled reporting initiatives.
• Partner directly with the CFO and ownership team.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a collaborative accounting executive with strong technical expertise, executive presence, sound judgment, and exceptional communication skills. This leader is proactive, embraces continuous improvement, holds themselves and others accountable, and is excited by the opportunity to grow into the future financial leader of a dynamic, expanding organization.

The successful candidate will bring the discipline of a seasoned accounting leader while demonstrating the curiosity and adaptability needed to improve processes, develop people, and support continued growth across a multi-location dealership platform.

Requirements

• Active CPA license preferred; need to be CPA eligible.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in automotive dealerships, manufacturing, trucking, or public accounting.
• Experience in automotive retail is preferred, but not required.
• This may include experience working within a dealership group or servicing dealership clients within a public accounting firm.
• Strong knowledge of financial planning, forecasting, and operational analysis
• Advanced proficiency in accounting systems, Microsoft Excel, and Google Workspace
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to work closely with executive leadership
• High level of integrity, discretion, professionalism, and attention to detail
• Competitive compensation of $125,000–$175,000 with bonus opportunity
• Company vehicle, health benefits package, vacation/PTO, and 401(k).