Dealership Controller - Office Manager

Description

Diplomat Motors is looking for a highly detail-oriented, process-driven Controller to lead the accounting and financial reporting functions across our dealership group. This role is critical in ensuring accurate financials, strong internal controls, and an on-time month-end close. As a key member of our leadership team, you'll oversee all accounting functions, supervise accounting clerks, and deliver the financial clarity that fuels growth.

We recently converted to DealerTrack as our DMS, so prior DealerTrack experience is a major plus - we also welcome candidates coming off Reynolds & Reynolds, CDK, Tekion, or DealerCenter.

Responsibilities

Financial Oversight & Month-End Close
• Own the month-end process: confirm schedules are clean, reconciled, and backed by documentation
• Reconcile all bank accounts, credit cards, flooring lines, and loans
• Review and post journal entries: reclass trades, aftermarket costs, payroll accruals, deal packs, etc.
• Ensure Dealertrack aligns across funding, payables, and deposits
• Deliver accurate financial statements and commentary to the GM/Owner

Internal Controls & Reconciliations
• Oversee all accounting schedules (AR/AP, CIT, Vehicle Payable, Lien Payable, NextGear, etc.)
• Investigate and resolve aged/unusual balances
• Ensure tax filings, loan payments, and recurring obligations are submitted on time
• Maintain documentation for audits, reconciliations, and compliance reviews

Payroll & Benefits Oversight
• Review payroll runs prepared by the Office Manager: verify commissions, chargebacks, and adjustments
• Approve payroll journal entries and track liabilities
• Coordinate benefit renewals and ensure tax compliance

Team Leadership & Collaboration
• Supervise Accounting Clerks across both rooftops; provide training, accountability, and support
• Partner with the Office Manager, Title Clerk, and Deal Processor to ensure clean interdepartmental handoffs
• Drive SOP consistency and accuracy across all accounting functions

Strategic Financial Support
• Provide profitability analysis, financial insights, and decision support to the GM/Owner
• Identify and flag trends, errors, or anomalies in expenses or deal profitability
• Lead CPA prep and year-end audit readiness

Qualifications

• 2-5+ years of dealership accounting experience (Controller or Office Manager level required)
• Mastery of month-end close, reconciliations, and GAAP compliance
• Experience with Dealer Management Systems (DealerTrack)
• Proven ability to lead, train, and hold accounting staff accountable
• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of meeting tight deadlines
• Strong communication skills with leadership and team members