Dealership Financial Controller

POSITION SUMMARY

The Controller is responsible for building and managing the financial infrastructure of Car Commander Virginia, establishing real-time reporting systems, overseeing daily accounting operations, and delivering the financial visibility leadership needs to make confident, data-driven decisions. As the company's first dedicated financial hire, this role owns the full accounting function including bookkeeping, financial reporting, inventory cost tracking, compliance, and cash flow management while serving as a key strategic partner to ownership. The Controller plays a critical role in replacing reliance on external reporting with internal financial capability, building the systems and processes that will support Car Commander Virginia's growth toward becoming Lynchburg's most trusted automotive company.

ABOUT CAR COMMANDER

Car Commander Virginia is a pre-owned automotive dealership based in Lynchburg, Virginia, dedicated to transforming the car-buying experience by delivering dependable, high-quality vehicles with integrity, transparency, and exceptional customer service. Founded in 2024, the company specializes in pre-owned vehicle sales, flexible financing solutions, trade-in evaluations, and personalized customer support, helping buyers across the Lynchburg area find the right vehicle at the right price with confidence and ease. Car Commander Virginia takes a customer-first, hassle-free approach to automotive retail, providing detailed vehicle information, transparent pricing, and a pressure-free buying process that puts the needs and comfort of every customer at the center of each interaction. Guided by core values of Integrity, Customer First, Reliability, Continuous Growth, Unity, Safety, and Excellence in Service, the company is committed to building lasting relationships within the Lynchburg community through honest, dependable service that clients can trust long after they drive off the lot. With a bold vision to become Lynchburg's most trusted automotive company, Car Commander Virginia is actively investing in the people, systems, and operational foundation needed to scale and deliver an exceptional experience to every customer it serves.

SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Leadership has access to accurate, real-time financial reporting that replaces reliance on external monthly CPA reports and supports confident, timely business decisions
• Daily accounting operations including bookkeeping, accounts payable and receivable, and bank reconciliations are completed accurately and consistently with no material discrepancies
• Vehicle inventory costs, reconditioning expenses, floor plan financing, and gross profit per unit are tracked and reported with precision, giving ownership clear visibility into dealership performance
• Tax compliance, regulatory obligations, and the external CPA relationship are managed proactively, ensuring the company is always audit-ready and operationally protected
• The financial function scales effectively alongside company growth, with systems, processes, and reporting capabilities continuously improving to meet the organization's evolving needs

OBJECTIVES

• Build and maintain real-time financial reporting systems that provide leadership with accurate, accessible, and timely visibility into business performance
• Manage daily bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and bank reconciliations to ensure the accuracy and integrity of all financial records
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for ownership review
• Track vehicle inventory costs, reconditioning expenses, floor plan financing, and gross profit per unit to support dealership profitability analysis and decision-making
• Develop and maintain internal financial controls, accounting policies, and operational procedures to ensure compliance, accuracy, and data integrity across all financial activities
• Monitor cash flow, operating expenses, and key financial KPIs on an ongoing basis and proactively communicate trends, risks, and opportunities to leadership
• Collaborate with ownership to set, monitor, and report on revenue targets aligned with the company's long-term growth vision and operational goals
• Support the development of commission structures, performance pay systems, and incentive tracking as the company's financial infrastructure matures
• Ensure compliance with dealership accounting standards, Virginia tax requirements, regulatory obligations, and applicable financial reporting standards
• Work closely with the external CPA on tax filings, year-end reporting, and audit preparation to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance
• Implement, optimize, and maintain accounting software, dealership management systems, and financial reporting tools to support operational efficiency and data accuracy
• Provide financial analysis, business performance insights, and strategic recommendations to support ownership decisions as the company grows and scales

COMPETENCIES

• Strong financial management and accounting operations capability with the ability to personally own and manage the full accounting function
• Deep knowledge of GAAP, dealership accounting standards, and financial reporting best practices
• Proven ability to build financial reporting systems, processes, and internal controls from the ground up in an early-stage or growth-oriented business environment
• Strong understanding of automotive dealership financial operations including inventory costing, floor plan financing, reconditioning expenses, and per-unit profitability
• Ability to translate complex financial data into clear, concise, and actionable insights for non-financial leaders and ownership
• Strong cash flow management and working capital capability in a lean, fast-paced business environment
• Proficiency with accounting software platforms including QuickBooks, Xero, or similar systems; familiarity with dealership management systems a strong plus
• Self-directed and highly organized with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver accurate results with minimal oversight
• High integrity and discretion when handling sensitive financial information, business performance data, and employee compensation details
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability with exceptional attention to detail and a low tolerance for financial inaccuracy
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across departments and support ownership in strategic planning and business decision-making
• Knowledge of tax compliance, audit preparation, and Virginia regulatory requirements applicable to automotive retail operations
• Ability to develop financial forecasts, budgets, and profitability models that support operational planning, growth initiatives, and ownership decision-making

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA designation preferred
• 3 to 5+ years of progressive accounting or financial control experience required
• Experience in an automotive dealership, pre-owned vehicle retail, or related industry strongly preferred
• Experience building financial reporting systems and internal controls from the ground up strongly preferred
• Proficiency with QuickBooks, Xero, or similar accounting software required
• Familiarity with dealership management systems such as CDK, Reynolds and Reynolds, or DealerSocket considered a strong asset
• Experience managing AP/AR, bank reconciliations, inventory costing, and month-end close required
• Strong understanding of GAAP, dealership accounting standards, and financial compliance requirements required
• Experience collaborating with external CPAs on tax filings, year-end reporting, and audit preparation preferred
• Ability to work fully onsite in Lynchburg, Virginia required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work at a desk and computer for extended periods while managing financial operations, reporting, and analysis activities
• Ability to manage multiple communication channels, ownership priorities, and financial deadlines in a fast-paced and growing business environment
• Ability to occasionally lift office materials, files, binders, or supplies weighing up to 20 pounds
• Ability to maintain analytical focus, attention to detail, and accuracy throughout complex financial and reporting responsibilities

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multigenerational and multicultural workforce, Car Commander recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability, and actively foster inclusion in all forms both within our company and across interactions with clients, candidates and partners.

Work Location: In person