Assistant Controller - Variable Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are

As a family-owned and operated company for more than 65 years, McDonald Automotive Group is proud to serve Colorado with a legacy built on respect, integrity, growth, hard work, and trust. With three generations actively involved in our day-to-day operations, we prioritize relationships over transactions—with our customers, community, partners, and employees.

Our motto, Doing Right Comes Naturally , reflects our commitment to conducting business the right way. That commitment has earned recognition from our manufacturer partners, including the Volvo Excellence Award from Volvo Cars, the Magna Society Elite Award from Audi of America, and the President’s Club Award from Mazda North American Operations.

At McDonald Automotive Group, exceptional experiences begin with exceptional people. Many of our team members have spent decades with us, growing their careers and ultimately retiring as part of the McDonald legacy.

About the Role

With nine automotive brands across 13 rooftops, McDonald Automotive Group operates a centralized accounting team from our Volkswagen dealership on Broadway in Littleton.

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Controller – Variable Operations to provide accounting leadership for vehicle inventory and sales-related financial operations across our dealership group.

Reporting directly to the Senior Controller, this position will oversee four assigned accounting portfolios, each supporting approximately three dealership locations. The Assistant Controller will serve as a primary accounting partner for Sales Directors and dealership leadership, helping resolve operational questions, interpret financial performance, strengthen accounting controls, and maintain consistent practices across the organization.

The ideal candidate brings substantial dealership-accounting experience, a strong understanding of vehicle-inventory accounting, and the ability to lead accounting teams while partnering effectively with sales and operational leadership.

Key ResponsibilitiesVariable Operations Accounting

• Oversee accounting operations related to vehicle inventory and sales activity across assigned dealership locations.
• Provide leadership and support to four assigned accounting portfolios, each serving approximately three dealerships.
• Serve as a primary accounting resource for Sales Directors and other dealership leaders.
• Review sales-related accounting activity for accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with company standards.
• Maintain consistent processing expectations and accounting practices across assigned locations.
• Resolve operational accounting questions and escalate significant financial or control concerns to the Senior Controller.
• Provide backup leadership support to the broader accounting organization as needed.

Vehicle Inventory and Sales Accounting

• Oversee vehicle-inventory accounting, reconciliations, aging, valuation, transfers, and related financial controls.
• Monitor inventory discrepancies and ensure timely investigation and resolution.
• Oversee applicable sales-related accounting processes, including deal posting, deal funding, manufacturer receivables and incentives, commissions, and related reconciliations.
• Partner with Sales Directors to address accounting issues affecting dealership operations and financial performance.
• Identify unusual transactions, financial risks, process gaps, and opportunities to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Ensure vehicle and sales-related transactions are properly recorded and supported by appropriate documentation.

Month-End Close and Reporting

• Lead and coordinate month-end close activities for assigned dealership locations.
• Review general-ledger entries, account reconciliations, accruals, schedules, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure dealership financial statements and manufacturer reports are accurate, complete, and submitted on schedule.
• Review dealership and departmental P&L statements, balance-sheet accounts, expenses, and material variances.
• Translate financial findings into clear, actionable information for the Senior Controller, Sales Directors, and dealership leadership.
• Support consolidated financial reporting across the dealership group.
• Investigate discrepancies and ensure timely resolution of accounting issues.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop assigned accounting managers and their supporting teams.
• Establish clear expectations for accuracy, timeliness, workflow, and accountability.
• Provide guidance on vehicle transactions, inventory reconciliations, month-end issues, and operational escalations.
• Support employee development through regular coaching, feedback, and knowledge sharing.
• Promote consistent application of company policies, accounting standards, internal controls, and reporting requirements.
• Coordinate workloads and priorities across multiple accounting portfolios and dealership locations.

Systems, Controls, and Process Improvement