Assistant Comptroller

Assistant Comptroller

Our client, a multi-franchise car dealership located in Northwestern NJ is seeking an Assistant Comptroller. This position is expected to grow into the Comptroller role.

The Assistant Comptroller supports the Comptroller/CFO in overseeing the accounting and financial operations of a multi-franchise or independent automotive dealership group. This role ensures accurate financial reporting, compliance with dealership accounting policies, manufacturer requirements, and internal controls while helping manage daily accounting operations. The Assistant Comptroller serves as a key resource for office managers, accounting staff, and dealership leadership. This position is intended to develop the A.C. into the Comptroller.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Accounting

• Assist in the preparation of monthly financial statements and management reports.
• Review and reconcile general ledger accounts.
• Ensure timely and accurate month-end and year-end closings.
• Monitor balance sheet schedules and account reconciliations.
• Analyze financial performance and identify variances or trends.
• Support annual audits, tax filings, and lender reporting requirements.

Dealership Accounting Operations

• Oversee daily accounting functions, including:
• Accounts payable
• Accounts receivable
• Cash management
• Vehicle inventory accounting
• Floorplan reconciliations
• Payroll review
• Review vehicle deals for proper accounting treatment.
• Monitor manufacturer receivables, incentives, and warranty remittances.
• Ensure accurate recording of vehicle sales, trades, and acquisitions.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Maintain strong internal controls to safeguard dealership assets.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, state regulations, lender requirements, and manufacturer policies.
• Review and approve journal entries and account adjustments.
• Assist with implementing and improving accounting processes and procedures.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise and mentor accounting personnel.
• Assist with recruiting, training, and performance management of accounting staff.
• Provide support and guidance to dealership office managers and department leaders.
• Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Operational Support

• Partner with General Managers and department heads to improve financial performance.
• Assist in budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Monitor key dealership metrics, including:
• Gross profit
• Expense controls
• Inventory aging
• Cash flow
• Accounts receivable aging
• Participate in special projects, acquisitions, and system implementations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
• 37 years of automotive dealership accounting experience required.
• Experience with dealership management systems such as CDK Drive, Reynolds and Reynolds ERA, or Dealertrack DMS preferred.
• Strong understanding of dealership financial statements and schedules.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced dealership environment.

Preferred Experience

• Multi-store dealership experience.
• Experience with manufacturer financial statement submissions.
• Experience managing month-end close processes.
• Supervisory or management experience within a dealership accounting department.