Controller

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Controller

Regular Full-Time Management Elmira, NY, US

6 days ago Requisition ID: 14313

Salary Range: $95,000.00 To $105,000.00 Annually

Position Title: Controller

Department: Accounting / Finance

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer / Group Controller

Employment Type: Full-Time

Target Start Date: 10/9/2026

Salary Range: $95,000 - $105,000

Position Summary

Williams Auto Group is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Controller. The Controller will be responsible for maintaining accurate and timely financial records, managing the month-end and year-end closing processes, ensuring strong internal controls, and providing financial reporting and analysis to dealership and corporate leadership.

The successful candidate will have strong automotive dealership accounting experience, exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively with Market Directors, Variable and Fixed Operations Directors, General Managers, Department Managers, dealership personnel, corporate functions, manufacturers, outside advisors, and other business partners.

This position is a key financial leadership role and will be expected to identify opportunities to improve financial performance, strengthen processes and controls, and ensure compliance with company policies and applicable accounting requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the accounting function for dealership operations.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of the general ledger and subsidiary accounting systems.
• Manage monthly, quarterly, and annual financial close processes for dealerships.
• Prepare and review dealership financial statements and management reports.
• Analyze financial results, identify significant variances, and communicate findings to dealership and corporate leadership.
• Ensure financial statements are prepared accurately and timely in accordance with company policies and applicable accounting standards.
• Maintain appropriate accounting documentation and support schedules

Dealership Accounting

• Review accounting for new and used vehicle inventory, including floorplan-related activity.
• Review parts and service inventory and related accounting.
• Review of vehicle deals, gross profit, commissions, incentives, rebates, chargebacks, and other dealership transactions.
• Ensure accurate accounting for accounts receivable, accounts payable, cash receipts, and cash disbursements.
• Review manufacturer receivables, warranty receivables, incentive receivables, and other outstanding balances.
• Review bank accounts, floorplan accounts, manufacturer accounts, and other significant balance sheet accounts.
• Review fixed assets, prepaid expenses, accruals, and other balance sheet accounts.
• Review appropriate schedules for reserves, liabilities, and other significant estimates.

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Establish, maintain, and monitor effective internal accounting controls.
• Ensure compliance with Williams Auto Group accounting policies and procedures.
• Identify control weaknesses and implement corrective actions.
• Monitor segregation of duties and appropriate authorization procedures.
• Support internal and external audits and respond to audit requests.
• Ensure compliance with manufacturer accounting and reporting requirements.
• Maintain appropriate records and documentation for tax, audit, and regulatory purposes.

Leadership & Business Partnership

• Serve as a financial resource to Market Directors / General Managers / department leaders.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations based on operating results.
• Work with department managers to improve expense control and cash flow.
• Assist dealership leadership in developing annual budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.
• Train, develop, and supervise accounting personnel.
• Help establish clear expectations and accountability within the accounting department.
• Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Corporate Finance Support

• Work with corporate accounting team on consolidated financial reporting.
• Provide timely financial information and analysis requested by corporate leadership.
• Assist with acquisitions, integration of new dealerships, system conversions, and other strategic initiatives.
• Support tax planning, financial audits, inventory-related projects, and other corporate accounting initiatives.
• Assist with special projects and financial analyses as assigned.

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, preferably within an automotive dealership environment.
• Strong understanding of dealership financial statements and accounting practices.
• Experience with month-end and year-end close processes.
• Strong knowledge of general ledger accounting, account reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Strong Excel and analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential financial information.

Preferred:

• Prior Controller or Assistant Controller experience in an automotive dealership.
• Experience with Auto/Mate, CDK, Dealertrack, or other dealership management systems.
• CPA or other professional accounting designation.
• Experience working with manufacturer financial statements and reporting requirements.
• Experience overseeing accounting personnel.
• Multi-dealership or multi-location accounting experience.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Leadership: Ability to lead and develop accounting team members while establishing clear standards of performance.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of dealership financial performance and the ability to translate financial information into actionable business insights.
• Attention to Detail: Commitment to accuracy and thoroughness.
• Business Judgment: Ability to identify issues, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.
• Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through on commitments.
• Communication: Clearly communicates financial information to both accounting and non-accounting personnel.
• Problem Solving: Proactively identifies issues and develops practical solutions.
• Integrity: Maintains the highest standards of ethical conduct and confidentiality.
• Continuous Improvement: Looks for opportunities to improve processes, controls, efficiency, and profitability.

Williams Auto Group offers a competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The compensation package may include:

• Competitive base salary
• Performance-based incentive opportunity
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Company-sponsored benefits and employee programs
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement