Automotive Dealership Controller (Finance/Accounting)

Serra Automotive, Inc. is seeking a Senior onsite Controller to lead all accounting and administrative functions for its new dealership in the Greater Chicago area, located in Lincolnwood, IL. The role oversees the general ledger, cash flow, inventories, taxes, and financial reporting, with responsibility for supervising staff and ensuring accurate, timely financial operations. The position offers an annual salary of USD 175,000 to 250,000.

Responsibilities

In this leadership capacity, you will supervise and develop office personnel, ensuring they perform at a high standard and align with the dealership’s financial objectives. You will support the Dealer/Partner in all facets of daily operations and strategic decision making, providing reliable financial insight to guide business choices. The role encompasses end-to-end general ledger management, with oversight of reconciliations and critical financial controls. You will monitor cash flow to sustain liquidity and optimize working capital, and you will oversee the physical counts of vehicles and parts to maintain accurate inventories. Tax compliance is also required across payroll, state, federal, and unemployment contributions. You will prepare and analyze financial statements at month-end and year-end, delivering timely insights to stake holders. Daily operational reporting and analysis across all departments will be part of the routine, supporting cross-functional decision making. Payroll administration and related tax reporting fall under your responsibilities as well.

• Supervise, direct, and train office staff
• Support Dealer/Partner in all aspects of running the business
• Full GL responsibilities
• Review Account Reconciliations (bank, floor plan, accounts payable, accounts receivable, etc.)
• Cash Flow Management
• Review Physical Inventories (vehicles, parts)
• Review Taxes (payroll, state, federal, unemployment)
• Financial Statement preparation and analysis at month end and year end
• Daily operational reporting and analysis for all departments
• Review and administer Payroll and related tax reports

Requirements

Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal abilities, supporting effective collaboration across teams. Proficiency with standard office software and dealership systems is essential. A pre-employment drug screening and background check are required. Public accounting experience and a CPA designation are considered a plus but are not mandatory.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required
• Proficient personal computer skills (Excel, Word, DMS)
• Pre-employment drug screening and background check required
• Public accounting experience and CPA designation a plus, but not required

Technologies

• DealerTrack DMS
• xTime
• vAuto
• Vin Solutions
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word