Automotive Finance Controller: Forecasts, Cash & Compliance

Peoria, United States | Posted on 11/14/2025

Reports the financial condition of the total dealership to the dealer/general manager regularly and accurately. Provides sales and expense analyses summarizing potential problem areas and opportunities for improved profitability relative to monthly and annual forecasts.

• Prepares a complete financial statement monthly according to dealership guidelines and within each manufacturer's format and time frame. Ensures that all manufacturer accounts, including warranty claims, rebates, interest protection and co-op advertising are current and accurate.
• Interprets the financial statement and the daily operating control (DOC) regularly and informs dealer of developing trends.
• Participates in the preparation of short- and long-term financial forecasts for the dealership.
• Provides department managers with detailed financial and management reports.
• Maintains an effective cash management system that forecasts cash funds and makes recommendations for the profitable use of excess cash.
• Directs assessment of depreciation rates to apply to capital assets.
• Reviews the general ledger and scheduled accounts. Notes any unusual entries and investigates.
• Reviews the reconciliation of general ledger accounts with outside sources to ensure proper bank reconciliation, reserve accounts, factory payable and floor plan payable.
• Stays abreast of tax code revisions and advises dealer regarding any operational adjustments needed to accommodate revisions.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable government finance regulations, including filing and/or maintaining of required forms, payroll taxes and deposits, income taxes, retirement plan records etc.
• Manages the dealership computer system to maximize utilization.
• Administers a loss review program and maintains loss reserves for contingent liabilities and trade receivables.
• Meets with dealer to evaluate all insurance renewals.
• Purchases property and liability insurance.
• Prepares and processes all insurance claims.
• Coordinates annual audit (or review) and physical inventory.
• Ensures that all office personnel are using proper accounting procedures and maintaining accurate records and analyses and supervises the preparation of all information for the CPA in order to minimize audit or review costs.
• Continually strives to improve data integrity and information reporting throughout the dealership.
• Maintains professional appearance.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Automotive Controller - Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Automotive Controller - Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Four to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers and the general public.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Automotive Controller - Mathematical Skills

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and…