ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Automotive Dealership Controller Jobs in Virginia

Humetis Group

Controller - Automotive

Roanoke, VA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Automotive Controller to lead the financial operations of our dealership. This role is essential to ensuring accurate financial reporting, maintaining compliance, and ...

Mills Auto Group

Automotive Controller

Hampton, VA

Partner with the CFO and dealership management on budgets, expenses, and financial performance ... Qualifications * 2+ years of Automotive Controller experience or 4+ years of dealership office ...

Mills Auto Group

Automotive Controller

Hampton, VA

Partner with the CFO and dealership management on budgets, expenses, and financial performance ... Qualifications * 2+ years of Automotive Controller experience or 4+ years of dealership office ...

Mills Auto Group

Automotive Controller

Hampton, VA · On-site

Partner with the CFO and dealership management on budgets, expenses, and financial performance ... Qualifications * 2+ years of Automotive Controller experience or 4+ years of dealership office ...

Mills Auto Group

Automotive Controller

Hampton, VA

Partner with the CFO and dealership management on budgets, expenses, and financial performance ... Qualifications * 2+ years of Automotive Controller experience or 4+ years of dealership office ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsAutomotive Dealership Controller JobsAutomotive Dealership Controller Jobs in Virginia

Automotive Dealership Controller information

See Virginia salary details

$54.5K

$118.5K

$174K

How much do automotive dealership controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive dealership controller in Virginia is $118,472.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,200.00 and $137,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automotive dealership controller?

Automotive Dealership Controllers are financial professionals responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial activities within a car dealership. They manage tasks such as budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, internal controls, and compliance with regulations. Controllers play a key role in supporting the dealership's profitability and ensuring accurate and timely financial information for decision-making. They also supervise accounting staff and often work closely with dealership management to improve financial performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive dealership controller?

To thrive as an Automotive Dealership Controller, you need expertise in accounting, financial reporting, and dealership operations, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. Proficiency with dealership management systems (DMS), accounting software like Reynolds & Reynolds or CDK Global, and often CPA certification are highly valued. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure accurate financial management, regulatory compliance, and informed decision-making that drive dealership profitability.

How does an automotive dealership controller typically collaborate with other departments within the dealership?

An Automotive Dealership Controller works closely with various departments such as sales, service, and parts to ensure accurate financial reporting and effective internal controls. They frequently coordinate with department managers to review budgets, monitor expenses, and resolve discrepancies, fostering a transparent financial environment. Additionally, Controllers often provide financial analysis and advice to the dealership's management team, helping to guide strategic decisions and improve overall profitability. This collaborative approach not only supports operational efficiency but also enhances the dealership's financial health.

What is the difference between Automotive Dealership Controller vs Automotive Bookkeeper?

AspectAutomotive Dealership ControllerAutomotive Bookkeeper
CredentialsAccounting degree or equivalent, CPA preferredBasic bookkeeping certification or experience
Work EnvironmentManagement level, overseeing finance and accounting teamsEntry to mid-level, handling daily financial transactions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in dealerships for financial oversightUsed in dealerships for recording transactions
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial financial rolesLooking for entry-level accounting support

The Automotive Dealership Controller is a senior financial role responsible for managing all accounting functions, financial reporting, and compliance within a dealership. In contrast, an Automotive Bookkeeper handles daily transaction recording and basic financial data entry. While both roles require financial knowledge, the Controller has broader responsibilities and higher credentials, making it a more strategic position in dealership finance.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Dealership Controller jobs in Virginia?

For Automotive Dealership Controller jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Dealership Controller jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Dealership Controller jobs in Virginia are:

Automotive Dealership Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Dealership Controller job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,472 per year, or $57 per hour.

Automotive Controller - Fairfax, VA

Chantilly, VA

Element Partners
See more jobs at Element Partnersexternal

$170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Automotive Controller — High-Volume Luxury Dealership

Fairfax, VA | Full-Time, On-Site 

The Opportunity

A top-performing luxury brand dealership in Fairfax, VA is hiring a Controller to run the business office. This is a high-volume store in one of the strongest retail automotive markets in the country — meaningful new and used volume, a heavy F&I and fixed ops contribution, and a factory that expects clean, on-time reporting every month.

This is not a caretaker seat. The dealer principal and GM want a Controller who protects the numbers, tightens the schedules, and gives leadership a real read on where gross is coming from and where it's leaking.

What You'll Own
  • Monthly financial statement preparation and on-time submission to the factory
  • Month-end close, journal entries, accruals, and reconciliation of all balance sheet schedules
  • Daily cash management, bank reconciliations, floor plan reconciliation, and curtailment tracking
  • Factory receivables: warranty claims, incentives, holdback, and rebate collection — aged and cleared, not carried
  • Full oversight of the business office: title and tag clerks, billing, AP/AR, warranty administration, and payroll
  • Internal controls, deal jacket compliance, and Safeguards Rule adherence
  • Payroll processing and commission/pay plan calculation for sales, service, and management
  • Expense control, vendor management, and month-over-month variance analysis for the GM and dealer
  • Working capital, insurance, licensing, and Virginia DMV compliance
  • Partnering with department managers to explain the statement — not just publish it
What We're Looking For
  • 3+ years as a dealership Controller or Office Manager ready to step up; automotive experience is required
  • Strong command of a dealership DMS — CDK / Reynolds & Reynolds / Dealertrack preferred
  • Proven ability to close on time and keep schedules clean
  • Comfort with luxury or high-line brand reporting requirements and factory audits
  • Hands-on leadership of a business office team, including hiring, training, and accountability
  • Advanced Excel and a genuine analytical instinct — you find the problem before it shows up on the statement
  • Discretion, integrity, and the judgment to tell a dealer something they don't want to hear
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance preferred; CPA a plus, not a requirement
Compensation & Benefits
  • $170,000+ total compensation commensurate with experience
  • Performance bonus tied to store profitability
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • Employee purchase and service discounts
  • A stable, well-capitalized ownership group with room to grow into a multi-store role

Element Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.