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$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do dealership controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealership controller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dealership Controller, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dealership Controller, you need a solid background in accounting or finance, often supported by a bachelor's degree and dealership-specific experience. Familiarity with dealership management systems (DMS) like Reynolds & Reynolds or CDK Global, as well as proficiency in Excel and financial reporting software, is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and communication skills help you collaborate with department managers and ensure compliance. These skills are vital to maintain accurate financial records, support decision-making, and ensure the dealership's profitability and regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges a Dealership Controller faces when managing multiple dealership locations?

A Dealership Controller overseeing multiple locations often encounters challenges such as standardizing financial processes, ensuring timely and accurate reporting, and maintaining compliance across all sites. Balancing different operational styles and system integrations can add complexity, making it essential to have strong organizational and communication skills. Regular collaboration with general managers and department heads is key to aligning financial goals and streamlining procedures, which helps support consistent profitability and regulatory compliance throughout the dealership group.

What does a controller do at a dealership?

A dealership controller is responsible for managing the financial operations of the dealership, including accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance. They oversee the accuracy of financial records, prepare reports for management, and ensure adherence to industry regulations, often using accounting software and requiring strong analytical skills.

What Does a Dealership Controller Do?

As a dealership controller, your primary responsibilities are to oversee the financial aspects of an automotive dealership and monitor internal compliance. Your duties include adhering to the budget, assisting with internal audits, performing economic analysis, managing payroll, preparing an automotive plant asset report, and completing additional accounting related tasks. This job focuses heavily on the financial activities of the dealership. A dealership controller reports to the accounting director or the vice president of the dealership and can work with an automobile manufacturer or service center.

How to become a dealership controller?

To become a dealership controller, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, along with experience in automotive dealership operations or accounting. Strong skills in financial analysis, management, and familiarity with accounting software are essential, and some roles may require professional certifications such as CPA or CMA. Gaining experience in dealership finance departments and developing leadership abilities are important steps toward this role.

What is the highest paying job in a car dealership?

In a car dealership, the highest paying role is typically the General Manager or Dealer Principal, who oversees all operations and profits. These positions often earn six-figure salaries, with compensation influenced by dealership size, location, and performance, and may include bonuses and profit sharing. Other high-paying roles include Finance Directors and Service Managers with extensive experience and leadership responsibilities.

Is a controller a high position?

A dealership controller is a senior management role responsible for overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance within a dealership. It is generally considered a high-level position that requires strong accounting skills and experience in financial management. The role often reports directly to the general manager or owner and involves significant responsibility and decision-making authority.

What is the difference between Dealership Controller vs Bookkeeper?

AspectDealership ControllerBookkeeper
CredentialsAccounting degree or CPA preferredBasic accounting or bookkeeping certification often sufficient
Work EnvironmentAutomotive dealership finance departmentSmall business, retail, or service industry
ResponsibilitiesFinancial reporting, budgeting, compliance, overseeing accounting staffRecording transactions, managing accounts payable/receivable
Industry UsageCommonly used in automotive dealerships and large retailUsed across various small to medium businesses

The Dealership Controller typically handles comprehensive financial management within a dealership, including reporting and compliance, requiring advanced accounting skills. In contrast, a Bookkeeper focuses on recording daily financial transactions, often with less formal credentials. While both roles involve accounting tasks, the Controller's position is more strategic and supervisory, especially in the automotive industry.

What is a Dealership Controller?

A Dealership Controller is a financial professional responsible for overseeing the accounting operations and financial health of an automotive dealership. They manage budgeting, financial reporting, payroll, and compliance with regulatory standards. Dealership Controllers also analyze financial data to support management in decision-making and ensure the dealership's financial practices are efficient and accurate. Their role is critical in maintaining transparency and profitability within the dealership.
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Dealership Controller jobs near you
Dealership Controller

Dealership Controller

Berkshire Hathaway Automotive

Scottsdale, AZ

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

We are seeking experienced Automotive Dealership Controllers for opportunities in a variety of dynamic and profitable dealerships including import, luxury and domestic brands across the Western Region. Western Region stores are located in AZ, CA, and Albuquerque, NM. 

This is a prime opportunity for detail-oriented leaders with strong experience in dealership financials and accounting, expense management, and CDK DMS.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out:

  • Competitive compensation with growth potential
  • Ongoing controller training & leadership development programs
  • Brand new, state-of-the-art dealership
  • Company-wide Controller meetings and best practice sharing
  • Employee discounts
  • Career advancement opportunities
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid Vacation and holidays
  • 401(k) with employer match

Key Responsibilities:

As the Dealership Controller, you will oversee the accounting operations of the company, and financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strategic financial performance.

  • Maintain a documented system of accounting policies and procedures
  • Oversight of the accounting office personnel along with all aspects of the general ledger and financial statements
  • Partner with the General Manager to manage the financial results of the dealership
  • Recommend benchmarks against which to measure the performance of company operations
  • Responsible for adherence to dealership policies and internal control structure
  • Proactively manage and safeguard company assets
  • Actively manage expense structure and vendors
  • Produce daily, weekly, and monthly financial reports
  • Lead and develop the accounting office team
  • Work with the management staff of the dealership to review the data and prepare reports/analysis as necessary

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration, or equivalent Dealership Controller experience (3+ years preferred)
  • Strong experience with CDK DMS (Dealership Management System)
  • Proven leadership and team-building skills
  • Deep understanding of dealership financial statements & operations
  • Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities
  • Stable work history in automotive accounting roles
  • Valid driver’s license with clean driving record
  • Professional appearance and work ethic

*All potential employees must pass pre-employment testing including a background check and drug screen

About Berkshire Hathaway Automotive: 

Berkshire Hathaway Automotive is one of the largest groups of affiliated dealerships in America, with over 100 franchises in 10 states, including Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas. The Berkshire Hathaway Automotive affiliated dealerships set the industry standard for operational excellence, financial performance and unmatched customer experience within franchised automobile dealerships. Using extensive experience, innovative strategies and technological expertise, Berkshire Hathaway Automotive works to assure its affiliated dealerships obtain and maintain position as leaders and trendsetters in the automotive field. The company focuses on building resilient and adaptive business models that cultivate engaged, strong and proactive leadership. 

Apply Today:

If you are an experienced Automotive Controller, Assistant Controller, or Dealership Accounting Manager ready to take the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply.

We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination/harassment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

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