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Dealership Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Controller

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$165K - $200K/yr

Controller Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt About Ever Ever is building the modern electric ... Automotive, dealership, retail, or inventory accounting experience. * Experience using ERP or ...

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Dealership Controller information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$117.9K

$173.2K

How much do dealership controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealership controller in California is $117,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $136,700.00 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.
What are popular job titles related to Dealership Controller jobs in California? For Dealership Controller jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in California are hiring for Dealership Controller jobs? Cities in California with the most Dealership Controller job openings:
Infographic showing various Dealership Controller job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,932 per year, or $56.7 per hour.
Dealership Controller

Dealership Controller

North American Companies

Victorville, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Job Description:
Dealership Controller We are an established, growing automotive dealership committed to operational excellence, accountability, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Dealership Controller to lead our accounting office, strengthen internal controls, and provide accurate financial reporting to ownership and management.
This is a key leadership position that partners directly with the General Manager and ownership team to ensure the financial health and integrity of the dealership. Position Summary The Dealership Controller is responsible for overseeing all dealership accounting operations, financial reporting, reconciliations, internal controls, and accounting personnel. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with dealership accounting experience who can identify issues, implement processes, develop staff, and provide timely and accurate financial information to support business decisions. Develops and implement procedures for streamlining processes including support needed to properly complete reviews, audits, and corporate requests. Seeks opportunities for process enhancements; suggests, plans and implements new policies and procedures as required. Leads accounting operations-related special projects. Other duties as assigned
Job Requirement:Key Responsibilities Supervise and support accounting office personnel, including staff responsible for vehicle inventory, deal posting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, deposits, product cancellations, reconciliations, and administrative accounting functions. Review and monitor new and used vehicle accounting, including deal jackets, recap posting, inventory schedules, flooring, trade payoffs, cost of sale postings, packs, add-ons, and related general ledger activity. Ensure daily deposits, EFT postings, bank activity, and cash handling procedures are completed accurately and in accordance with dealership controls. Oversee monthly schedule reconciliations, including vehicle inventory, receivables, payables, product payable accounts, flooring, warranty, internal repair orders, petty cash, credit cards, and other balance sheet accounts. Prepare financial statements and general ledger activity for accuracy, completeness, and proper classification prior to submission to ownership or management. Identify accounting errors, posting issues, process gaps, and control weaknesses, and implement corrective action with the appropriate department managers. Coordinate month-end close activities, including reconciliations, expense reviews, accruals, inventory verification, and financial statement preparation. Work with sales, finance, service, parts, and management teams to ensure paperwork, contracts, repair orders, charge accounts, product forms, and supporting documents are timely and complete. Maintain compliance with dealership policies, manufacturer requirements, lender requirements, tax rules, and applicable accounting standards. Provide training, guidance, and accountability to accounting staff to ensure procedures are consistent, documented, and followed. Qualifications 5+ years of automotive dealership accounting experience. Prior experience as a Dealership Controller, Assistant Controller, or Office Manager. Strong knowledge of dealership accounting, general ledger, financial statement preparation, inventory schedules, flooring, deal posting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and month-end close. Experience cleaning and reconciling aged schedules, warranty receivables, contracts in transit, and inventory discrepancies. Ability to research accounting discrepancies, reconcile schedules, and communicate required corrections clearly. Strong leadership, organization, follow-up, and communication skills. Ability to work with multiple departments and hold teams accountable for accurate and timely documentation. High level of attention to detail, confidentiality, and professional judgment. Experience with Dealertrack, Tekion, CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds, or similar dealership management systems preferred. Reporting and Performance Expectations The Dealership Controller typically reports to the General Manager, Dealer Principal, or ownership group.
Success in this position is measured by timely and accurate financial statements, clean reconciliations, effective accounting controls, reduced posting errors, timely deal processing, accurate inventory accounting, strong communication between the accounting office and operating departments, and the ability to proactively identify accounting issues, hold departments accountable for timely documentation and corrections, and maintain accounting processes that consistently meet month-end deadlines and accounting standards. Compensation & Benefits Competitive salary based on experience. Health, dental, and vision benefits. Paid time off. 401(k) and additional benefits available. If you are an experienced dealership accounting professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply. When you join our organization, you'll enjoy comprehensive training, competitive compensation, and unparalleled benefits. Simply put, you'll experience the best that a career in the automotive industry has to offer. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. We reserve the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug free workplace. We Would Love To Talk With You!
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