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Dealership Controller Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Liaison with Dealership Accounting and Shared Service leadership. You will report to the Business Manager III or Area Controller. Responsibilities * A financial partner to the dealership; develop and ...

Business Manager

Roseville, CA · On-site

$63K - $132K/yr

Liaison with Dealership Accounting and Shared Service leadership. You will report to the Business Manager III or Area Controller. Responsibilities * A financial partner to the dealership; develop and ...

Business Manager

Roseville, CA · On-site

$63K - $132K/yr

Liaison with Dealership Accounting and Shared Service leadership. You will report to the Business Manager III or Area Controller. Responsibilities * A financial partner to the dealership; develop and ...

Business Manager

Roseville, CA · On-site

$63K - $132K/yr

Liaison with Dealership Accounting and Shared Service leadership. You will report to the Business Manager III or Area Controller. Responsibilities * A financial partner to the dealership; develop and ...

Dealership Mechanic

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$32.50/hr

Join a team that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, working in a modern, climate-controlled facility designed for efficiency and comfort. At CarMax, we invest in your growth with ongoing ...

Join a team that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, working in a modern, climate-controlled facility designed for efficiency and comfort. At CarMax, we invest in your growth with ongoing ...

Dealership Mechanic

Hayward, CA · On-site

$37.63/hr

Join a team that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, working in a modern, climate-controlled facility designed for efficiency and comfort. At CarMax, we invest in your growth with ongoing ...

Dealership Mechanic

Union City, CA · On-site

$37.63/hr

Join a team that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, working in a modern, climate-controlled facility designed for efficiency and comfort. At CarMax, we invest in your growth with ongoing ...

Dealership Mechanic

Newark, CA · On-site

$37.63/hr

Join a team that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, working in a modern, climate-controlled facility designed for efficiency and comfort. At CarMax, we invest in your growth with ongoing ...

Dealership Mechanic

Dublin, CA · On-site

$37.63/hr

Join a team that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, working in a modern, climate-controlled facility designed for efficiency and comfort. At CarMax, we invest in your growth with ongoing ...

Dealership Mechanic

Hayward, CA · On-site

$32.50/hr

Join a team that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, working in a modern, climate-controlled facility designed for efficiency and comfort. At CarMax, we invest in your growth with ongoing ...

Dealership Mechanic

Hayward, CA · On-site

$41.88/hr

Join a team that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, working in a modern, climate-controlled facility designed for efficiency and comfort. At CarMax, we invest in your growth with ongoing ...

Dealership Mechanic

Fremont, CA · On-site

$37.63/hr

Join a team that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, working in a modern, climate-controlled facility designed for efficiency and comfort. At CarMax, we invest in your growth with ongoing ...

Dealership Mechanic

Fresno, CA · On-site

$28.60/hr

Join a team that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, working in a modern, climate-controlled facility designed for efficiency and comfort. At CarMax, we invest in your growth with ongoing ...

Dealership Mechanic

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$37.63/hr

Join a team that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, working in a modern, climate-controlled facility designed for efficiency and comfort. At CarMax, we invest in your growth with ongoing ...

Dealership Mechanic

Clovis, CA · On-site

$28.60/hr

Join a team that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, working in a modern, climate-controlled facility designed for efficiency and comfort. At CarMax, we invest in your growth with ongoing ...

Dealership Mechanic

San Jose, CA · On-site

$32.50/hr

Join a team that values integrity, innovation, and excellence, working in a modern, climate-controlled facility designed for efficiency and comfort. At CarMax, we invest in your growth with ongoing ...

Showing results 41-60

Dealership Controller information

See California salary details

$54.3K

$117.9K

$173.2K

How much do dealership controller jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 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 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.

Is a dealership controller a high-level 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 extensive accounting experience and leadership skills. The role often reports directly to the general manager or owner and may involve managing a team of accounting staff.

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 qualifications are needed to be a dealership controller?

A dealership controller typically needs a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, along with several years of experience in accounting or financial management within the automotive industry. Strong knowledge of accounting software, financial regulations, and analytical skills are essential, and certifications such as CPA or CMA can enhance qualifications.

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:
What job categories do people searching Dealership Controller jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Dealership Controller jobs in California are:
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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $117,932 per year, or $56.7 per hour.

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

High Desert Ford is seeking an experienced Business Office Manager to oversee the daily workflow, accuracy, and organization of our dealership accounting office. Reporting directly to the Deputy Controller, this position supervises assigned Business Office employees, maintains dealership accounting schedules, supports month-end closing, and ensures vehicle transactions and accounting records are processed accurately and on time. Key Responsibilities • Direct, prioritize, and review the daily work of assigned Business Office employees.
• Train, coach, and cross-train staff while maintaining clear procedures and deadlines.
• Oversee the posting and accounting review of new, used, wholesale, dealer-trade, and fleet vehicle transactions.
• Review deal files for required documentation, approvals, signatures, funding information, and accounting accuracy.
• Monitor contracts in transit, lender funding, finance reserves, manufacturer incentives, rebates, chargebacks, and related receivables.
• Review vehicle inventory schedules, trade payoffs, floorplan balances, dealer trades, and wholesale receivables.
• Review and reconcile assigned general ledger accounts, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash, inventory, and other dealership schedules.
• Investigate aged, unusual, unsupported, or out-of-balance items and document corrective action.
• Support month-end and year-end closing, accruals, journal entries, account analysis, audits, and financial statement preparation.
• Maintain organized, complete, confidential, and audit-ready accounting records.
• Support compliance with Ford program requirements, California DMV requirements, dealership policies, internal controls, privacy safeguards, and records-retention procedures.
• Partner with the Deputy Controller and department leaders to resolve discrepancies and improve Business Office processes. This position is the operational lead for the Business Office and reports to the Deputy Controller. It does not replace the Deputy Controller’s responsibility for final financial review and approval. High Desert Ford is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on job-related qualifications and legitimate business needs. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Job Requirements:
Required Qualifications • Minimum three years of automotive dealership accounting experience; five or more years preferred.
• Working knowledge of vehicle deal posting, contracts in transit, inventory accounting, floorplan reconciliation, trade payoffs, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger schedules.
• Experience supporting an automotive dealership month-end close.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills and experience with Dealertrack, Tekion, Reynolds & Reynolds, CDK, or a comparable dealership management system.
• Ability to analyze discrepancies, manage competing deadlines, maintain confidentiality, and follow issues through resolution.
• Strong leadership, organization, communication, and attention to detail.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to work full-time and in person in Victorville, California. Preferred Qualifications • Two or more years leading or supervising dealership accounting employees.
• Previous Ford dealership experience.
• Experience with Ford statements, incentives, rebates, warranty receivables, or floorplan accounting.
• California DMV and title-processing knowledge.
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience with a DMS conversion, dealership acquisition, accounting cleanup, or Business Office reorganization.