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Dealership Controller Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

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

Newark, DE · On-site

$27.30/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 ...

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 ...

Parts Salesperson

Clayton, DE · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Parts Salesperson Atlantic Tractor -- John Deere Dealership Clayton, Delaware Purpose: This ... Must be able to work in both climate-controlled office areas and non-climate-controlled warehouse ...

ACCOUNTING CLERK

New Castle, DE · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

NO DEALERSHIP EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm Responsibilities Include: * Enter ... Review and keep assigned schedules up to date. * Assist controllers with daily, weekly, monthly and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Dealership Controller information

See Delaware salary details

$55K

$119.6K

$175.7K

How much do dealership controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealership controller in Delaware is $119,600.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,100.00 and $138,600.00 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 Delaware? For Dealership Controller jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dealership Controller jobs in Delaware look for? The top searched job categories for Dealership Controller jobs in Delaware are:
Infographic showing various Dealership Controller job openings in Delaware as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,600 per year, or $57.5 per hour.
REGIONAL AUTOMOTIVE DEALERSHIP CONTROLLER - HFAD

REGIONAL AUTOMOTIVE DEALERSHIP CONTROLLER - HFAD

HERTRICH Family of Automobile Dealerships

Milford, DE • On-site

$135K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Hertrich rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

81st of 150 rated car dealerships


Job description

Corporate Controller - Dealership Operations

Executive Leadership Opportunity | $135,000-$195,000+ | Career Growth

  • NOW HIRING - Automotive Dealership Corporate Controller, Dealership Operations
  • Milford, DE Preferred | Regional Travel Required

The Hertrich Family of Dealerships is seeking an experienced Automotive Corporate Controller - Dealership Operations to join our corporate accounting leadership team.

This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished automotive dealership accounting professional to move beyond a traditional controller role and gain exposure to executive-level financial leadership, multi-location operations, and long-term advancement opportunities within one of the region's largest automotive organizations.

Why Choose Hertrich?

  • $135,000-$195,000+ Annual Compensation
  • Executive-level leadership opportunity
  • Family Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance
  • Short & Long-Term Disability Plans
  • 401(k) with Employer Match
  • Paid Vacation, Holidays & Sick Time
  • Employee Vehicle Purchase Discounts
  • Career growth into broader senior finance leadership roles

About Hertrich

The Hertrich Family of Dealerships is a third-generation, family-owned organization representing:

  • 24 Dealerships
  • 15 Collision Centers
  • 18 Automotive Brands

For more than 60 years, we have built our reputation on integrity, accountability, and operational excellence. We proudly support more than 90 local charities and community organizations throughout Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Our leadership team is committed to developing talented professionals and providing opportunities for long-term career advancement.

What You'll Do

  • Support and oversee accounting operations across multiple dealership locations
  • Train, coach, and develop office managers and accounting personnel
  • Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and performance development
  • Improve month-end close processes, reporting accuracy, and financial controls
  • Review financial statements, reconciliations, schedules, and supporting documentation
  • Ensure compliance with company accounting policies and procedures
  • Partner with dealership leadership, Regional Vice Presidents, Human Resources, and the CFO
  • Drive accountability, consistency, and operational excellence throughout the organization
  • Assist with tax, licensing, compliance, and other accounting-related matters

What We're Looking For

  • Progressive accounting and finance leadership experience
  • Previous Controller, Accounting Manager, Office Manager, or senior accounting leadership experience preferred
  • Automotive industry accounting experience strongly preferred
  • Strong knowledge of financial statements, reconciliations, internal controls, and month-end close processes
  • Experience training, mentoring, and managing accounting teams
  • CPA preferred but not required
  • Dealership DMS experience helpful but not required
  • Willingness to travel regularly to dealership locations throughout Delaware and Maryland

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're looking for a leadership role that combines accounting expertise, operational influence, and executive growth potential, we want to hear from you.

Equal Opportunity Employer Hertrich Family of Dealerships is committed to a diverse, inclusive, and drug-free workplace


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