1

Dealership Controller Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Staff / Senior Accountant

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$69K - $84K/yr

Work closely with the Assistant Controller and Controller to track and monitor all endowments ... projects while dealing with interruptions and an uneven workload. * Interact ethically ...

Store manager Trainee

Bondurant, IA · On-site

$19.50 - $23.25/hr

Controlling Expense and Shrink * Merchandise Display * Store Signage Placement What we need from you: * Must possess minimum 3 years prior retail management experience * Background in dealing with ...

New

Inventory Clerk - Day Shift

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

This position description is intended to guide the activities of the Inventory Controller and is ... Must demonstrate good interpersonal skills in dealing with people, must have good analytical skills.

Inventory Clerk - Day Shift

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

This position description is intended to guide the activities of the Inventory Controller and is ... Must demonstrate good interpersonal skills in dealing with people, must have good analytical skills.

Inventory Clerk - Day Shift

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

This position description is intended to guide the activities of the Inventory Controller and is ... Must demonstrate good interpersonal skills in dealing with people, must have good analytical skills.

Controller Type of Employment : Full-Time Wage Type: Salary Location: Sigourney, Iowa At Sinclair ... With thirteen John Deere dealerships, five NAPA parts locations and a Supply Store, we are looking ...

Sales Accountant

Sigourney, IA · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

Controller Type of Employment : Full-Time Wage Type: Salary Location: Sigourney, Iowa At Sinclair ... With thirteen John Deere dealerships, five NAPA parts locations and a Supply Store, we are looking ...

Sales Accountant

Sigourney, IA · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

Controller Type of Employment : Full-Time Wage Type: Salary Location: Sigourney, Iowa At Sinclair ... With thirteen John Deere dealerships, five NAPA parts locations and a Supply Store, we are looking ...

Sales Accountant

Sigourney, IA · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

Controller Type of Employment : Full-Time Wage Type: Salary Location: Sigourney, Iowa At Sinclair ... With thirteen John Deere dealerships, five NAPA parts locations and a Supply Store, we are looking ...

Sales Accountant

Sigourney, IA · On-site

$50K - $67K/yr

Controller Type of Employment : Full-Time Wage Type: Salary Location: Sigourney, Iowa At Sinclair ... With thirteen John Deere dealerships, five NAPA parts locations and a Supply Store, we are looking ...

Showing results 41-60

Dealership Controller information

See Iowa salary details

$51.7K

$112.2K

$164.8K

How much do dealership controller jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealership controller in Iowa is $112,239.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $130,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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 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.

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 typically requires extensive accounting experience and may involve supervising staff, making it a high-level position in the dealership's organizational structure.

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

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

Infographic showing various Dealership Controller job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,239 per year, or $54 per hour.

Staff / Senior Accountant

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Coe College
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees

$69K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Staff / Senior Accountant
Coe College seeks qualified candidates for the position of Staff/Senior Accountant. This position works in partnership with the Assistant Controller and Controller to advance the academic mission of the college, by ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of all financial data necessary to assist with the management of financial planning and infrastructure to support the strategic initiatives of the college.
Responsible for the accurate and timely compilation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial data. Work closely with the Assistant Controller and Controller to track and monitor all endowments, annuities, investments and other financial instruments. Serve as a resource for other departments related to budget questions, transfer requests and account information. Provide excellent customer service in person, over the telephone and in writing. Assist and provide backup coverage for the front desk.
Essential Job Responsibilities:
  • Reconcile bank statements and prepare necessary adjustments.
  • Record and reconcile prepaid expenses.
  • Prepare standard and recurring monthly journal entries.
  • Review and process departmental transfer request forms.
  • Record activity for restricted, endowment, annuity, plant and Clark funds.
  • Assist with inquiries regarding journal entries, budget and general ledger account activity.
  • Front desk coverage as needed which includes, the recording of cash receipts, and response to inquiries regarding student accounts and student loans in person, on the phone and in writing.
  • Open and close front desk in absence of Accounting Assistant.
  • Reconcile monthly received gifts to the Advancement Office records.
  • Calculate and distribute endowment income to associated funds.
  • Record various daily online payments received.
  • Prepare annual report for Educational Support Services grant and Wilderness Field Station.
  • Provide Financial Aid Office with scholarship budget and Dean’s office with prize/award budget.
  • Track vendor commissions if and when applicable.
  • Assist with the annual external audit and 990 Information Return as needed.
  • Assist with annual budget preparation and related processes.
  • Ensure all monthly entries are posted within seven business days following month end.
  • Prepare and file quarterly sales tax return.
  • Develop and maintain current standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all essential job responsibilities of the Staff Accountant position.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or related field required with a minimum of two years of recent related accounting work experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience in nonprofit and/or higher education preferred but not required.
  • Computer software experience (intermediate level) in spreadsheets and database programs.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the United States as we are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
  • Successful completion of a background check in accordance with Coe College policy.
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:
Position Specific:
  • Analytical skills to be able to reconcile various general ledger accounts.
  • Prepare and maintain records, reports and other documents with an attention to detail and accuracy using a personal computer and data entry skills.
  • Exercise professional judgment when applying sound accounting and cash handling policies, procedures and principles.
  • Knowledge of common office policies, practices and standard equipment.
  • Personal computer experience in word processing, spreadsheets and database programs as well as data entry skills.
  • Ability to organize, manage and prioritize multiple responsibilities, deadlines, tasks and projects while dealing with interruptions and an uneven workload.
  • Interact ethically, professionally and confidentially with diverse groups, faculty, staff and students to develop a deep sense of trust.
  • Demonstrate commitment to excellent customer service including the ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.
  • Knowledge of the operations, functions, and scope of authority of a college setting or similar environment as related to the handling and disposition of complaints, requests for information, and delegated administrative details.
  • Knowledge of GAAP, not-for-profit accounting, and sound accounting practices, procedures and principles.
  • Ability to maintain positive relationships in a collaborative and diverse team atmosphere.
  • Commitment to excellent customer and/or student service.
  • Demonstrate ethical and responsible decision making.
  • Ability to maintain consistent attendance and accountability for position objectives.
Coe Competencies:
  • Dedication to the educational mission of a private, residential liberal arts college.
  • Ability to maintain positive relationships in a collaborative and diverse team atmosphere.
  • Commitment to excellent customer and/or student service.
  • Demonstrate ethical and responsible decision making.
  • Consistent attendance and accountability necessary to meet position objectives.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
  • Work additional hours, as needed.
  • Typical office environment.
  • Primarily sendentary role requiring long periods of sitting or standing.
Coe College is an equal opportunity employer.