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Dealership Controller Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Robert Half

Controller

Germantown, TN · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Controller to lead the accounting and finance activities for a ... Background in public accounting and/or automotive dealership accounting is strongly preferred.

HHM CPAs

Dealership Specialist

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Ideally, someone who has sat in the Controller seat and managed an accounting office would be the right fit for this position.Preferred experience in a large dealership group is desired. Having ...

HHM CPAs

Dealership Specialist

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

Ideally, someone who has sat in the Controller seat and managed an accounting office would be the right fit for this position. Preferred experience in a large dealership group is desired. Having ...

HHM CPAs

Dealership Specialist

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

Ideally, someone who has sat in the Controller seat and managed an accounting office would be the right fit for this position. Preferred experience in a large dealership group is desired. Having ...

HHM CPAs

Dealership Specialist

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Ideally, someone who has sat in the Controller seat and managed an accounting office would be the right fit for this position. Preferred experience in a large dealership group is desired. Having ...

HHM CPAs

Dealership Specialist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Ideally, someone who has sat in the Controller seat and managed an accounting office would be the right fit for this position. Preferred experience in a large dealership group is desired. Having ...

HHM CPAs

Dealership Specialist

Memphis, TN · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Ideally, someone who has sat in the Controller seat and managed an accounting office would be the right fit for this position.Preferred experience in a large dealership group is desired. Having ...

HHM CPAs

Dealership Specialist

Memphis, TN

Ideally, someone who has sat in the Controller seat and managed an accounting office would be the right fit for this position. Preferred experience in a large dealership group is desired. Having ...

HHM CPAs

Dealership Specialist

Memphis, TN · On-site

Ideally, someone who has sat in the Controller seat and managed an accounting office would be the right fit for this position. Preferred experience in a large dealership group is desired. Having ...

HHM Talent

Dealership Specialist

Memphis, TN · On-site

Ideally, someone who has sat in the Controller seat and managed an accounting office would be the right fit for this position. Preferred experience in a large dealership group is desired. Having ...

HHM CPAs

Dealership Specialist

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Ideally, someone who has sat in the Controller seat and managed an accounting office would be the right fit for this position. Preferred experience in a large dealership group is desired. Having ...

HHM Talent

Dealership Specialist

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

Ideally, someone who has sat in the Controller seat and managed an accounting office would be the right fit for this position. Preferred experience in a large dealership group is desired. Having ...

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All JobsDealership Controller JobsDealership Controller Jobs in Tennessee

Dealership Controller information

See Tennessee salary details

$49.9K

$108.5K

$159.3K

How much do dealership controller jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealership controller in Tennessee is $108,457.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,000.00 and $125,700.00 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.
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Dealership Controller jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dealership Controller job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,457 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Automotive Dealership Controller

Freeland Chevy Superstore

Nashville, TN • On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Automotive Dealership Controller

Freeland Auto Group  |  Nashville, Tennessee

$120,000 – $150,000 + Performance Bonus  |  Dealertrack DMS Preferred  |  Relocation Assistance Available

Freeland Auto Group is hiring a Controller to lead accounting for both of our rooftops — Freeland Chevrolet and Freeland CDJR — in Nashville, Tennessee.

This is a strategic seat, not a back-office one. You will own the numbers and the conversations about them: partnering with leadership to turn financial results into decisions. When a gross does not look right or a department is drifting, you are the person who spots it, explains it, and helps fix it.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: $120,000–$150,000 base salary and opportunity for company performance bonus. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.

Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; 401(k) with match; paid vacation and paid time off; employee discounts; professional development support.

What You'll Own
  • Month-end and year-end close across both rooftops
  • Financial statement preparation and OEM submissions for both GM and Stellantis — two reporting packages, two sets of requirements
  • Reconciliation of vehicle inventory, floorplan, receivables, payables, and cash, with clean, current schedules
  • Accurate accounting for vehicle sales, trades, incentives, rebates, and OEM programs
  • Leadership and development of a 7-person accounting team
  • Budgets, forecasts, and financial projections built alongside leadership
  • Internal controls that protect company assets and hold up under review
What You Need

Required

  • Dealership Controller or Office Manager experience running a dealership accounting office
  • Fluency in dealership financial statements and OEM reporting
  • Experience managing and developing accounting staff
  • Strong Excel skills

Preferred

  • Dealertrack DMS experience
  • Multi-rooftop or multi-franchise experience
  • Exposure to more than one OEM reporting package
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance; CPA a plus
Why Freeland

We are a family-owned group with nearly 100 years of automotive history located in Middle Tennessee, and we are still investing — in our stores, our people, our technology, and our processes.

Our philosophy is simple: Where People Matter. That applies to the accounting office as much as the showroom floor. The Controller here has real visibility with ownership and real influence over how the business runs.

All inquiries are confidential. We know the strongest candidates are currently employed, and we will treat your interest that way. We are moving quickly.

EEOC Statement:

Freeland Auto is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status.

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