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Dealership Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scott Cars, Inc.

Automotive Controller

Allentown, PA · On-site

The ideal candidate will have previous automotive dealership Controller experience and possess strong leadership, organizational, and analytical skills. Responsibilities * Lead and oversee all ...

Scott Cars, Inc.

Automotive Controller

Allentown, PA · On-site

The ideal candidate will have previous automotive dealership Controller experience and possess strong leadership, organizational, and analytical skills. Responsibilities * Lead and oversee all ...

Stokes Toyota Beaufort

Controller

Beaufort, SC · On-site

Stokes Toyota of Beaufort is seeking an experienced dealership Controller to join the team! Great team already assembled and working efficiently. The Stokes family has been in business in this area ...

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Dealership Controller information

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$55K

$119.5K

$175.5K

How much do dealership controller jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for dealership controller in the United States is $119,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,000.00 and $138,500.00 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.
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Dealership Controller jobs near you
Dealership Controller - Audi Nashville

Dealership Controller - Audi Nashville

Sonic Automotive

Brentwood, TN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Sonic Automotive rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

113th of 145 rated car dealerships

Job description

Company Description

At Audi Nashville, a Sonic Automotive family dealership, you'll find the opportunities, resources, and support you need to grow and develop professionally. Our 100+ dealerships are concerned with more than moving inventory; they're committed to your success and invested in your future. So read on, and consider a rewarding career with Sonic Automotive, Inc.

Our associates are happy to work here because:

  • We boast the lowest turnover in the industry.
  • We provide award winning training (Training Magazine Top 125, and Brandon Hall Awards).
  • We are committed to developing and promoting within the company.
  • Our benefits are extremely competitive with Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA, 401k and PTO.
  • We encourage peer to peer teamwork and recognition.
  • Special benefits to purchasing and leasing a car.
  • Personal Automotive Concierge Service.
  • $175,000-$200,00 Annual Salary 
Job Description

3-5 years Experience with Public Dealer Preferred

The Controller is responsible for exercising sound judgment to make independent discretionary decisions regarding the dealership’s overall financial and office workflow. The Assistant Controller is the key dealership executive for managing the accounting task and related policies and procedures at the dealership. The Assistant Controller is the business partner to the dealership General Manager and under the direction of the Regional Controller, carries out such policies and responsibilities. 
The Assistant Controller implements controls to ensure compliance with the Company’s policies. The Assistant Controller directs the office staff to ensure timely completion and accuracy of assigned tasks.   

Duties and Responsibilities: 
• Provide support to all departments to produce increased revenue, control expenses; contribute to customer satisfaction and excellent associate satisfaction. 
• Ensure that the accounting records are maintained in an orderly, current and accurate condition at all times. 
• Ensure that all Company policies are communicated and followed. 
• Maintain internal controls to ensure compliance with company policies. 
• Recruit, supervise and develop dealership office personnel. 
• Audit the balance sheets and schedules regularly and address any possible problems while keeping Regional Controller informed of problems and potential liabilities. 
• Assist operations with dealership forecasting and budgeting. 
• Ensure timely completion of all financial statements, monthly work papers and reports, and resolve any issues. 
• Prepare reconciliation of all dealership balance sheet accounts and purify reconciling items every month. 
• Review every schedule in the dealership every month and make necessary corrections. 
• Ensure that the DOC is prepared daily in a timely manner and is accurate. 
 

Qualifications

• Accounting degree or equivalent experience.
 • 5 years’ experience managing the accounting function and leading the accounting staff of an automotive dealership. 
• Outstanding written, verbal and presentation-based communication skills. 
• Excellent analytical, forecasting and budgeting skills. 
• Experience with dealership management computer systems (ADP preferred). 
• Very strong computer skills, particularly with Excel and the Microsoft office suite. 
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.  


Additional Information

It's time to make the most important move of your career.  From our cooperative, team-based approach, to our more than 1,000 internal advancements each year, it's easy to see the difference. 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.

What Sonic Automotive employees say

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About Sonic Automotive

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At a Sonic Automotive family dealership, you'll find the opportunities, resources, and support you need to grow and develop professionally. Our 100+ dealerships are concerned with more than moving inventory; they're committed to your success and invested in your future.

Industry

Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesalers

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1997

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