Group Controller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Role Objectives

Accrual Equity Partners, a leading private equity firm specializing in service-based verticals, is seeking a highly analytical, systems-oriented Group Controller to lead and standardize the accounting and financial infrastructure across a portfolio of 5+ franchised automotive dealerships operating in multiple states. This is not a traditional Controller role – it is an opportunity to build and own the financial operating system of a growing dealership group. We are looking for that person who wants to create structure, eliminate noise, and produce consistently accurate, decision-ready financials across a multi-entity platform.

The role is ideal for a process-driven expert who thrives on building scalable systems, ensuring accuracy and creating order in complex environments. The Group Controller will serve as the architect of financial integrity, designing and refining accounting processes that enable consistent, audit-ready financials that will serve as the source of truth for data-driven decision making.

This person will be able to move between assignments fluidly, be willing to learn new tasks, document processes, and hold others accountable to the processes. An attention to detail, sense of urgency, and adaptability to changing business landscapes will be key characteristics the successful candidate will possess.

The successful candidate will operate with a high degree of autonomy and will be relied upon as the subject matter expert in dealership accounting, internal controls, and multi-entity financial reporting. Ensuring accurate accounting, regulatory compliance, and strategic oversight, this leader will partner with department heads to drive profitability across the group.

Core Responsibilities

Financial Systems & Process Architecture

• Design, implement, and continuously refine standardized accounting processes across all rooftops
• Establish consistent chart of accounts, reporting structures, and close procedures
• Build scalable workflows to support future acquisitions and integrations
• Ensure all processes are documented, repeatable, and auditable

Financial Reporting & Accuracy

• Oversee monthly close with a focus on precision, completeness, and timeliness
• Deliver consolidated and store-level financial statements with minimal variance or rework
• Review and validate all reconciliations, schedules, and journal entries
• Maintain audit-ready financials at all times

Internal Controls & Compliance

• Develop and enforce strong internal control frameworks across all entities
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, OEM requirements, and multi-state tax regulations
• Lead internal and external audit processes with minimal findings

Data Integrity & Analysis

• Ensure data accuracy across DMS and accounting systems
• Analyze financial trends, variances, and anomalies with a focus on root cause identification
• Provide structured, data-driven insights to leadership

Cash Flow & Financial Discipline

• Oversee cash management, including precise tracking of:
• Floorplan balances and interest
• Contracts-in-transit (CIT)
• Intercompany accounts

• Ensure disciplined working capital management across all stores

Team Leadership

• Lead dealership Business Office Managers with clear expectations, defined processes, and measurable outcomes
• Provide technical guidance and training to elevate accounting accuracy and consistency
• Foster a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous improvement

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including, but not limited to:

Leading Indicators (Process & Control Focused)

Close Accuracy Rate

• % of financials requiring post-close adjustments
• Target: less than 2% adjustments post-close

Close Cycle Time

• Target: Day 5–6 consistently across all entities

Reconciliation Completion & Accuracy

• % completed on time with no discrepancies
• Target: 100% monthly

CIT Aging & Resolution Time

• Deals over 10 days
• Target: less than 10% aged; rapid resolution cycle

Lagging Indicators (Outcome & Financial Health)

Audit Results

• Target: Zero material weaknesses or significant deficiencies

EBITDA Variance to Budget

• Accuracy of forecasting and financial discipline

Working Capital Efficiency

• Improvements in DSO, inventory turns, and floorplan expense

Error Rate / Financial Adjustments

• Reduction in write-downs, reclasses, and corrections over time

Required Skills, Abilities and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration required; CPA preferred
• 8 - 12+ years in accounting, with multi-location experience preferred
• Deep expertise in automotive dealership accounting required
• Proficient in DMS platforms (CDK, Reynolds & Reynolds, Dealertrack) and advanced Excel skills
• Strong command of GAAP principles, state compliance (DMV, sales tax), and automotive accounting nuances
• Proven ability to build and standardize accounting processes across multiple rooftops
• Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams and projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills