Operations Controller Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Assistant Controller / Controller
Job Description
This senior leadership role serves as the second-in-command to the General Manager at a well-established automotive dealership in Pleasantville. The position oversees all accounting operations, ensures accurate and timely financial reporting, and partners closely with executive leadership to drive operational improvements and profitability. The role reports directly to the CFO and ownership, with a clear, structured succession plan leading to full ownership of the position as the incumbent transitions into retirement.
Responsibilities

• Serve as second-in-command to the General Manager, working side-by-side daily to identify and drive operational improvements across the store.
• Manage day-to-day accounting operations, including preparation of financial statements, account reconciliations, and completion of the month-end close process.
• Oversee dealership schedules such as F&I reserves, inventory, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and fixed operations schedules, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Review and analyze monthly financial statements in alignment with manufacturer and NADA Uniform Accounting Standards.
• Report directly to the CFO and ownership on performance, providing accurate, timely, and transparent financial information.
• Manage cash flow, including floor plan reconciliation, factory receivables, and related cash management activities.
• Supervise office and accounting staff, providing leadership, guidance, and oversight to ensure internal controls and policies are consistently followed.
• Partner with the General Manager and department heads on budgeting, forecasting, expense control, and profitability analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with state, federal, and manufacturer reporting requirements, including adherence to established accounting and regulatory standards.
• Oversee payroll processing and commission calculations, ensuring accuracy and timeliness in a high-volume dealership environment.
• Utilize management systems and financial reporting tools to perform detailed financial analysis and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and refine processes that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall performance.
• Support year-end close and preparation of workpapers, maintaining clean books and timely completion of annual financial reporting.

Essential Skills

• Assistant Controller or Controller experience.
• Strong knowledge of accounting, including NADA Uniform Accounting Standards and franchise financial practices.
• Demonstrated experience managing the full accounting cycle, including month-end close, financial statement preparation, account reconciliations, and oversight of accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger activities.
• Proficiency in management and accounting systems, with experience using platforms such as DealerBuilt, CDK, or Reynolds & Reynolds.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and financial reporting tools for analysis, budgeting, and management reporting.
• In-depth understanding of key dealership financial functions such as floor plan reconciliation, factory receivables, F&I reserve accounting, inventory accounting, and cash flow management.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership, including General Managers, CFOs, and ownership, to provide financial insights and support operational decision-making.
• Proven leadership experience supervising accounting and administrative staff while maintaining strong internal controls, compliance standards, and adherence to reporting deadlines.
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, profitability analysis, payroll administration, and commission calculations in a high-volume dealership environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with a high attention to detail and the ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly and collaborate effectively across departments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with DealerBuilt automotive accounting software is a plus.
• Familiarity with other dealership management systems such as CDK or Reynolds & Reynolds.
• Experience working within a multi-store automotive group is beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a stable, process-driven environment with established financial procedures and clean books.
• Interest in long-term career growth within a growing automotive group, including stepping into full ownership of the role as part of a structured succession plan.
• Comfort working closely with executive leadership and contributing to strategic discussions around store performance and profitability.

Work Environment
This role is based in an office environment at a long-established automotive dealership in Pleasantville. The position reports directly to the CFO and works closely alongside the General Manager daily. Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They operate with well-defined financial processes, clean books, and year-end workpapers consistently completed early in the year, providing a structured and organized setting. The broader organization includes multiple dealerships across the tri-state area, offering a stable, growth-oriented environment with opportunities for long-term career development and close collaboration with executive leadership.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Pleasantville, NJ.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $130000.00/yr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your jobclassification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may besubject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefitsavailable for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Pleasantville,NJ.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.
About Aston Carter
Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.