To become a dealership controller, you need a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Employers prefer a background in the automotive industry, especially in a prior controller position. You must be familiar with common accounting principles and GAAP, as well as the general policies and procedures of a dealership. Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) also increases your chances in this field. Additional qualifications include proficiency with accounting software, management and leadership skills, strong ethics, excellent communication skills, and the ability to multitask.

If you are interested in a job related to Dealership Controller, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Dealership Controller Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Dealership Controller positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Dealership Office Manager
Salary range: $40,000 - $59,000
Dealership Office Manager is a typical job search query Most salaries for Dealership Office Manager jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $59,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Dealership Office Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Automotive Office Manager
Salary range: $50,000 - $78,000
Automotive Office Manager is a common job search query. Most salaries for Automotive Office Manager jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $78,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Automotive Office Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Dealership Office
Salary range: $40,000 - $59,000
Dealership Office is a common job search query. Most salaries for Dealership Office jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $59,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Dealership Office job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Dealership Auditor
Salary range: $72,000 - $112,000
Dealership Auditor is a typical job search query Most salaries for Dealership Auditor jobs pay between $72,000 (25th percentile) and $112,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Dealership Auditor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Automotive Dealership General Manager
Salary range: $60,000 - $94,500
Automotive Dealership General Manager is a popular job search query. Most salaries for Automotive Dealership General Manager jobs pay between $60,000 (25th percentile) and $94,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Automotive Dealership General Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Auto Dealership Platform Manager
Salary range: $50,000 - $78,000
Auto Dealership Platform Manager is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Auto Dealership Platform Manager jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $78,000 (75th percentile) annually. Take a look at the variety of open positions nationwide for Auto Dealership Platform Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Dealership General Manager
Salary range: $51,500 - $192,500
Dealership general managers (GMs) oversee the operations of all the various departments within the dealership. The most common type of dealership is an automotive dealership, but other examples include those that sell RVs, boats or other outdoor vehicles, and large equipment. As a dealership general manager, you set sales goals for the sales team, create and manage the company budget, and approve contracts made in the financing department. You manage inventory, oversee vehicle acquisitions operations, and develop strategies to increase sales and profits at the dealership. General managers also hire and train new employees and establish employee compensation and benefits.
Automotive Portfolio Manager
Salary range: $65,500 - $130,000
Automotive Portfolio Manager is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Automotive Portfolio Manager jobs pay between $65,500 (25th percentile) and $130,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Automotive Portfolio Manager job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Automotive Office
Salary range: $50,000 - $78,000
Automotive Office is a typical job search query Most salaries for Automotive Office jobs pay between $50,000 (25th percentile) and $78,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Automotive Office job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Dealership Admin
Salary range: $36,000 - $49,500
Dealership Admin is a typical job search query Most salaries for Dealership Admin jobs pay between $36,000 (25th percentile) and $49,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Dealership Admin job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Dealership Controller Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Dealership Controller Jobs in 2026