Automotive Controller

Kahlig Automotive Group is hiring a Controller to lead the store's accounting office and serve as the General Manager's financial business partner. The ideal candidate will have a hands-on and interactive management style. The Controller owns the store's month-end close, financial statements, cash management and internal controls. The role turns the numbers into clear direction for department managers, so they can grow gross profit and control expenses.

About the role

• Reports to: General Manager and CFO
• Supervises: Store accounting office staff, including billing, titles, AP, payroll, AR, etc.
• Location: San Antonio, Texas
• Full-time, on-site

Kahlig Auto Group is an industry leading automotive retailer comprised of multiple auto dealerships in South Texas. Our dealerships have a strong commitment to providing the highest degree of customer satisfaction that provides superior experience in sales, service and overall ownership. We are a company full of hard-working, dedicated employees with a priority on offering a welcoming and positive environment that fosters the opportunity to grow within the company.

Responsibilities

Financial reporting and close

• Close the books accurately and on schedule each month
• Prepare and submit the manufacturer financial statement and internal reports by required deadlines
• Reconcile every balance sheet account monthly, including bank, floorplan, manufacturer receivables, contracts in transit and warranty; clear reconciling items promptly
• Review all accounting schedules monthly and correct aged or misposted items
• Prepare operating reports needed by management and ensure it is accurate

Analysis and business partnership

• Interpret the financial statement and explain trends, variances and cash needs to the General Manager
• Help department managers read their departmental P&Ls and build action plans to improve gross profit and expense control
• Support the annual budget and monthly forecasts; track performance against them
• Work with the General Manager to grow revenue, reduce expense and meet or exceed budget

Cash, assets and controls

• Manage daily cash, deposits and cash flow forecasting
• Safeguard store assets and maintain internal controls that follow Kahlig Group policies
• Oversee floorplan payoffs, contracts in transit funding and vehicle inventory accounting
• Prepare for and support external audits, manufacturer audits and group reviews

Compliance and tax

• Ensure timely filing of state sales and motor vehicle tax returns and other required reports
• Oversee payroll processing, commission accuracy and related compliance to include 401(k) related responsibilities
• Maintain our numerous state licenses for our operations
• Make sure every transaction is recorded under dealership accounting policies and procedures

Leadership

• Recruit, train, supervise and develop the accounting office staff
• Set performance expectations and hold the team to them
• Improve office processes and workflows
• Carry out group-wide accounting initiatives at the store and respond to requests from corporate accounting promptly

Working conditions

This is an office-based role. It requires extended periods of computer work, regular walking within the dealership or affiliated office buildings, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Required

• 5+ years of franchised dealership accounting experience, including at least 2 years supervising accounting staff
• Proven ability to complete a dealership month-end close and produce the manufacturer financial statement
• Strong knowledge of dealership schedules, controlled accounts, the general ledger, and bank, floorplan and manufacturer reconciliations
• Working knowledge of Texas sales and motor vehicle tax returns
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• High character & strong work ethic

Preferred

• Prior Controller or Assistant Controller experience at a franchised dealership
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field
• Experience with CDK

Skills and competencies

• Explains technical financial information in plain terms to managers who are not accountants
• Accurate and detail-oriented while meeting fixed monthly deadlines
• Analytical: spots trends, variances and problems in the statement before they grow
• Builds working relationships with the General Manager, department managers and corporate accounting
• Leads, coaches and holds staff accountable
• Manages several priorities at once in a fast-paced store
• Handles confidential information with discretion and integrity
• Work flexible hours during peak business times

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Company paid basic life
• Company paid short term disability
• Voluntary life insurance
• Long term disability
• Vision
• 401(k)
• Paid vacation, personal sick leave days, and holiday

Kahlig Auto Group employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, life and disability, 401(k), paid vacation, sick, holiday and a wellness program.