Automotive Dealership Controller

Leader Automotive Group is searching for an experienced accountant to take on the role of Controller. Reporting to the Chief Controller and working closely with the General Managers, you will lead a team and oversee the operational accounting of 2 - 3 dealerships to ensure that financial processes, controls and policies are fully understood and followed and that operational budgets are achieved.

Leader Automotive Group is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoCanada, a publicly traded company. Leader Automotive is AutoCanada’s first footprint into the U.S. market and we currently have 10 dealerships consisting of 23 different franchises and approximately 600 employees. We have a strong presence in the Chicagoland area with 8 dealerships and 2 more located in central Illinois.  We are searching for talented individuals as we begin a new and exciting legacy into the U.S. market.

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• BCBS Health & Wellness Discounts/Programs
• Life Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off / Vacation
• Growth / Advancement Opportunities
• Employee Vehicle Purchase Policy
• Above Average Industry Pay
• Publicly traded organization / stability 
• Employee referral bonuses

• Oversee or perform tasks to ensure that financial functions are reconciled monthly including (but not limited to): cash, accounts receivables, prepaid expenses, fixed assets, accounts payables, manufacturer statements, payroll administration, vehicle deal commissioning, inter-company accounts.
• Meet all monthly, quarterly and annual deadlines as required by Chief Controller and the General Managers including: monthly reconciliations, monthly and quarterly reporting, financial analysis, year-end reporting, etc.
• Review dealership financial statements reports and quarterly binders to ensure consistency and compliance with policies and procedures.
• Monitor the dealership’s actual vs. forecast results to ensure that issues are identified and corrected on a timely basis.
• Work closely with the General Managers, the executive team and Chief Controller to ensure all their financial and accounting needs are met and relevant analysis is performed.
• Be heavily involved in the integration process with the accounting departments for new dealerships to ensure compliance with Chief Controller accounting policies, controls, reporting timelines and procedures.
• Lead, mentor and coach an accounting team, including planning, assigning, scheduling and reviewing of work, ensuring quality standards are met.
• Assist with hiring, reviewing performance and administering corrective action plans to associates when necessary.
• Assist with the training process and ongoing development of assigned team to ensure understanding and compliance with the accounting DMS, accounting policies, controls, reporting timelines and procedures.
• Drive continuous communication with General Managers.
• Attend and present relevant content and information at group and leadership meetings.
• Support associates with all Chief Controller requests and projects to ensure timely and accurate implementation and execution.
• Provide leadership and support to ensure the team is successful in achieving goals and objectives.
• Promote professional development within a team environment ensuring associates are held accountable.
• Celebrate team successes and cultivate a positive culture of excellence.
• Review and monitor dealership compliance with Chief Controller accounting policies, procedures and controls, to ensure consistency among all dealerships.

• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or similar field
• 10 years of relevant work experience, preferred
• 3 years of experience working in an accounting capacity at a dealership, preferred
• Must have previous experience building and mentoring a strong team.
• Comprehensive knowledge of accounting theories, concepts and practices and the ability to navigate complex, difficult and/or unprecedented situations.
• In-depth understanding of accounting standards (IFRS GAAP) and operational accounting.
• Must possess the expert knowledge required to make decision related to implications of tax, risk, cash flow management, and financial agreements/covenants.
• Previous experience working for a publicly traded company and an understanding of the procedures and practices required to produce accurate reports and meet reporting timelines, would be considered assets.
• Knowledge of Ignite, CDK, and Tableau computer systems would be considered an asset.
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills combined with the ability to interact and gain the support of senior leadership and other decision makers.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage priorities, perform a variety of tasks and meet required deadlines and targets
• Results-driven and career focused individual with an entrepreneurial spirit and a strong desire to be successful.
• Detail oriented, self-motivated and resourceful.
• Must have expert excel skills and be highly skilled in other standard office software (MS Word, PowerPoint, Outlook etc.)
• Experience working with Case-ware is considered an asset.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving history.