Controller / Accountant

Overview

Dealership Controller
This position is the top-level financial position within the Dealership and requires the ability to direct accounting work of some complexity. Dealership accounting is deceptively complex and requires knowledge of accounting theory, principles and procedures and the ability to apply that knowledge creatively to a well-defined standard system designed for use by motorcycle dealerships.
This position is responsible for supervising the accounting use of dealership management software; supervising the work of accounting assistants; supervising the preparation of financial and statistical reports; supervising the preparation of budgets, projections and forecasts; and for the submission of monthly financial information to the motor company.
Daily work is performed independently and is subject only to review by ownership and audit by external certified public accountants. The ability to interact positively with non-financial personnel, discern their financial information needs and then create and interpret financial reports to assist them in executing their responsibilities is a required skill.
The position represents the dealership to the external financial community and superior verbal and written communication skills are a requirement.
Additionally the position operates as the dealership's primary contact for all HR related functions including benefits, insurance and payroll.

Experience working at this level at a Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealership is preferred. Will consider experience at this level working within the automotive or powersports industries.
 
Key Result Areas

Cash Management, Receivables, Inventory, Payables & Regulatory Compliance
Accounting Processes and Systems
Auditing, Reporting & Financial Analysis

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Cash Management, Receivables, Inventory, Payables & Regulatory Compliance

Oversee and monitor preparation of daily bank deposits compiled and reconciled from accounting reports and point of sale cash drawer media for all methods of payment.
Monitor and manage daily bank reporting and cash positions.
Monitor, control and insure the timely collection of customer accounts receivable and contracts in transit.
Manage all aspects of inventory accounting, including valuation, internal controls and reporting procedures.
Review and finalize all vehicle sales transactions.
Compile payroll information for submission to an external payroll service or process payrolls using accounting software functionality.
Supervise compliance with motor vehicle regulations, the filing of all required reports, and the remittance of all payments on a timely basis.
Comply with all taxing authority requirements. Make timely deposits of required sales taxes and file all sales tax returns as required.

Accounting Processes and Systems

Adhere to the accounting policies, practices, standards and controls of the dealership and oversee the maintenance of all books and records recording dealership assets, liabilities, ownership investments and revenue and expense transactions.
Resolve accounting issues as they arise in the daily processing of dealership transactions.

Reconcile all subsidiary ledgers to general ledger control balances monthly, or more often if needed. In some cases, maintain spreadsheets or other auxiliary sub-ledgers to supplement standard accounting software capabilities.

Recommend and implement changes to continuously improve systems and financial performance.

Auditing, Reporting & Financial Analysis

Identify, investigate and correct errors. Audit and resolve any anomalies encountered in daily financial transactions as recorded by others in dealer management system modules, and insure the accuracy of daily transfers of transactions from dealer management system operating modules to the accounting module.

Manage month-end close process and timing. Prepare and review monthly trial balances, general ledger detail postings, financial statements and other financial reports and statistics. Distribute reviewed financial reports on a timely basis to management together with narrative comments to assist in understanding important results and trends.
Prepare special financial analyses as needed by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Establish departmental work schedule, balancing the workloads of all employees.
Establish job assignments for all Accounting Department personnel within their skill levels.

Commitments

Treat all employees and customers fairly, courteously, with dignity and extraordinary respect.
Model superior customer service behavior for all service personnel by maintaining positive relationships with customers, employees and owner(s).
Handle all business dealings honestly and fairly.

Qualifications & Job Requirements

4-year degree with a major in accounting is required.
6 years minimum experience including at least 2 years of experience as a Controller for a small or medium size motor vehicle dealer.
Superior verbal and written communication skills.
Advanced proficiency with accounting software programs.
Advanced proficiency in the use of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Word.
Ability to communicate effectively to resolve problems with other dealership employees, suppliers, and governmental agencies.