Automotive Assistant Controller

Automotive Assistant Controller

Position summary

Kahlig Automotive Group is hiring an Assistant Controller to support the Controller in running the store's accounting office. The ideal candidate will have a hands-on and interactive management style. The Assistant Controller manages the office's daily work, keeps schedules and reconciliations current, and helps deliver an accurate month-end close and financial statement on time. This role steps in for the Controller when needed.

Reports to: Controller

Supervises: Day-to-day work of the store accounting office staff, including billing, titles, AP, payroll, AR, etc.

Location: San Antonio, Texas · Full-time, on-site

Key responsibilities

Daily accounting operations

• Oversee the daily work of the accounting office and make sure all postings are timely and accurate
• Review and post vehicle deals for proper accounting treatment; follow up on missing paperwork and funding
• Review journal entries and AP and AR postings for accuracy before month end
• Monitor contracts in transit and work with F&I to get deals funded promptly
• Oversee title processing and make sure trade payoffs are made on time

Month-end close and reconciliations

• Manage the month-end close checklist and track it to completion with the Controller
• Reconcile balance sheet accounts monthly, including bank, floorplan, manufacturer receivables, contracts in transit and warranty; clear reconciling items promptly
• Review accounting schedules and correct aged or misposted items
• Assist in preparing the manufacturer financial statement and internal reports by required deadlines
• Run and review expense trend reports monthly and flag unusual items to the Controller

Cash, assets and controls

• Monitor daily cash, deposits and bank activity
• Follow and enforce internal controls that follow Kahlig Group policies and safeguard store assets
• Support floorplan payoffs, floorplan audits and vehicle inventory accounting
• Prepare documentation for external audits, manufacturer audits, workers' compensation audits and group reviews

Payroll, compliance and tax

• Review payroll and commission calculations for accuracy before submission, and reconcile payroll postings to the general ledger
• Prepare state sales and motor vehicle tax returns and other required reports for Controller review
• Assist with maintaining our numerous state licenses for our operations
• Make sure every transaction is recorded under dealership accounting policies and procedures

Leadership and support

• Train, supervise and support the accounting office staff day to day
• Help recruit and onboard new office staff as needed
• Act for the Controller when they are out of the office
• Respond promptly to questions from department managers and requests from corporate accounting
• Improve office processes and workflows
• Keep the Controller informed of key issues in the office

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of franchised dealership accounting experience
• Hands-on experience with a dealership month-end close, including schedules and account reconciliations
• Working knowledge of dealership schedules, controlled accounts, the general ledger, and bank, floorplan and manufacturer reconciliations
• Understanding of vehicle deal posting, contracts in transit and title processing
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Working knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• High character & strong work ethic

Preferred

• Prior Assistant Controller, Office Manager or senior Staff Accountant experience at a franchised dealership
• Experience supervising or training accounting staff
• Experience preparing the manufacturer financial statement
• Working knowledge of Texas sales and motor vehicle tax returns
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or a related field
• Experience with CDK

Skills and competencies

• Accurate and detail-oriented while meeting fixed monthly deadlines
• Analytical: spots errors, aged items and variances before they grow
• Explains accounting issues in plain terms to managers who are not accountants
• Builds working relationships with the Controller, General Manager, department managers and corporate accounting
• Trains and coaches staff and leads by example
• Manages several priorities at once in a fast-paced store
• Handles confidential information with discretion and integrity
• Desire to grow into a Controller role
• Work flexible hours during peak business times

What we offer

• 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, specific holiday

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.

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. 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. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.