Financial Controller
Watson Motors | Automotive Dealership Group
Watson Motors is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead the accounting and financial operations for our automotive dealership group. This is a key leadership role responsible for accurate financial reporting, payroll processing, internal controls, accounting-office oversight, and supporting the profitability and long-term success of the business.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, trustworthy, and comfortable working in a fast-paced dealership environment. Previous automotive dealership accounting experience, or comparable accounting experience in a similarly complex, multi-department business, is required.
Position Summary
The Financial Controller will manage the day-to-day financial and accounting functions of the dealership group while working closely with ownership, general managers, department leaders, office staff, manufacturers, lenders, and outside accounting partners.
This individual will be responsible for ensuring financial records are accurate, payroll is processed correctly and on time, dealership statements are completed in a timely manner, and accounting procedures are consistently followed throughout the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily accounting operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash management, bank reconciliations, schedules, and general ledger activity.
- Process and administer dealership payroll, including reviewing time records, pay changes, commissions, deductions, benefit-related items, and payroll reporting.
- Ensure payroll is completed accurately and on schedule while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with applicable wage, tax, and employment requirements.
- Prepare, review, and analyze monthly financial statements, manufacturer financial statements, and internal management reports.
- Lead the month-end and year-end close process, ensuring financial reporting is accurate, timely, and complete.
- Maintain and reconcile balance-sheet accounts, schedules, floorplan activity, receivables, payables, and other key financial records.
- Monitor dealership profitability, expenses, cash flow, and financial trends; provide meaningful reporting and insight to ownership and department managers.
- Review vehicle deals for accuracy, complete documentation, funding status, payoff processing, and accounting compliance.
- Work closely with sales, service, parts, and management teams to resolve accounting questions and support sound financial decisions.
- Maintain strong internal controls that protect company assets and ensure consistent accounting practices.
- Coordinate with outside accountants, auditors, lenders, floorplan providers, manufacturers, and other business partners.
- Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, manufacturer, and dealership accounting requirements.
- Supervise, train, and support accounting-office staff.
- Assist with budgeting, forecasting, process improvements, and financial planning.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen procedures, reduce errors, and enhance reporting across the dealership group.
Required Qualifications
- Automotive dealership accounting experience or comparable accounting experience in a similarly complex, multi-department business is required.
- Prior experience in a controller, accounting manager, office manager, senior accountant, or similar financial leadership role.
- Hands-on payroll processing experience.
- Strong knowledge of general ledger accounting, reconciliations, financial statements, internal controls, and month-end close procedures.
- Experience preparing and reviewing financial reports for management.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to meet recurring deadlines.
- High level of professionalism and discretion when handling confidential employee and financial information.
- Ability to communicate clearly and work effectively with ownership, managers, office staff, and outside business partners.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
- Experience with dealership management systems is strongly preferred.
- Previous supervisory or team-leadership experience is preferred.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who takes ownership of the accounting function and understands that accuracy, follow-through, and consistency matter. The right candidate will be comfortable handling the details of daily accounting and payroll while also helping leadership understand the bigger financial picture.
They will be dependable, proactive, professional, and committed to helping Watson Motors continue operating efficiently and responsibly.
Why Work for Watson Motors?
Watson Motors is a family-owned dealership group with deep roots in Northern Michigan. We take pride in serving our customers, supporting our employees, and creating long-term career opportunities within our organization.
This role offers the opportunity to play an important part in the continued growth and success of our dealership group while working in a professional, team-oriented environment.
Benefits
- Competitive pay based on experience
- Health insurance options
- Paid time off
- Employee vehicle purchase opportunities
- Professional work environment
- Long-term career opportunity with a growing dealership group
- Work-from-home flexibility up to one day per week, following an established onboarding period and based on business needs
Schedule
This is a full-time position. A Monday through Friday schedule is preferred, with occasional additional hours required during payroll periods, month-end, year-end, or other critical reporting deadlines.
How to Apply
Interested candidates may apply in person at Watson Motors or submit a resume for consideration.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
- Work from home
Work Location: In person
