Financial Controller

About the role

The Controller is responsible for building and managing the financial infrastructure of Car Commander Virginia, establishing real-time reporting systems, overseeing daily accounting operations, and delivering the financial visibility leadership needs to make confident, data-driven decisions. As the company's first dedicated financial hire, this role owns the full accounting function including bookkeeping, financial reporting, inventory cost tracking, compliance, and cash flow management while serving as a key strategic partner to ownership.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain real-time financial reporting systems that provide leadership with accurate, accessible, and timely visibility into business performance
• Manage daily bookkeeping, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and bank reconciliations to ensure the accuracy and integrity of all financial records
• Prepare accurate monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for ownership review
• Track vehicle inventory costs, reconditioning expenses, floor plan financing, and gross profit per unit to support dealership profitability analysis and decision-making
• Develop and maintain internal financial controls, accounting policies, and operational procedures to ensure compliance, accuracy, and data integrity across all financial activities
• Maintain cash flow, operating expenses, and key financial KPIs on an ongoing basis and proactively communicate trends, risks, and opportunities to leadership
• Support the development of commission structures, performance pay systems, and incentive tracking as the company's financial infrastructure matures
• Ensure compliance with dealership accounting standards, Virginia tax requirements, regulatory obligations, and applicable financial reporting standards
• Work closely with the external CPA on tax filings, year-end reporting, and audit preparation to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance
• Implement, optimize, and maintain accounting software, dealership management systems, and financial reporting tools to support operational efficiency and data accuracy
• Provide financial analysis, business performance insights, and strategic recommendations to support ownership decisions as the company grows and scales

Requirements

• Strong financial management and accounting operations capability with the ability to personally own and manage the full accounting function
• Deep knowledge of GAAP, dealership accounting standards, and financial reporting best practices
• Proven ability to build financial reporting systems, processes, and internal controls from the ground up in an early-stage or growth-oriented business environment
• Strong understanding of automotive dealership financial operations including inventory costing, floor plan financing, reconditioning expenses, and per-unit profitability
• Ability to translate complex financial data into clear, concise, and actionable insights for non-financial leaders and ownership
• Cash flow management and working capital capability in a lean, fast-paced business environment
• Proficiency with accounting software platforms including QuickBooks, Xero, or similar systems; familiarity with dealership management systems a strong plus
• Self-directed and highly organized with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver accurate results with minimal oversight
• High integrity and discretion when handling sensitive financial information, business performance data, and employee compensation details
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability with exceptional attention to detail and a low tolerance for financial inaccuracy
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively across departments and support ownership in strategic planning and business decision-making
• Knowledge of tax compliance, audit preparation, and Virginia regulatory requirements applicable to automotive retail operations
• Ability to develop financial forecasts, budgets, and profitability models that support operational planning, growth initiatives, and ownership decision-making

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; CPA designation preferred
• 3 to 5+ years of progressive accounting or financial control experience required
• Experience in an automotive dealership, pre-owned vehicle retail, or related industry strongly preferred
• Experience building financial reporting systems and internal controls from the ground up strongly preferred
• Proficiency with QuickBooks, Xero, or similar accounting software required
• Familiarity with dealership management systems such as CDK, Reynolds and Reynolds, or DealerSocket considered a strong asset
• Experience managing AP/AR, bank reconciliations, inventory costing, and month-end close required
• Strong understanding of GAAP, dealership accounting standards, and financial compliance requirements required
• Experience collaborating with external CPAs on tax filings, year-end reporting, and audit preparation preferred
• Ability to work fully onsite in Lynchburg, Virginia required

Skills

• Financial management and accounting operations
• GAAP, dealership accounting standards, and financial reporting
• Automotive dealership financial operations
• Inventory costing, floor plan financing, reconditioning expenses, and per-unit profitability
• Financial reporting systems and internal controls
• Cash flow management and working capital
• Accounting software platforms
• Dealership management systems
• Financial forecasting, budgets, and profitability models
• Tax compliance, audit preparation, and Virginia regulatory requirements

Benefits

Car Commander Virginia offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, wellness, and financial security of our employees. This includes:

• Health insurance coverage
• Paid time off
• Flexible spending accounts
• Retirement savings plans
• Employee assistance programs
• Professional development opportunities

Pay

Compensation for this position is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Please refer to the job description for more details.

Schedule

The Controller will be expected to work a standard Monday through Friday schedule, with occasional evening and weekend work as needed to meet business demands.