Group Controller

About the role

Swickard Auto Group is a hospitality company that sells and services cars, with 40+ rooftops across the West Coast, Alaska, and Hawaii, annual revenues of approximately $3 billion and over 2,600 employees. The Shared Services team in Las Vegas supports accounting, finance, HR, legal, and operations. The Group Controller reports directly to the CFO and owns the day‑to‑day financial and accounting operations, leading a team of 50+ accounting professionals.

The organization is a nearly $3 billion revenue dealer group with 40+ locations across six states, offering real accounting complexity and a substantial team. The Group Controller’s work has direct impact on organizational performance, partners closely with the CFO and executive leadership, and benefits from an active acquisition pipeline that expands scope over time. Swickard is one of the fastest‑growing dealer groups in the country, ranked Top 5 in North America for reputation, and operates by the HEART values – Honor, Engage, Anticipate, Respond, Thank – which define the integrity standard for the accounting function.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Group Accounting function – process owner for General Ledger, Inventory, Fixed Assets, and Payroll; provide strategic direction and operational leadership to the Assistant Controller, Senior Payroll Staff Accountant, DMV Manager, and Inventory Control Manager.
• Direct automotive accounting operations – ensure accurate financial reporting, consistent accounting practices, and alignment with company policies.
• Establish, maintain, and oversee the organization's chart of accounts – appropriate account structure, classification, consistency, and alignment with financial reporting requirements.
• Oversee preparation, review, and analysis of financial statements, general ledger activity, account reconciliations, and other financial reporting per U.S. GAAP and company requirements.
• Direct and manage month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close processes – ensure accurate, timely completion and satisfaction of internal and external stakeholder reporting.
• Oversee payroll accounting operations – payroll journal entries, accruals, reconciliations, payroll‑related liabilities, accurate recording of employee compensation expenses.
• Provide leadership and oversight of DMV adjusting activities – accurate accounting adjustments, appropriate documentation, compliance with policies.
• Ensure compliance with manufacturer financial reporting requirements (Mercedes‑Benz, BMW, etc.), applicable accounting standards, tax requirements, and audit procedures; partner with Swickard Management Group Accounting on the annual financial statement audit and oversee timely resolution of findings.
• Partner with the CFO to maintain strong internal controls – proper controls over disbursements and employee‑related transactions, appropriate segregation of duties.
• Monitor and evaluate financial performance, accounting trends, and variances – provide insights and recommendations to executive leadership on profitability, liquidity, and risk management.
• Lead development and implementation of process improvements, automation, and system enhancements – including change management through system transitions – to improve accounting accuracy, operational efficiency, and financial controls.
• Develop, coach, and mentor accounting team members – partner with HR on job architecture, individual development, performance management, and succession planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting – required.
• 8+ years of progressive accounting experience, including 3+ years of public accounting audit experience with a large regional or national firm and 5+ years of private industry accounting department management in a large company – required.
• CPA preferred – does not need to be active.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, financial reporting, general ledger management, account reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Knowledge of automotive dealership accounting, inventory, fixed assets, payroll, DMV/title processes, and related compliance requirements – a significant advantage.
• Proven ability to lead and develop large accounting teams while managing multiple functions and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and financial management skills – able to identify discrepancies, assess risk, and implement effective solutions.
• Proficiency with accounting systems, Microsoft Office, and financial reporting tools.
• Strong communicator with ability to