What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automotive Business Office Manager position at Lithia & Driveway?
Business Office Manager/Controller
The Business Manager provides financial thought partnership to Dealership – strategic business partner to General and Department Managers. Oversees dealership specialists, and cashier personnel located in the dealerships. Oversees dealership accountants in the single point structure. Liaison with Dealership Accounting and Shared Service leadership. Exceptional performers would be positioned for an Area Controller or BM III role depending on business need and the individual’s accounting or business acumen, respectively.
This position reports to the Director of Accounting Operations.
Area of Responsibility
- A financial thought partner to the dealership; develop and maintain positive relationships with store leadership (GM, Sales & Operations) and Manufacturer Representatives
- Ensure dealership is operating within financial guardrails
- Communicates risks and opportunity with operational leaders.
- Ensures financial processes are in place to support new or evolving business initiatives
- Understand manufacturers Excellence Objectives and work with GM to ensure achievement.
- Maximize benefits from manufacturer incentive programs; understand program rules and payment structures, work with GMs to achieve results and work to ensure that the Shared Services team is up to date on program rules.
- Ensures compliance with internal controls
- Responsible for accurate store financials Ensures regular reviews of operational income statements, GL activity, supporting schedules and balance sheet accounts.
- Conduct quarterly physical Inventory; vehicles, parts, supplies
Qualifications
- Experience leading a team
- Auto Industry Experience preferred
- 3-5 years commensurate experience or Bachelor's degree in Accounting
- Strong grasp of accounting process and reconciliation
- A team player who is focused on providing exemplary customer service.
- A critical thinker and effective time manager.
- Strong attention to detail and sense of urgency.
- Excellent communication skills both written and oral
- Active Listening
- Empowered self- leader, accepts responsibility and takes initiative to ensure assigned deliverables are met within acceptable timeframes
- Strong grasp of accounting process and reconciliation
- Ability to quickly review, research and if necessary resolve variances
- Ability to offer solutions or recommendations based on analysis and interpretation of financial results
- Ability to partner with Dealership leadership to drive financial results
- Experience driving business results through financial interpretation
We offer best in class industry benefits:
- Competitive pay
- Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
- Paid Holidays & PTO
- Short and Long-Term Disability
- Paid Life Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Lithia Learning Center
- Vehicle Purchase Discounts
- Wellness Programs
High School graduate or equivalent, 18 years or older required. We are a drug free workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity (regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status). We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
