What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automotive Controller position at Ourisman?
Company Description Ourisman is a long-established automotive group with a 100-year legacy of trust, serving customers across multiple locations in Maryland and the surrounding region. With a team of over 1,800 automotive professionals, the organization represents a wide range of leading brands, including Chevrolet, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Volvo, Audi, Honda, Toyota, Lexus, Kia, Subaru, Ford, and more. Ourisman is committed to delivering exceptional value, transparent service, and a customer-focused experience at every dealership. The group continues to grow and evolve while maintaining its commitment to integrity, community, and long-term careers in the automotive industry. “100 Years Strong. Still Driving Forward.” reflects the company’s focus on both heritage and innovation.
Role Description The Automotive Controller is a full-time, on-site position based in Bethesda, MD, responsible for overseeing all accounting and financial operations for one or more dealerships. This role manages the month-end close process, prepares and analyzes financial statements, ensures the accuracy of the general ledger, and maintains compliance with manufacturer, lender, and regulatory requirements. The Automotive Controller supervises accounting staff, oversees accounts payable and receivable, payroll, bank reconciliations, and schedules, and ensures timely posting of all transactions. The role collaborates closely with dealership management to provide financial insights, support budgeting and forecasting, and drive effective internal controls. The Automotive Controller also partners with external auditors and lenders, supports process improvements, and helps maintain a culture of accountability and ethical financial practices.
Qualifications
- Strong automotive accounting expertise, including dealership financial statements, general ledger management, and month-end closing.
- Proficiency with dealership management systems (DMS), accounting software, and advanced Excel skills for reporting and analysis.
- Experience overseeing accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, bank reconciliations, and schedule reconciliations.
- Demonstrated leadership skills, including supervising and developing accounting staff and fostering collaborative cross-functional relationships.
- Solid understanding of internal controls, compliance, and regulatory requirements relevant to automotive retail operations.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field; CPA or equivalent professional credential is a plus.
- Previous experience as an Automotive Controller, Office Manager, or senior dealership accounting role is highly preferred.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to ethical financial practices.