Controller - Automotive Dealership

Confidential Executive Job Profile

Controller — San Diego Metro Area

Signal &Strand, LLC has been engagedto conduct a confidential searchfor a Controller on behalf of a privately held automotive group launching a new luxury dealership in the San Diego metro area. This leadership role will be instrumental in establishing the financial and operational foundation for a flagship store scheduled to open in December 2025, with additional locations planned in the coming years.

Position Overview

The Controller will serve as the senior financial leader for a newly established luxury automotive dealership, overseeing all aspects of accounting, reporting, controls, and operational finance. This individual will play a hands-on role in the dealership's start-upphase, establishing systems, policies, and staffing structures to ensure sustainable growth and financial integrity from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all accounting operations, including general ledgermanagement, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, inventory, and financial reporting.
• Oversee preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financialstatements in accordance with GAAP and OEM/manufacturer requirements.
• Develop and manage budgets,forecasts, and cash-flowmodels; partner with department heads to monitor KPIs and profitability.
• Implement internalcontrols and policiesto ensure compliance, accuracy, and audit readiness.
• Recruit, train, and lead a high-performing accounting team; establishprocesses and structure during the dealership's initial build-out phase (first 2–3 months).
• Serve as a strategicadvisor to senior leadership and consultants supporting the dealership's setup, providing financial insights to guide operations and long-term planning.
• Partner with external auditors,OEM representatives, and lenders to maintain compliance and transparency across all financial functions.
• Oversee deployment of dealership management software (DMS); strong preference for candidates with experience using Reynolds & Reynolds or comparable systems(e.g., CDK, Dealertrack, Auto/Mate).
• Support hiring,process development, and scaling effortsas the store opens and additional sites come online.

Desired Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of progressive accounting or finance experience, including 5 years as Controller within a franchised automotive dealership.
• Demonstrated successbuilding or scalingfinancial operations, ideallyduring a new store launch or high-growth period.
• Deep understanding of dealership accounting, internal controls, inventory management, and manufacturer reporting.
• Expertise in DMS platforms such as Reynolds & Reynolds, CDK, or similar.
• Proven leadership and communication skills;comfortable interfacing with ownership, consultants, and operational leaders.
• Ability to recruit and retain financestaff, leveraging trustednetworks and/or agency partnerships.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Businessrequired; CPA or equivalent credentials preferred.

Compensation: $200,000–$240,000 base salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Local candidates or willingness to relocate to the San Diego area (partial relocation support available: movers, rental deposit, short-term housing).

About the Search

Signal & Strand is leading this confidential search on behalf of a privately held,

growth-oriented automotive group. The role offers the rare opportunity to join at the ground level of a luxury dealership launch, shaping financial operations for the flagship store and beyond.

Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination Statement
Signal and Strand is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We—and our clients—do not discriminate in employment or contracting on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We comply fully with the provisions of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.