Assistant to Director of Accounting

The Assistant to the Accounting Director plays a critical role in supporting the financial leadership of the organization by overseeing accounting operations and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial reporting. This position is responsible for assisting in the management of the accounting team, coordinating month-end and year-end close processes, and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls for multiple locations. The Assistant to the Accounting Director collaborates closely with senior management to provide insightful financial analysis and reporting that supports strategic decision-making. This role also involves continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of financial operations. Ultimately, the Assistant to the Accounting Director contributes to the overall financial health and stability of the organization by ensuring timely and accurate financial information is available.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in accounting or finance roles with demonstrated knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience with automotive dealership management systems (DMS), such as CDK, Tekion and Reynolds & Reynolds.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Minimum of 2 years of automotive dealership accounting experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or progress toward CPA certification.
• Experience supporting senior management or working in an assistant or coordinator role within an accounting department.
• Advanced Excel skills
• Knowledge of GAAP and experience with internal controls and audit processes.
• Flexibility to travel

Responsibilities:

• Manage daily accounting operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, and payroll.
• Assist in the preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and reports.
• Coordinate and support the month-end and year-end close processes to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, internal policies, and regulatory requirements through effective internal controls.
• Collaborate with external auditors during audits and assist in the preparation of audit schedules and documentation.
• Analyze financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for cost savings or process improvements.
• Support budgeting and forecasting activities by providing accurate financial data and analysis.
• Implement and maintain accounting policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency.
• Assist senior management with special projects and financial analysis as needed.

Skills:

The Assistant to the Accounting Director utilizes strong accounting and financial reporting skills daily to ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial data. Analytical skills are essential for interpreting financial results, identifying discrepancies, and providing actionable insights to management. Leadership and communication skills are employed to effectively manage and develop the accounting team, as well as to collaborate with other departments and external auditors. Proficiency in accounting software and advanced Excel capabilities enable efficient handling of complex financial data and reporting tasks. Additionally, knowledge of regulatory requirements and internal controls is applied to maintain compliance and safeguard company assets.