Chief Financial Officer

HHM Talent is assisting an automotive client search for a Chief Financial Officer in Rockville, MD.

Position Overview

A well-established, high-volume automotive dealership group in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is seeking an experienced Chief Financial Officer to join its executive leadership team.

The CFO will serve as a trusted strategic partner to the Dealer Principal, providing executive-level financial oversight and acting as the organization's financial "eyes and ears." This is an ideal opportunity for a hands-on automotive finance leader who can protect the organization's financial strength, support operational decisions, and help guide its long-term direction.

The company's financial records and processes are currently in strong condition. This role is not being hired to correct major accounting problems or lead a restructuring. The incoming CFO will inherit a stable operation while having the authority to improve or reorganize functions where beneficial.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership across multiple dealerships and related operations.
• Review monthly dealership financial statements, identify trends, and communicate meaningful insights to the Dealer Principal.
• Oversee the accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of financial reporting.
• Partner with dealership leadership to evaluate financial performance, profitability, cash flow, expenses, and operational opportunities.
• Lead and support the dealership controllers and centralized accounting team.
• Maintain strong relationships with banks, lenders, manufacturers, insurance providers, CPAs, and other outside partners.
• Lead contract review and negotiation for banking, insurance, benefits, vendor, and other significant business agreements.
• Oversee financial matters related to both self-insured and fully insured employee medical plans.
• Evaluate internal controls, financial processes, and organizational structure, recommending improvements when appropriate.
• Support forecasting, budgeting, capital planning, risk management, and long-term business strategy.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and leadership presence when the Dealer Principal is away from the dealerships.
• Help develop the organization's long-tenured accounting team and prepare for future leadership transitions.
• Maintain a strong understanding of dealership performance through Reynolds & Reynolds reporting and financial data.

Qualifications

• At least five years of progressive accounting and financial leadership experience within the automotive dealership industry required.
• Current or previous experience as a multi-store Controller, Corporate Controller, CFO, or in a comparable dealership leadership role.
• Strong understanding of dealership financial statements, accounting controls, banking relationships, insurance, and operational performance.
• Experience overseeing multiple dealership locations or legal entities strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead experienced, long-tenured employees with credibility and respect.
• Strategic and commercially minded, with the willingness to remain involved in day-to-day financial operations.
• Strong communication, decision-making, and relationship-management skills.
• Reynolds & Reynolds experience preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferred.
• CPA designation is preferred but not required. Practical dealership leadership and business judgment are more important than a purely technical accounting background.
• Candidates located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area are preferred; relocation assistance may be considered for the right individual.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary of $200,000–$250,000, based on experience
• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• 401(k) with a 50% company match on employee contributions up to 4%
• Comprehensive family medical coverage through CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
• Company demo vehicle