Controller

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Swickard Auto Group is looking for a sharp, detail-driven Controller to own the finance and accounting function across our dealership portfolio. You'll be the financial backbone of the operation — ensuring accurate reporting, building a high-performing team, and partnering closely with operational leaders to move the business forward. We're actively recruiting outside the automotive industry. If you have strong corporate accounting fundamentals, a CPA, or deep experience in a multi-entity environment — we want to hear from you. Automotive experience is a plus, not a prerequisite. We're looking for someone who brings a fresh perspective and the financial rigor to help us identify what we could be doing better.

What you'll do

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis to keep leadership informed and aligned
• Oversee all accounting operations — AP, AR, general ledger, and payroll
• Deliver accurate, timely monthly financial statements and balance sheet reconciliations
• Design and enforce internal controls that protect business assets
• Identify financial risks and build mitigation strategies before they become problems
• Partner with operational leaders to spot trends and surface improvement opportunities
• Manage compliance with federal, state, and local tax and regulatory requirements
• Coordinate external audits and drive continuous process improvements
• Mentor and develop an accountable, high-performing accounting team

What you bring

• Solid command of GAAP and financial reporting standards — your foundation is strong regardless of industry
• Experience in corporate accounting, public accounting, or a multi-location/multi-entity environment (retail, manufacturing, services, and similar backgrounds are all relevant)
• A track record of improving processes, not just managing them
• Advanced Excel skills and comfort with financial systems and ERP platforms
• Excellent communication skills — you can translate numbers into clear business insights for non-finance stakeholders
• Ability to manage competing priorities across multiple locations without losing accuracy
• High integrity, keen attention to detail, and a bias toward solving problems proactively

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience) - Required
• 3+ years in corporate accounting, public accounting, or a similar finance role - Required
• CPA Certification - Preferred
• Automotive or dealership industry experience - A Plus

Why Swickard?

We're a growing, people-first auto group at an exciting point in our evolution — and we know that the best ideas don't always come from inside the industry. If you've built strong accounting operations elsewhere and want the opportunity to apply that experience in a dynamic, multi-location environment, this is a role where you can make a real and lasting mark. We'll invest in getting you up to speed on the business; you bring the financial leadership.