Dealership Controller

Are you a seasoned financial professional with a passion for the automotive industry? Join the dynamic team behind Ramsay’s Honda and Port Honda, as they seek a Dealership Controller to oversee the group’s financial operations.

As the Dealership Controller, you will play a pivotal role in managing the company’s financial health. Bring your expertise in financial reporting, budgeting, while leading a Finance team to contribute to Ramsay’s continued success and growth.

From the Ramsay family to yours :

A second generation family-owned and operated business, Ramsay’s Auto Sales Limited was established in 1981 by Woody Ramsay, an entrepreneur with over half a decade of experience in the automotive, motorcycle, and services sector.

In late 1995, upon the passing of Woody, Ramsay’s Auto Sales Limited entered their next stage of growth under the direction of Lisa, David and Johnny Ramsay, and Michelle March.

Supported by successful growth, Ramsay’s Honda underwent major renovations in 2003, later expanding their service department in 2006.

To keep pace with the steady growth of Honda auto sales, Ramsay’s expanded their roots, opening a second dealership in Port Hawkesbury in 2011.

Today, Ramsay’s Auto Sales continues to enhance their growth and success under two dealerships through the humble leadership of the second generation of the Ramsay family.

Ramsay’s Auto Sales continues to concentrate on strong customer service and a family-oriented approach as the backbone to their continued success.

Responsibilities :

Reporting to the ownership team, the Dealership Controller will play a key role in supporting the continued success of Ramsay’s Auto Sales.

With a keen eye for detail, and the ability to effectively communicate financial information to key stakeholders, the Dealership Controller will report on the financial position of the company, while providing sales and expense analyses, identifying opportunities for improved profitability.

Responsibilities of the role include, but will not be limited to :

• Support and oversee the day-to-day accounting operations of the dealerships, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and bank deposits, ensuring all transactions are recorded in compliance with Honda Canada policies and practices
• Prepare monthly financial statements and management reporting in accordance with dealership guidelines, formats, and timeframes
• Post and process vehicle deals and commissions on a timely basis, ensuring accuracy
• Prepare budgets and financial forecasts to support strategic planning initiatives
• Ensure all manufacturer accounts, including warranty claims, rebates, interest protection and co-op advertising are current and accurate
• Analyse and interpret financial statements and the Daily Operating Control (DOC) on a regular basis and inform dealer of developing trends
• Direct assessment of depreciation rates to apply to capital assets
• Review and reconcile the general ledger accounts with outside sources to ensure proper bank reconciliation, reserve accounts, factory payable and floorplan payable, noting and investigating any unusual entries
• Ensure compliance with applicable government finance regulations, including filing and / or maintaining required tax forms, payroll taxes and deposits, income taxes, and retirement plan records
• Ensure that office personnel are using proper accounting procedures and maintaining accurate records and analyses
• Liaise with auditors; coordinate and supervise the preparation of information for the annual audit (or review) and physical inventory to minimize audit and review costs
• Maintain an efficient cash flow system and manage banking relationships
• Meet with dealer to evaluate insurance renewals, purchase property and liability insurance, and prepare and process all insurance claims
• Liaise with Service Manager to support the negotiation and maintenance of various supplier contracts
• Work with dealer to improve revenue and / or reduce expenses in order to meet or exceed budget and grow the business
• Develop, implement, and monitor internal controls to safeguard the dealerships’ assets
• Continually strive to improve data integrity and information reporting throughout the dealerships
• Collaborate with other departments to provide financial insights and support decision-making processes
• Stay abreast of tax code revisions and advise dealer regarding operational adjustments needed to accommodate revisions
• Maintain an up-to-date, complete, and systematic filing system to support accounting and financial records
• Work with dealer on Human Resource issues including the coordination of benefits and submission of WCB payments
• Ensure that all employees are meeting Operational Health and Safety (OH&S) standards, as required
• Participate in monthly management meetings to discuss the financial progress, state, and forecasts of the dealerships
• Other responsibilities, as may be required

Qualifications & Requirements :

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting, Finance, or a similar field of study
• Possession of a professional designation (CPA), considered an asset
• 2-4 years’ experience in a role with similar responsibilities; experience in a similar industry would be considered an asset
• Strong ability to prepare financial reports, statements, and related projections
• Experience with reconciling and analyzing financial data
• Excellent knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• Knowledge of accounting and payroll systems (preferably PBS and Paymate)
• Strong understanding of automotive industry standards and trends, considered an asset
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• General understanding of Human Resource practices including benefits management
• Ability to effectively lead a team of employees and work in a team setting as well as individually
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to non-financial stakeholders

The ideal candidate is a skilled accountant who is looking for professional growth and is willing to play a hands-on role in all aspects of the financial accounting for the dealerships, while bringing a strategic, entrepreneurial mindset to the team.

The Dealership Controller must be a collaborative leader who thrives in a team-oriented environment and prides themselves in supporting the growth and success of others.

Salary and benefits :

• Extended health and dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Critical illness insurance
• 3-weeks’ paid vacation
• Staff rates for vehicles and services
• Salary will be commensurate of education, skills, and experience of the successful candidate.

Next Steps

Qualified applicants are asked to submit their resume and cover letter to Grant Thornton LLP via email at ClientApplications@ca.

gt.com citing Dealership Controller Ramsay’s Auto Sales in the subject line no later than July 26, 2024.

We appreciate all expressed interest in this position; however, only the candidates who are selected for interview will be contacted.

No phone calls please.

We encourage and consider applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or those of other minority groups.

Members of designated groups are encouraged to self-identify. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority.