Position: Controller
Reports to: Operations Manager
Company: GM Dealership
Location: Durham Region
Date: February 2023
Job Profile
The Controller is responsible for the financial reporting of the dealership as well as assisting with directing the overall financial planning, forecasting and analysis. Provide sales and expense figures for all departments according to standard accounting practices and General Motors’ Standard Accounting policies, by ensuring that the profit (or loss) results are accurate and complete. Must fairly represent the financial condition of the dealership, develop controls necessary for the proper conduct of the business, maintain accurate records, and establish and maintain the data processing capabilities to not only accomplish the dealership’s overall objectives, but also to provide appropriate support for subsequent reviews.
The Controller is responsible for meeting the reporting and remitting requirements of the Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments according to current legislation. Required financial information is to be provided to the company’s financial institutions and to General Motors of Canada on a timely basis.
This position also involves being responsive to the questions and needs of the management and staff most significantly as it relates to accounting, payroll, benefits, contribution plan, etc.
Responsibilities
Management
- Operational
- Maintain a thorough knowledge of the General Motors’ Standard Accounting policies
- Administer General Motors’ Standard Accounting Policies
- Work with other managers in planning, forecasting, reviewing and revising plans
- Directs assessment of depreciation rates as applied to capital assets
- Prepare and review the monthly financial statement prior to distribution
- Provide monthly financial statement package to dealership management
- Submit monthly financial statements to General Motors and NADA Performance Group and in a timely manner
- Interpret and analyze the financial statement continually
- Meet with department managers once a month to review the financial statement, pointing out any conditions which should be improved
- Ensure that Department Managers are aware and working on account receivables (including contracts in transit) as they relate to their specific departmental area
- Ensure all manufacturer accounts including warranty claims, sales incentives, interest, co-op advertising rebates, to name a few are current and accurate. Inform and initiate involvement with appropriate departmental manager as required
- Investigate, advise and implement any governmental assistance program, that the company qualifies for, that would benefit the staff and/or the company.
- Prepare tax reports, tax deposits and tax returns in a timely accurate manner
- Prepare and submit HST, EST as required
- Ensure compliance with all government regulations
- Automate all possible systems and establish controls
- Assist in the application process for General Motors Warranty labour rate, as needed
- Participate in weekly Manager Meetings
- Cash Management
- Keep the dealer informed about the trends and cash needs of the business
- Develop and maintain an effective cash management system
- Maintain loss reserves for contingent liabilities and trade receivables
- Insurances
- Administer employee benefit program
- Administer the employee contribution plan
- Notify insurance company for newly selected and deselected employees
- Be involved with yearly meetings with the benefits and insurance providers
- Inventory Controls
- Maintain a system for ensuring accuracy of physical inventories
- Co-ordinate annual audit and physical inventories i.e. Vehicles, Parts
- Approve adjustments in conjunction with the Dealer and recommend the correct accounting practice
- Policy
- Maintain the company’s relationship with financial institutions i.e. Bank
- Up-to-date knowledge of applicable federal, provincial and local regulations and laws pertaining to the automotive industry: Business and Human Resources
- Knowledge and administration of applicable federal and provincial regulations as related to personnel i.e. WSIB, ESA
- Ensure government registrations are accurate and complete as they pertain to the business and additional companies
- Inter-company
- Administer all inter-company requirements
- Ensure all company submission and requirements are prepared and maintained
- Prepare year end requirements for audit/review, tax and regulation purposes for the operating company and associated companies
Personnel:
- Accounting
- Be involved in the accounting personnel functions in conjunction with the dealer/general manager: interviewing, hiring, training, measuring and evaluation of performance, recognizing accomplishments and de-selection
- Monitor the administration of all day-to-day accounting related functions – payables, receivables, bank deposit, petty cash, deals, etc.
- Monitor accounting and sales deals related functions regarding efficiencies and payment of funds
- Monitor payables to ensure completeness, accuracy and timeliness of payments
- Ensure banking is completed accurately and submitted daily
- Reception
- Be the manager involved with attendance (and coverage), holidays and weekly payroll for the full-time and part-time Receptionists/Customer Service Representatives
- Dealership
- Renew and maintain the licenses that are required by sale staff and the dealership (OMVIC)
- Provide managers and new staff with information necessary regarding the company benefit program, payroll requirements, etc.
- Update and maintain employee files ensuring that entry requirements are complete and appropriate materials added to file as provided. Ensure a secure location for these files: current and past
- Update Employee Policies- General and HR – as required, but at least yearly
- Update and maintain necessary employee documentation and information in Payworks
- Develop a strategy to ensure all employees acknowledge reading of any new information or update
- Assist with the deselection of personnel with the appropriate department manager/general manager; providing guidance as related to federal and provincial laws
- Ensure that all documentation is complete when an employee exits the organization as provided by the department manager/general manager
Departmental
- Establish and maintain key filing systems, including source documents, financial records and personnel folders
- Ensure all documents and files (within accounting area) are stored appropriately, at all times, according to PIPEDA regulations
- On a yearly basis, maintain the system of storage for the legally required time frame for accounting and sales related source documents
- Recommend the purchase of office related equipment in conjunction with the Dealer i.e. Postage and photocopy equipment
- Inform all department employees of regular dealership meetings, events, etc.
- Institute regular Accounting Department Meetings
Customer
- Follow the retail standard of acknowledging customers around the dealership and instill this standard with Accounting Staff
- Ensure that department members are aware and are participants of the Customer Centric direction – which includes not only the retail customer but the entire dealership team
Health and Safety
- As related to the Accounting Department, responsibilities to ensure:
- Performing workplace area inspections
- Conducting information sessions as required
- Conducting incident investigations as required
- Conducting employee training as required
- Ensure completion of test outs by all Accounting related staff
- Correcting substandard acts or conditions
- Commending employee health and safety performance
- Sections 25 & 26 of the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA)
- Responds to health and safety committee or worker representative recommendations
Dealership Culture
- Maintain and set the example of the company cultural mission and values
Other
- Be involved in other dealership roles such as uniform purchases, employee enthusiasm – self initiated or as requested.
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, requirements, efforts associated with the job. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, the dealership reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the job or to require additional or different tasks to be performed when circumstances change.
Required Skills:
- CDK and Payworks
- Deskit – Vehicle deals
Qualifications:
- 3-5 years of experience as an automotive dealership Controller
- Experience with CDK
- CPA designation preferred or a Degree, specializing in Accounting
- Knowledge of financial and accounting practices
- Knowledge and understanding of related federal, provincial and local regulations and laws as they relate to automotive
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- An enthusiastic team player
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