Controller

Job Title: Controller Job Description
The Controller leads all day-to-day accounting operations and financial reporting activities, ensuring accurate, timely, and well-controlled financial processes across a multi-branch dealership environment. This role oversees the preparation and analysis of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP, manages budgeting and forecasting, and provides strategic financial insight to senior leadership. The Controller develops and maintains robust internal controls, ensures tax and regulatory compliance, and manages a small accounting team to support the organizations operational and growth objectives.
Responsibilities
- Manage all day-to-day accounting activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger functions, to ensure accurate, timely, and well-controlled financial processes.
- Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in accordance with US GAAP, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for review by senior management and stakeholders.
- Analyze financial results and prepare reports for senior management, providing insights, variance analysis, and recommendations to enhance operational performance and profitability.
- Coordinate and manage the preparation of the annual budget and periodic financial forecasts, reviewing projections of revenue and expenses against actual results and recommending corrective actions as needed.
- Monitor dealership-wide financial metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying trends and opportunities for expense reduction and improved financial efficiency.
- Manage cash flow and analyze credit line requirements to ensure adequate liquidity for day-to-day operations and capital needs.
- Develop, implement, and maintain a system of internal controls to safeguard company assets, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and support accurate financial disclosure.
- Reconcile manufacturer accounts, reserve accounts, rental accounts, and other general ledger accounts across dealership locations on a timely basis.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations, overseeing the preparation and filing of applicable tax returns and coordinating with external tax advisors as needed.
- Lead the coordination of annual financial statement audits and reviews with external auditors, ensuring all supporting documentation is prepared accurately and on time.
- Review and approve spending activity within established internal controls, budgets, and limits of authority.
- Provide financial counseling and decision support to the senior management team, including analysis of investment opportunities, cost reduction initiatives, and strategic planning.
- Participate in recruiting, staffing, performance management, and professional development activities for the Accounting Department.
- Participate in management meetings and provide regular financial reporting updates to the Chief Financial Officer and leadership team.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Chief Financial Officer to support the organizations financial and strategic objectives.
Essential Skills
- At least 5+ years of experience in financial management or accounting.
- Bachelors Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
- Strong proficiency in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and their application in financial statement preparation, internal controls, and compliance reporting.
- Demonstrated experience with accounting functions including general ledger management, account reconciliation, and month-end close processes.
- Thorough understanding of financial statements, general ledger structure, key financial ratios, and integrated systems of internal control.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, for financial modeling, analysis, and reporting.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet recurring deadlines in a dynamic, multi-branch environment.
- Proven ability to analyze financial results, perform variance analysis, and present findings and recommendations to senior management.
- Experience overseeing or directly preparing budgets, forecasts, and cash flow analyses.
- Capability to develop, implement, and maintain internal control frameworks to safeguard assets and ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Experience coordinating with external auditors and supporting annual audit or review processes.
- Ability to lead and manage a small accounting team, including involvement in recruiting, performance management, and professional development.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in an equipment dealership, construction, or related capital equipment industry preferred.
- Masters Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration preferred.
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certification preferred.
- Understanding of financial concepts including budgeting, Return on Investment (ROI), Discounted Cash Flow (DCF), Net Operating Return on Assets (NORA), and cash flow management.
- Knowledge of financial principles that support budgeting, strategic planning, and multi-location dealership operations preferred.
- Experience with dealer management systems (DMS) and ERP software; familiarity with platforms used in equipment or related industries preferred.
- Familiarity with sales and use tax rules as they apply to equipment sales, parts, service, and rental transactions preferred.
- Valid drivers license preferred and may be required depending on specific duties assigned.
Work Environment
This position is fully onsite, working five days per week at the primary dealership or corporate location. The Controller operates in a professional office environment within a multi-branch dealership organization and will manage a team of approximately three to four accounting professionals. The role involves regular collaboration with senior leadership, operational teams, and external partners such as auditors and tax advisors, and requires frequent use of accounting systems, dealer management systems, ERP platforms, and standard office productivity tools.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Essex, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $150000.00/yr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. maybe max 10 - 15k bonus
-first of the month after 60 days for benefits
-PTO jan 1 starts new hours
-80 hours to use jan 1st (this is negotiable)
-401k as soon as eligble for benefits after a year will match up to 4% vested immediately
-main holidays, day after thanksgiving and christmas
-Cigna health insurance
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Essex,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 5, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.