Controller / Accountant

Brief Job Description

Executive in charge of the company's financial control.Lead the financial planning and accounting practices of the dealership, as well as its relationships with credit institutions, shareholders, and the financial community. Regularly report to the dealer/general manager on the exact financial situation of the entire dealership. Present analyses of sales and expenditures. Present a report on the dealership's financial situation, develop control systems for efficient business operation, maintain accurate records, establish and maintain data processing systems to meet the dealer's objectives.

The main duties are listed below, but the incumbent may be assigned to other functions.

  • Control and direct the company's activities such as treasury, budgeting, auditing of accounting books, purchases, fixed assets, and insurance.
  • Collaborate with the management team on long-term planning, cash management, and funds allocation.
  • Maintain relationships with financial institutions on matters of credit margins and funds management.
  • Analyze, consolidate and direct all cost pricing methods and other statistical and routine reports.
  • Analyze studies on general economic conditions, business, and finance and their impact on dealership policies and operations.
  • Supervise and direct the production of the dealership's annual report.
  • Evaluate the dealership's financial situation and regularly issue financial and operating reports.
  • Maintain close ties with the accounting firm to ensure adherence to generally accepted accounting principles and the maintenance of the company's financial structure to maximize tax benefits.
  • Support the management team in cash flow management, monitoring ongoing contracts, and accounts receivable.
  • Collaborate with the management team to establish financial forecasts and budgets for each establishment or service, if applicable.
  • Act as a representative of the dealership, both internally and externally, at the request of the management team.
  • Prepare detailed financial statements monthly according to the directives of the management team and in the schedule and format required by the manufacturer. Ensure that all accounts with the manufacturer are up-to-date and accurate, including warranty claims, discounts, interest protection, and collective advertising.
  • Negotiate and oversee various contracts established with suppliers (IT, snow removal, telecommunications, advertising, web services, etc.).
  • Regularly analyze financial statements and daily operational control and advise the dealership of emerging trends.
  • Approve credit for opening customer accounts.
  • Establish an accounts receivable collection policy and supervise the follow-up of receivables. Communicate with Ultra or another collection agency, if necessary.
  • Issue detailed financial and management reports for the service director.
  • Maintain an effective cash management system that anticipates liquidity and make recommendations for the profitable use of surplus cash.
  • Direct the evaluation of depreciation rates applicable to fixed assets.
  • Analyze the general ledger and registered accounts. Note any unusual entries and verify them.
  • Review the reconciliation of general ledger accounts with external resources to ensure the accuracy of bank reconciliation, reserve accounts, accounts payable to the manufacturer, and inventory financing.
  • Stay informed about tax laws and advise the management team of any relevant operational adjustments.
  • Ensure compliance with all government financial regulations, including forms to be filled out or retained, sales taxes and deposits, income taxes, pension plan records, etc.
  • Establish provisions for losses to cover potential liabilities.
  • Ensure that all office staff use appropriate accounting methods and maintain accurate records; analyze and monitor the preparation of all data for accountants to reduce audit or revision costs.
  • Constantly work to improve the accuracy of data and dissemination methods within the company.
  • Participate in directors' meetings by providing the necessary documents for the smooth running of these meetings.
  • Meet with each service director once a month to review financial statements.
  • Approve adjustments to inventory accounts.
  • Coordinate the annual audit (review) and physical inventory.
  • Write a daily management report.

Tasks Related to Insurance

  • Maintain good relations with insurers to obtain adequate coverage.
  • Contract insurance for risks and liability insurance.
  • Prepare and send all insurance claims.
  • Meet with the dealer to evaluate any insurance renewals (group insurance, building or inventory insurance, etc.).
  • Process and send any claim requests.