Ultimate Staffing is seeking a Group Controller for our client in the Greater Chicago Area/ Joliet, IL area. The ideal candidate will have an automotive or dealership background.

This is a 100% onsite M-F fulltime direct hire opportunity.

The Group Controller is a senior financial leadership role responsible for overseeing the financial health, accuracy, and compliance of a multi-location business unit. This position manages all accounting functions, including financial reporting, budgeting, analysis, and internal controls. The Group Controller delivers strategic financial insights to senior leadership, enabling informed decision-making and driving profitability. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented finance professional with strong leadership skills and a commitment to building trust and collaborative relationships.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Leads and mentors the accounting team across multiple locations, including both individual contributors and managers
• Oversees hiring, training, performance evaluations, and professional development within the finance department

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage all financial reporting activities, ensuring accuracy and adherence to GAAP and internal standards
• Lead and develop the accounting team, providing guidance on dealership-specific financial practices and systems (e.g., DMS platforms like CDK or Reynolds & Reynolds).
• Oversee all accounting and financial reporting functions for dealership operations, including vehicle sales, service, parts, financing, and leasing.
• Prepare and present consolidated financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports
• Conduct detailed financial analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
• Develop and maintain forecasts and variance analyses
• Establish and monitor internal controls to protect assets and ensure data integrity
• Coordinate and support financial audits
• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including tax obligations
• Collaborate with operational leaders to enhance efficiency and profitability
• Provide financial guidance on strategic initiatives such as acquisitions, expansions, and capital investments

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of GAAP, financial management, and internal control systems
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Proven leadership experience in managing finance teams
• Excellent communication skills for conveying financial information to non-financial stakeholders
• Strategic mindset with the ability to influence business decisions

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; MBA or CPA preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in finance or accounting, including at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Industry experience in automotive leasing or a similar sector is highly desirable

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. For unincorporated Los Angeles county, to the extent our customers require a background check for certain positions, the Company faces a significant risk to its business operations and business reputation unless a review of criminal history is conducted for those specific job positions.