The Accountant I is responsible for supporting day-to-day accounting operations across dealership departments. This role ensures accuracy in financial data entry, reconciliations, reporting support, and compliance with dealership policies and applicable regulations. The Accountant I works under the direction of senior accounting staff or the Controller and plays a key role in maintaining accurate financial records for the dealership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Accounting Support & Operations:

Assist in preparing monthly financial statements in compliance with dealership and manufacturer guidelines. Enter and reconcile financial transactions including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and journal entries. Maintain general ledger and assist in monthly account reconciliations, including bank statements, inventory accounts, and manufacturer receivables. Process and record vehicle deals, repair orders, and parts invoices accurately and in a timely manner. Prepare daily deposit slips and ensure all receipts are recorded accurately. Assist with maintaining schedules and ensuring accurate documentation of transactions.

Payroll & Benefits Assistance:

Support the Payroll/Benefits Administrator with data entry, timekeeping record reviews, and benefit enrollment reporting. Help maintain accurate payroll and employee data files as assigned.

Compliance & Reporting:

Assist in t he preparation of sales tax, payroll tax, and other required government filings under supervision. Ensure all documentation complies with internal policies and external regulations. Monitor warranty schedules, receivables, and other manufacturer-related accounts for accuracy. Respond to internal inquiries related to financial transactions, invoices, or accounting discrepancies. Provide support to other departments regarding accounting processes and documentation. Maintain organized, accurate, and up-to-date files and records. Participate in internal audits and assist with document preparation as needed.

Additional Responsibilities:

Assist with preparation of floor plan reports and related reconciliations. Help monitor and follow up on outstanding customer or vendor balances. Support the month-end close process by preparing required reports and schedules. Perform other duties as assigned by accounting leadership. Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required; Bachelor's degree preferred. 1-3 years of general accounting experience, preferably in an automotive or dealership setting. Knowledge of basic accounting principles and general ledger functions. Experience with dealership management systems (e.g., Dealertrack, CDK) is a plus. Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and reconciliation. Effective organizational and time management skills Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Office applications. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications:

Qualifications Associate degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field preferred. One to three years of accounts payable, bookkeeping, or general accounting experience preferred. Automotive dealership or multi-entity accounting experience is preferred. Working knowledge of accounts payable processes, invoice coding, vendor reconciliation, and general-ledger functions. Experience with dealership management systems, such as Dealertrack or CDK, is a plus. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and other Microsoft Office applications. Ability to review detailed financial information and identify errors or inconsistencies. Strong organizational, time-management, communication, and problem-solving skills. Ability to manage multiple deadlines and maintain accuracy in a high-volume environment. Ability to communicate professionally with vendors, dealership leaders, and employees. Demonstrated discretion when handling confidential financial and banking information. Core Competencies Accuracy and attention to detail Accountability and dependability Vendor service and professional communication Organization and records management Problem-solving and reconciliation Deadline and workload management Confidentiality and ethical judgment Collaboration across dealership departments Compliance with internal controls