Dealership Controller

Company Overview

Established in 1961 and located in the heart of Greater Lafayette, DeFOUW Automotive is a family‑owned and operated, full‑service automotive dealership group. Our operations include Chevrolet, BMW, Nissan, Pre‑Owned Sales, and a Collision Center.

We are committed to delivering a positive and memorable experience for every customer while prioritizing transparency, trust, and community engagement. At DeFOUW Automotive, we pride ourselves on going the extra mile to meet customer needs and build lifelong relationships. Through a consistent focus on exceptional service and integrity, we have become a trusted name in the Greater Lafayette community for more than six decades.

DeFOUW Automotive is seeking a highly experienced Controller / Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead and oversee all financial and accounting operations for our multi‑franchise dealership group. This is a full‑time, on‑site leadership position based in Lafayette, Indiana, and is a key role within the executive leadership team.

The Controller / CFO will be responsible for ensuring financial accuracy, compliance, internal controls, and operational excellence while serving as a strategic partner to ownership and department leadership. Extensive automotive dealership accounting experience is required, and hands‑on experience with Dealer track is a significant plus.

• Serve as the senior financial leader for the dealership group, partnering closely with ownership and executive leadership
• Lead financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting, and long‑term financial planning
• Provide clear, data‑driven financial analysis and recommendations to support operational and investment decisions

• Oversee all accounting functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, cash management, and bank reconciliations
• Ensure accurate and timely month‑end and year‑end close processes
• Prepare and present consolidated financial statements and executive‑level management reports
• Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with GAAP and dealership accounting best practices
• Utilize Dealer track to manage accounting workflows, reporting, and financial system integrity

• Manage OEM financial reporting and compliance for Chevrolet, BMW, and Nissan
• Oversee floorplan management, reconciliations, audits, and lender relationships
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, OEM, and lender financial requirements
• Coordinate and support internal audits, OEM reviews, and external audits
  
  Ensure accurate configuration and reporting integrity within Dealer track and related financial systems

• Partner with Sales, Service, Parts, Collision, F&I, and Reconditioning leaders to analyze profitability and improve margins
• Review and approve compensation plans, incentives, and commission structures
• Monitor departmental KPIs, expense controls, and operational efficiency
• Support inventory management, pricing strategies, and capital expenditure planning
• Lead, mentor, and develop the accounting and office team
• Establish standardized processes and controls across all rooftops and departments
• Foster a culture of accuracy, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

• 10+ years of automotive dealership accounting experience required
• Prior experience as a Controller, Director of Finance, or CFO in a dealership environment
  
  Dealer track experience is a major plus (experience with CDK or Reynolds & Reynolds also valued)
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, financial analysis, and budget management
• Proven experience with payroll, compliance management, and financial controls
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools
• Demonstrated leadership, team management, and cross‑department collaboration skills
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and executive decision‑making abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required

• Performance‑based incentives
• Long‑term leadership opportunity within a stable, family‑owned dealership group
• Direct collaboration with ownership and senior leadership

This is a full‑time, on‑site position requiring close collaboration with dealership leadership, OEM representatives, lenders, and external partners.