Serra Automotive, a leading retailer of new and used vehicles is establishing an onsite accounting office in a dealership it is acquiring soon in NE Cook County right off of I-94. Accounting functions for this dealership are currently performed offsite and Serra is seeking individuals to employ full-time onsite.
This is a rare opportunity to join the 10th largest Retail Automotive Group in a key leadership role. Target starting hire date is any time prior to Monday June 8, 2026. The closing date for finalizing the acquisition is June 22. This is a 100% work onsite position.
Previous experience working in the retail automotive industry is advantageous but not required. The Controller is responsible for all accounting and administrative functions and works closely with the locally based Dealer/Partner to manage and operate the Dealerships on a day-to-day basis. The position reports directly to the longtime Dealer/Partner and indirectly to the CFO of Serra Automotive.
The successful candidate will play a key role in training and developing an all new accounting office staff. Serra's onsite office personnel will operate using the DealerTrack DMS and all of Cox's solutions supporting the various operating departments (xTime, vAuto, Vin Solutions, among others).
Founded in 1973, Serra Automotive is the 10th largest Dealer Group in the USA (Automotive News, 2024). Based in Fenton, Michigan, privately owned Serra is comprised of 61 dealerships operating in 8 states and holds 86 automotive franchises throughout its 26 campuses. Serra generated about $4.5 Billion of revenue in 2025 while retailing about 95,000 new and used vehicles.
This latest acquisition will be the third location for Serra in the Greater Chicago area. The company also operates BMW of Schererville (IN) and South Shore Jaguar Land Rover (Crown Point, IN).
Duties
- Supervise, direct, and train office staff
- Support Dealer/Partner in all aspects of running the business
- Full GL responsibilities. Review Account Reconciliations (bank, floor plan, accounts payable, accounts receivable, etc.)
- Cash Flow Management
- Review Physical Inventories (vehicles, parts)
- Review Taxes (payroll, state, federal, unemployment)
- Financial Statement preparation and analysis at month end and year end
- Daily operational reporting and analysis for all departments
- Review and administer Payroll and related tax reports
Qualifications
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required
- Proficient personal computer skills (Excel, Word, DMS)
- Pre-Employment Drug Screening & Background Check Required
- Public Accounting experience and CPA designation a plus – but not required
Pay: $175,000.00 - $250,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Company car
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Relocation assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
