Director, Group Controller (Multi-Entity Operations) in Surrey

Trotman Auto Group is seeking a strategic and operationally minded Director, Group Controller to lead financial reporting, accounting operations, internal controls, and financial governance across our growing automotive retail organization. Reporting directly to the CFO, this is a rare opportunity to join the senior leadership team of one of British Columbia's largest privately owned automotive groups. The successful candidate will oversee the financial operations of 13 dealership locations, lead a team of Controllers and accounting professionals, and play a key role in supporting profitability, acquisitions, growth initiatives, and ownership reporting.

If you're a CPA who thrives in a high-accountability environment and enjoys balancing technical excellence with business partnership, we'd love to hear from you.

Why This Role Matters

This position goes far beyond financial reporting. As Director, Group Controller, you will help shape the financial foundation of the organization by strengthening controls, standardizing processes, developing accounting leaders, supporting strategic decision-making, and delivering the financial insights that drive business performance. You will work closely with the CFO, Executive Team, General Managers, Controllers, lenders, auditors, OEM partners, and other external advisors & partners to support both day-to-day operations and long-term growth objectives.

Schedule Full‑Time; Permanent

Compensation $145,000-$165,000 per year + Incentive Plan

What We Offer

• Executive-level leadership opportunity within a growing organization
• Competitive Director-level compensation package
• Annual performance incentive opportunity
• Extended health and dental benefits
• RRSP program
• CPA professional development and continuing education support
• Opportunity to participate in key strategic initiatives such as acquisitions, integrations, and growth initiatives
• A collaborative leadership team committed to operational excellence
• The opportunity to work for one of Canada's Best Managed Companies

What You’ll Be Doing

• Financial Reporting & Consolidation
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting across all dealership entities
• Oversee consolidated financial statements and ownership reporting packages
• Ensure accurate intercompany accounting, reconciliations, and eliminations
• Provide meaningful financial analysis and performance commentary to executive leadership
• Accounting Operations Leadership
• Lead and develop Dealership Controllers, Accounting Managers, and corporate accounting staff
• Standardize accounting policies, reporting practices, and close processes
• Improve financial reporting efficiency while maintaining strong controls
• Build scalable processes to support continued growth and acquisitions
• Internal Controls, Compliance & Risk Management
• Strengthen internal controls and financial governance across all locations
• Support external audits, manufacturer audits, and due diligence activities
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, lender, OEM, tax, payroll, and privacy requirements
• Identify risks and implement effective mitigation strategies
• Business Partnership & Performance Support
• Analyze profitability, working capital, inventory, cash flow, departmental performance, and key financial metrics
• Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning processes
• Strategic Growth Initiatives
• Support acquisition evaluations, financial due diligence, and integration planning
• Develop financial models and business cases for key initiatives
• Enhance reporting capabilities, dashboards, analytics, and business intelligence tools
• Champion finance transformation and process improvement opportunities

Who We’re Looking For

• Required Qualifications
• CPA designation
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and finance leadership experience
• Experience leading multi-entity or multi-location financial operations
• Experience managing Controllers, Accounting Managers, or distributed accounting teams
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, consolidations, internal controls, budgeting, forecasting, and treasury management
• Preferred Qualifications
• Automotive dealership experience strongly preferred
• Multi-rooftop dealership group experience considered a significant asset
• Experience supporting acquisitions, integrations, due diligence, and lender relationships
• Experience working within a privately held or entrepreneur-led organization
• Knowledge of PBS, Reynolds & Reynolds, CDK, or similar dealership systems
• Experience with Excel, Power BI, dashboard reporting, and financial analytics tools

Leadership Characteristics

The ideal candidate brings:

• Strong executive presence and business acumen
• Technical accounting expertise balanced with operational insight
• A leadership style focused on coaching, mentorship, and accountability
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism
• A continuous improvement mindset
• The ability to influence across multiple business units and stakeholder groups

Success in Your First 12 Months

• Deliver timely and accurate month-end reporting across all dealership locations
• Improve consistency of accounting policies and close processes
• Strengthen financial controls and governance practices
• Enhance visibility into performance through KPI and dashboard reporting
• Develop and support a high-performing team of Controllers and accounting professionals
• Contribute meaningfully to budgeting, forecasting, acquisition, and strategic planning initiatives

About Trotman Auto Group

Trotman Auto Group is one of British Columbia's leading automotive retail organizations, representing multiple automotive brands across 13 dealerships and two Auto body Shops. As one of Canada's Best Managed Companies, we are committed to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and creating an environment where our people can build rewarding long‑term careers.

Trotman Auto Group is an equal‑opportunity employer. Only selected candidates will be contacted.