Left Lane Auto
Director of Finance & Accounting / Corporate Controller (Chicago)
Left Lane Auto, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Director of Finance & Accounting / Corporate Controller
Location:
Chicago, Illinois or Champaign, Illinois strongly preferred, or ability to travel to Champaign, Illinois at least 1-2 weeks per month.
About the Role Left Lane Auto is one of the fastest-growing automotive service platforms in the country, with 77 locations and growing. We are seeking a Director of Finance & Accounting who will lead all accounting and financial operations. This is a hands-on leadership role with broad visibility across the organization and direct exposure to executive leadership and the Board. This individual is responsible for ensuring strong financial controls, timely and accurate reporting, effective cash and debt management, and developing scalable accounting processes to support continued organic growth and M&A activity.
Key Responsibilities Leadership & Strategic Partnership Partner directly with the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Team, and Board of Directors. Align financial strategy, resources, and reporting with the companys operational plan and M&A growth objectives. Financial Reporting & Controls Own and optimize the monthly close process to ensure timely, accurate GAAP-based financial statements. Standardize financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual comparisons of revenue, expenses, margins, and key operating metrics. Establish and maintain strong internal controls over accounting and cash management. Prepare and present financial analyses of historical, current, and projected performance to identify risks and improvement opportunities. Accounting Operations Manage and continuously improve accounting systems, controls, workflows, and documentation. Supervise and participate in budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning. Standardize financial processes and reporting across newly acquired locations. Audit, Banking & External Relationships Manage relationships with external auditors and lead the annual audit process. Implement procedures for periodic internal audits and compliance reviews. Own banking and creditor relationships to ensure growth objectives can be realized. People Leadership Direct, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting and finance team in a multi-location environment. Lead training and professional development for finance staff and operational leaders related to budgeting and financial management.
Experience & Requirements Proven experience as a CFO, Corporate Controller, or VP of Finance in a $75M+ revenue organization, preferably with multi-site operations. Minimum of 5+ years of accounting leadership experience, including general ledger management, financial statement preparation and presentation, month-end close ownership. M&A experience, including execution and integration of new locations. Background in public accounting (national or large regional firm) strongly preferred. Demonstrated success building and leading teams across multiple locations. Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, organizational structure, and administrative operations. Experience in automotive services is a plus. CPA license (active or inactive) preferred.
Chicago, Illinois or Champaign, Illinois strongly preferred, or ability to travel to Champaign, Illinois at least 1-2 weeks per month.
About the Role Left Lane Auto is one of the fastest-growing automotive service platforms in the country, with 77 locations and growing. We are seeking a Director of Finance & Accounting who will lead all accounting and financial operations. This is a hands-on leadership role with broad visibility across the organization and direct exposure to executive leadership and the Board. This individual is responsible for ensuring strong financial controls, timely and accurate reporting, effective cash and debt management, and developing scalable accounting processes to support continued organic growth and M&A activity.
Key Responsibilities Leadership & Strategic Partnership Partner directly with the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Team, and Board of Directors. Align financial strategy, resources, and reporting with the companys operational plan and M&A growth objectives. Financial Reporting & Controls Own and optimize the monthly close process to ensure timely, accurate GAAP-based financial statements. Standardize financial reporting, including monthly, quarterly, and annual comparisons of revenue, expenses, margins, and key operating metrics. Establish and maintain strong internal controls over accounting and cash management. Prepare and present financial analyses of historical, current, and projected performance to identify risks and improvement opportunities. Accounting Operations Manage and continuously improve accounting systems, controls, workflows, and documentation. Supervise and participate in budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning. Standardize financial processes and reporting across newly acquired locations. Audit, Banking & External Relationships Manage relationships with external auditors and lead the annual audit process. Implement procedures for periodic internal audits and compliance reviews. Own banking and creditor relationships to ensure growth objectives can be realized. People Leadership Direct, mentor, and develop a high-performing accounting and finance team in a multi-location environment. Lead training and professional development for finance staff and operational leaders related to budgeting and financial management.
Experience & Requirements Proven experience as a CFO, Corporate Controller, or VP of Finance in a $75M+ revenue organization, preferably with multi-site operations. Minimum of 5+ years of accounting leadership experience, including general ledger management, financial statement preparation and presentation, month-end close ownership. M&A experience, including execution and integration of new locations. Background in public accounting (national or large regional firm) strongly preferred. Demonstrated success building and leading teams across multiple locations. Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting, organizational structure, and administrative operations. Experience in automotive services is a plus. CPA license (active or inactive) preferred.