We're looking for a Business Manager to join our team! This is a high-impact opportunity at our newly acquired Mercedes-Benz store - ideal for someone experienced, growth-minded, and ready to step into more.
80 Hours of PTO front loaded on day 1Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8-hour shift (flexible)Great benefits and career opportunitiesLocation: 455 Steed Rd, Ridgeland, MS 39157 Mercedes-Benz of Jackson is a part of Lithia & Driveway (NYSE:LAD), the largest automotive retailer in the U.S. and was named a 2024 Top Workplaces award winner.We are one of the fastest-growing companies on the Fortune 500 (#124 for 2025). With over 330+ dealerships worldwide representing over 50 brands in 3 countries! Business Manager I
The duties of the Business Manager I typically include, but are not limited to:
Maintaining the dealership’s financial books and records, including month-end closing
Reviewing and reconciling general ledger accounts (i.e., schedules)
Contracting the purchase and sale of vehicles and completing other required regulatory and contractual documents
This role may also involve supervising Accounting Operations and/or dealership personnel, which can include Dealership Accountants, Dealership Specialists, Accounting Coordinators, Title and Registration Specialists, Cashiers, and Receptionists.
The Business Manager I is generally required to be on-site at their assigned dealership for the majority of their work schedule. This position forms a strategic business partnership with key dealership leaders, including but not limited to the General Manager (GM), and frequently collaborates with both Dealership and Shared Services personnel to maintain a strong control environment.
Responsibilities
Responsible for their assigned store’s accounting books and records with that includes but is not limited to:
Review for accuracy the store’s MIS financials.
Ensure a timely and accurate month-end closing.
Review and/or have responsibility for all Schedules to ensure accurate and timely accounting.
Review, investigation, and resolve SAR exceptions in a timely manner.
Ensures regular reviews of operational income statements, GL activity, supporting schedules and balance sheet accounts.
Periodic review of controls and financial records for fraud prevention
Ensure that all accounts receivables are collected in a timely manner to minimize write-offs.
Oversight and audit of daily bank postings
Review the assigned store bank account reconciliations for any discrepancies, errors, or aged items.
Review and/or prepare store payroll registers for accuracy and timeliness.
Review and/or prepare store accounts payable for accuracy and timeliness.
Conduct periodic physical inventory of vehicles.
Facilitate the periodic detail register to general ledge parts inventory (“book-to-pad” reconciliation).
Assist LAD Shared Services for the accurate reporting of the store’s Fixed Assets.
Review, investigate, and resolution of issues of acquired vehicles (Inbound) for timely and accurate Title and Registration work.
Develops and maintains a positive relationship with Operations Leaders including assigned store General Manager (GM) in day-to-day accounting and store functions.
Ensure dealership is operating within LAD financial policies, procedures, and internal controls.
Assist the GM in the efficiency and profitability of the assigned store including participating as a contributing member of the store’s Management team.
Manages a staff of from 2 to 10 individual contributors whose functions may including, Dealership Accountants, Dealership Specialists, Dealership Accounting Coordinators, and Title & Registration Specialists.
Assist in the hiring, training, performance management. and on-going employee development of their assigned staff.
Understand manufacturers key business objectives, business practices, and dealership support programs to ensure proper accounting including but not limited to the accurate and timely submission of all required document, billing requirements with an emphasis on warranty claims incentive programs, and other invoices, required manufacturer reports, and recording of liabilities. Work with the assigned store GM to achieve results and work to ensure that both the store and the LAD Shared Services team is following all program rules and deadlines.
Exercise independent judgement and decision making occasionally.
Have approval authority for moderate (<$40K) financial transactions.
Have responsibility for the annual budget of their assigned area of responsibility of up to approximately $8MM in annual payroll and expenses.
Have responsibility to support a store with annual revenue of up to approximately $200MM.
Participate in Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures as needed.
Skills and Qualifications
Minimum of 3+ years of dealership accounting or equivalent experience (required)
Experience driving business results through financial interpretation (required)
Experience leading teams (ideal, but not required)
Auto Industry Experience (required)
Strong attention to detail
Sense of urgency
Excellent communication
Strong grasp of accounting process and reconciliation
Ability to quickly review, research and if necessary, resolve variances
Ability to offer solutions or recommendations based on analysis and interpretation of financial results
Ability to partner with Dealership leadership to drive financial results
Competencies
Does the right thing, takes action and adapts to change
Self-motivates, believes in accountability, focuses on results, makes plans and follows through
Believes in humility, shares best practices, desires to keep learning, measures performance and adapts to improve results
Thrives on a team, stays positive, lives our values
Benefits
We offer best in class industry benefits:Competitive pay
Medical, Dental and Vision Plans
Paid Holidays & PTO
Short and Long-Term Disability
Paid Life Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Lithia Learning Center
Vehicle Purchase Discounts
Wellness Programs
High School graduate or equivalent, 18 years or older required. We are a drug free workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity (regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status). We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.