Director of Finance
Join Canada’s Largest Automotive Group
If you are
looking to grow your career with an organization driven by excellence,
integrity, and innovation, Dilawri offers an environment where people are
supported and empowered to succeed.
Founded in
1985, Dilawri is Canada’s largest automotive group and one of Canada’s Best
Managed Companies. Dilawri operates over 80 franchised dealerships,
representing more than 35 of the world’s most respected automotive brands
across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and
Washington, DC.
With a team
of more than 4,000 employees, Dilawri fosters a culture rooted in
collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning. Our values of
Excellence, Leading, Teamwork, Integrity, Innovation, and Giving Back guide how
we work, how we lead, and how we serve our customers and communities. Through
the Dilawri Foundation, we are also committed to making a
meaningful impact in the communities we serve.
Discover how you can build your career with Dilawri.
Position Overview
Reporting to the SVP Finance for Western Canada, the
Regional Director of Finance is responsible for leading all financial
operations ensuring strong financial performance, compliance, operational
efficiency, and strategic decision-making for Dilawri’s Prairies Region.
This role partners closely with VPs of Operations, General
Managers, and the Western Canadian finance team to drive profitability,
optimize working capital, improve controls, and support business growth across
multiple dealership locations.
The Regional Director of Finance provides leadership to
dealership finance teams and acts as a trusted advisor to operational
leadership, translating financial information into actionable business
insights.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Financial Leadership & Strategy
- Lead
the financial performance of a portfolio of automotive dealerships within
the region.
- Develop
and execute financial strategies that support regional and corporate
objectives.
- Partner
with operational leaders to identify opportunities to improve
profitability, revenue growth, and cost management.
- Provide
financial analysis and recommendations on acquisitions, divestitures,
capital investments, and business initiatives.
- Support annual strategic planning processes and long-term financial forecasting.
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Lead
the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting activities.
- Analyze
dealership performance, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Monitor
key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Deliver
accurate and timely financial reporting to executive leadership.
Operational Finance Support
- Partner
with dealership leadership teams to improve financial results and
operational effectiveness.
- Review
dealership financial statements and ensure accurate month-end reporting.
- Support
inventory management and floorplan financing optimization.
- Monitor
vehicle, parts, and service department profitability.
- Evaluate
operational processes and implement best practices across the region.
Compliance & Controls
- Ensure
compliance with accounting standards, company policies, lender
requirements, and regulatory obligations.
- Maintain
strong internal controls and financial governance practices.
- Oversee
audit activities and support external auditors as required.
- Ensure
timely completion of balance sheet reconciliations and account reviews.
- Identify
and mitigate financial and operational risks.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead,
mentor, and develop dealership Controllers and Finance teams.
- Establish
performance expectations and accountability measures.
- Foster
a culture of financial discipline, continuous improvement, and operational
excellence.
- Support
succession planning and talent development initiatives.
Reporting & Stakeholder Management
- Present
financial results, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to senior
executives.
- Act as
the primary finance liaison between regional operations and corporate
finance.
- Build
strong relationships with lenders, auditors, manufacturers, and external
partners.
- Support
due diligence activities related to acquisitions and integration efforts.
Qualifications Required
Education
- Bachelor's
degree in Accounting, Finance, Commerce, or a related field.
- CPA
designation required.
Experience
- 10+
years of progressive finance and accounting leadership experience.
- 5+
years in a multi-location automotive dealership environment strongly
preferred.
- Experience
overseeing multiple dealerships or business units.
- Strong
understanding of dealership accounting, financial statements, manufacturer
programs, inventory management, and automotive retail operations.
Knowledge & Skills
- Advanced
financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting capabilities.
- Strong
analytical and business acumen.
- Deep
understanding of dealership management systems (DMS) and automotive
financial reporting.
- Excellent
leadership and team development skills.
- Strong
communication and presentation abilities.
- Proven
ability to influence operational leaders and drive business results.
- Advanced
proficiency with financial systems, Microsoft Excel, and reporting tools.
About Dilawri
In addition to working with and learning from a team of
leading professionals in the automotive industry, our benefits include:
- Discounted
employee vehicle purchase program
- Job-specific
coaching & training programs
- Comprehensive
health & dental plans
- Employee
wellness & assistance programs
- Employee
social events
Build your career with a team that is driven by excellence, integrity and innovation. Discover Dilawri.
