Asha O'Connor

Senior Automotive Business Manager with 25 years of progressive experience in dealership accounting, financial reporting, compliance, and operational oversight. Extensive expertise in floorplan management, manufacturer reporting, sales tax compliance, DMV processing, and full-cycle accounting operations. Proven leader in strengthening internal controls, improving cash flow management, and ensuring accurate, timely financial reporting in high-volume automotive environments.

Automotive Controller / Office Manager / Area Business Manager - Smart Deal LLC. DBA. New Deal Preowned Auto Group - Glendale, Arizona

(2020-01 - 2026-01)

Directed all financial operations for a high-volume automotive dealership, overseeing all AP/AR, payroll, general ledger, and month-end close.

• Produced accurate and timely monthly financial statements and manufacturer reporting packages for executive review.
• Partnered with General Manager and department leaders to develop annual budgets, forecast performance, and monitor departmental profitability.
• Managed cash flow forecasting, banking relationships, lines of credit, and lender reporting requirements to ensure financial stability.
• Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations, including preparation and filing of sales tax, and 1099 reports for outside accountants.
• Coordinated annual external audits and liaised with auditors, banks, and manufacturer representatives to uphold compliance and transparency.
• Negotiated vendor contracts and implemented cost-control measures that enhanced dealership profitability.
• Oversaw warranty receivables and claim reimbursements to ensure accurate recovery and aging management.
• Costed and finalized vehicle deals, monitored commission structures, and ensured accurate inventory valuation within the DMS system.
• Implemented standardized accounting processes that improved accuracy, reduced errors, and streamlined month-end closing procedures.

Full Charge Bookkeeper / Assistant Office Manager - Hillside Auto Outlet - Jamaica, NY

(2018-11 - 2019-07)

Prepared and reported on the overall financial condition of the dealership, providing accurate monthly financial statements and performance analysis to executive leadership.

• Reviewed and approved general ledger entries for accuracy and compliance with internal controls, mitigating risk of financial discrepancies.
• Managed all New York State sales tax filings and remittances, ensuring timely and accurate reporting.
• Administered payroll processing through ADP, ensuring compliance with wage laws, tax regulations, and benefit deductions.
• Oversaw floorplan reconciliations and payoffs, maintaining accurate lender balances and minimizing interest exposure.
• Performed detailed reconciliation of all balance sheet and general ledger accounts on a monthly basis.
• Managed full-cycle accounts payable, streamlining invoice coding, posting, payment processing, and vendor statement reconciliation.

Bookkeeper / DMV Title Clerk - Volvo Cars Manhattan - Manhattan, New York

(2018-07 - 2019-05)

• Managed daily deposits including cash, checks, ACH, and credit card settlements, ensuring accurate posting and reconciliation.
• Performed daily bank reconciliations to maintain accurate cash balances and identify discrepancies promptly.
• Costed, posted, and commissioned vehicle deals to ensure accurate revenue recognition and facilitate gross profit reporting.
• Prepared and compiled accounting reports to enhance financial tracking and inform management review.
• Reconciled floorplan accounts and manufacturer inventory schedules to ensure accurate lender and inventory balances.
• Maintained and reconciled key schedules for new and used inventory, rebates, "we-owe" accounts, customer deposits, and internal receivables to support accurate financial management.
• Prepared and submitted sales tax documentation, title registrations, and DMV paperwork in compliance with New York State regulations.
• Processed and monitored out-of-state transactions to ensure timely funding and proper registration.
• Ensured compliance with all federal, state, and DMV regulations related to vehicle sales and registration.
• Resolve complex title issues, including lien corrections and compliance adjustments.

Bookkeeper / Finance Assistant / Automotive Biller - Crown Ford Inc - Rockville Centre, New York

(2014-03 - 2018-05)

• Oversee deal costing and commission calculations, ensuring accurate gross profit reporting and compensation processing.
• Review and validate all deal structures prior to billing, confirming residual values, finance rates, net capitalized cost, reductions, sales tax calculations, lender tiers, and stipulations.
• Compute and verify gross profit on all vehicles sold to ensure accurate financial statement reporting.
• Posted and reconciled manufacturer statements, including rebate (VINcent) payments, dealer payment statements, lien payoffs, and other factory-funded receivables, ensuring accurate financial reporting.
• Reconciled daily ACH contract funding, customer payoffs, and floorplan activity to maintain accurate lender balances.
• Submitted and validated e-contracts to banks and funding institutions, securing timely contract-in-transit clearance.
• Post and reconcile service internal repair orders to ensure proper expense allocation.
• Maintain clean and accurate schedules through monthly reconciliation of balance sheet accounts.
• Input factory vehicle inventory into the DMS and post accounting entries, including calculation of holdback, prep credits, dealer finance reserves, and DAF advances.
• Report sold vehicles to the manufacturer and reconcile DCS reporting daily.
• Resolve complex title issues, including lien corrections and compliance adjustments.

Associate of Science - Biology - Medgar Evers College (2009-05)