S03E01 - Cheryl Lopez - Dealership Culture - Accounting - Technology

Cheryl Lopez, an accomplished automotive industry leader with more than32 years of experience, has been with Headquarter since 2016 joining asController for the Toyota store. Since then, her proven track record ofsuccess in streamlining processes, increasing efficiencies, and optimizingtime management procedures in a fast-paced work environment hasearned her a reputation as a hands-on leader who can make a real difference.  She has gone on to become the Corporate Controller for the group's four locations.  In her current role, she is responsible for organizing and directing accounting personnel at four dealership locations while ensuring the integrity of financial data, accounting, taxes, reporting, and financial controls. Her oversight of the monthly close process and account reconciliation procedures have ensured the accuracy of financialstatements and compliance with GAAP.  She also provides leadership, mentoring, and training for direct reports, developed and implemented departmental policies and training programs, and possesses a strong knowledge of all accounting staff duties.  In 2022, she was elected Treasurer of the Southeast Toyota Comptroller’s Association. Cheryl began her career by spending 24 years with Lehman Dealership Enterprises, where she began as a file clerk and receptionist while still attending high school.  During this time, her roles included IT Director for the group’s 8 Dealership Locations, CDK System Administrator, and Bookkeeper, later becoming the Office Manager for the Toyota and Mazda locations.  She then went on to become Assistant Controller with the South Motors Group.A unique perspective on the automobile industry, rooted in her experience in each role in the accounting office, gives her a complete understanding of the industry's inner workings. Through her years of experience, the impact she has had on the automobile industry has been significant. Her work leads to improved financial and operational performance, resulting in increased revenue growth. Her expertise in accounting, office management, and system administration has made her a go-to source for technical guidance on complex accounting issues, and her ability to provide leadership, mentorship, and training has earned her respect from her peers. As part of her mission to inspire future female leaders, she has taken on numerous mentorship roles to share her rewarding experiences in the industry. For over a decade, Cheryl has volunteered for various organizations, such as American Brittany Rescue, Lasagna Love, and MPS Superhero.  Cheryl and her husband, Byron, live in the beautiful city of Miami, Florida with their three Brittany Spaniels.Support the show