Auto repair shops and Dealerships
Accounting & Tax Services for Auto Dealerships & Repair Shops
Empowering Your Automotive Business with Proactive Financial Strategies
At John Gillani, CPA & Tax Advisor, we understand that running an auto dealership or repair shop demands more than mechanical skill or sales acumen—it demands a financial partner who knows the nuances, the risks and the opportunities in the automotive industry. As one of the industries we serve, your business is unique—and we bring tailored accounting, tax and advisory services designed to keep you ahead of the curve.
Why Choose Us for Your Automotive Business?
- Industry-focused experience – We have hands-on experience serving auto dealerships and repair shops. (Your site already lists “Auto dealerships, repair shops etc.” among industries served.)
- Forward-thinking strategy – Beyond compliance, we engage proactively: helping you anticipate tax changes, adapt to parts/inventory cost volatility, manage labour and workforce complexities, and optimise your structure for growth.
- Comprehensive service suite – From bookkeeping and financial statements to tax planning, payroll for mechanics and techs, and strategic advisory for expansions or new locations.
- Local responsiveness with national awareness – Based in Calgary/Alberta, we’re attuned to Canadian tax and accounting rules; we also monitor global trends that affect the automotive sector so you stay ahead.
Your Unique Challenges — and How We Solve Them
Here’s a look at what many dealerships and repair shops deal with—and how we address each.
Challenge
How We Help
Inventory & parts costing – High-value vehicle inventory, parts turnover, older/obsolete stock.
We assist with inventory tracking, margin analysis on parts vs labour, and recommend controls to minimise waste or slow-moving stock.
Labour & staffing dynamics – Technicians, subcontractors, service writers, varying workflows.
We help set up payroll systems with proper classification, ensure tax compliance, track billable vs non-billable hours, optimise labour cost structures.
Fluctuating cash flow – Busy vs slow seasons, large capital outlays (e.g., new diagnostic equipment, lifts).
We provide cash-flow forecasting, help you build reserves for slow periods, and plan equipment investments with tax-effective timing.
Tax complexity & compliance – Vehicle sales tax, parts purchases, service income, depreciation, possible franchise contracts.
We offer year-round tax planning, ensure optimal business structure (corporation, partnership, etc.), claim all relevant deductions/credits, prepare returns.
Growth & expansion – Opening new service bays, adding franchises, acquiring another dealership.
We provide strategic advisory, business planning, and financial modelling to support expansion and capital raises if required.
Our Core Services for Automotive Businesses
Below are the key service categories we deliver for auto dealerships and repair shops:
Monthly/Quarterly Financials & Bookkeeping
Keep your books up-to-date and actionable: regular profit & loss, balance sheet, cash-flow reports. Easily identify what’s driving profit (labour vs parts), what’s dragging it down, and act quickly.
Tax Planning & Preparation
From standard corporate and personal tax returns to industry-specific planning (e.g., equipment depreciation, vehicle usage, parts inventory write-downs), we build a tax roadmap tailored to your business life-cycle.
Inventory, Cost-of-Goods & Margin Analysis
Parts, labour, vehicles: we analyse margins, help you price effectively, assist with inventory valuation and controls—so you’re not leaving money on the table.
Cash-Flow & Capital Planning
Whether you’re paying for a new lift, building out a body-shop bay, or planning your next vehicle acquisition, we forecast the implications, optimise timing, and structure financing or leasing in a tax-efficient manner.
Strategic Advisory & Expansion Support
As your business grows, you’ll face new challenges: multi-location issues, franchise agreements, merges/acquisitions, changing market dynamics (EVs, repair vs service mix). We’re your trusted advisor through that growth, helping you build sustainable profitability.
How We Work with You
- Initial Discovery & Assessment – We begin with a deep dive into your dealership or repair shop: your business model, current financial systems, pain points and growth aspirations.
- Tailored Plan & Implementation – Based on our findings we craft a customised plan, implement (or refine) your accounting systems, train staff, set up reporting frameworks and tax-planning protocols.
- Ongoing Monitoring & Adjustment – We meet regularly (monthly or quarterly) to review results, adjust strategy, identify emerging tax opportunities or risks, and ensure you’re staying on track.
- Growth & Opportunity Identification – Proactively, we look ahead: Are you ready for a second location? Should you change service lines? Is an equipment upgrade a tax-advantage? We look for ways to move your business from good to great.
Ready to Drive Your Business Forward?
If you’re serious about turning financial complexity into clarity, reducing tax surprises, strengthening your cash-flow and positioning your dealership or shop for growth, let’s talk. Reach out today for a consultation and we’ll discuss how we can customise our services to your business and vision.