Scott Gottschling, CFO of Alpha Auto Group, has built an impressive career in the automotive industry, marked by a strong foundation in finance and operations.
After graduating from UC Irvine, he joined AutoNation through their Controller Training Program, which was designed by the company’s Vice President of Finance to develop leaders within the finance sector. Over his two years in this intensive program, Gottschling gained hands-on experience across finance and accounting roles, eventually earning the position of Controller for one of AutoNation’s dealerships.
As he advanced, he managed up to five dealerships before moving into the role of Regional Finance Director, overseeing 150+ dealerships across the region. This trajectory set the stage for his leadership and strategic insight, which continue to define his career.
Throughout his career, Gottschling has been driven by a vision to bridge the gap between finance and operations within the automotive industry. He takes pride in creating a finance team that delivers precise, timely financial data and collaborates closely with operational teams to drive company growth. By developing actionable reports and analytics, Gottschling and his team identify critical trends, establish targeted performance plans, and work alongside operations to optimize key areas, such as gross profit and expense management. This approach, which fosters cross-functional alignment, is one of his proudest achievements, as it continuously drives growth and efficiency within Alpha Auto Group.
Looking forward, Gottschling aims to contribute to Alpha Auto Group’s expansion, both in scale and industry reputation. His long-term ambition is to become a dealer principal, underscoring his commitment to the automotive sector and his passion for leadership. Gottschling’s dedication and expertise in finance and operations position him as a dynamic force within Alpha Auto Group and an influential leader in the automotive industry.