DR. ALISO N BILLMAN
Alison Billman serves as a senior controller for North Park Lexus at Dominion and North Park Lexus of San Antonio. It’s the height of her accounting career so far, and one of her greatest accomplishments.
But another significant accomplishment is that she recently earned her PH.D. in business from the University of the Cumberlands -- while working fulltime in the auto industry. She also earned another special honor this year: She was recognized by the premier industry publication Automotive News as one of 2023’s “40 under 40” class – 40 automotive executives across the entire United States who have excelled in their field while still under the age of 40. “That was quite an honor for me,” she said.
In her own words, here are her observations on working as a woman in the automotive industry in San Antonio:
Q.: What is your role in the automotive industry? A.:
I am currently a Senior Controller for North Park Lexus at Dominion and North Park Lexus of San Antonio, both members of the Kahlig Automotive Group.
Q. How long have you been working in the industry? A.:
I have been in the automotive industry for a total of about 5 years now. I spent 2015-16 with North Park Volkswagen and North Park Subaru at Dominion.
In December 2016, I relocated to North Carolina, as my husband was stationed there with the Marine Corps. In 2019, my husband and I came back to San Antonio, at which point I rejoined the Kahlig Automotive Group with North Park Lexus. I have been with them ever since.
Q.: Why did you choose the auto industry? A.:
If I am being truthful, I don’t feel like I chose the auto industry. I feel like the auto industry chose me. I believe God had a plan for me, and what seemed to be mere chance that I ended up in this career field was actually God blessing me. When I first started out, I wanted a job in accounting, not necessarily in automotive accounting, but here I am, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
My career with Kahlig has been much more than just a job in automotive accounting. I feel so blessed to work for a company that has poured into me. The company has shown faith and confidence in me when I didn’t feel it in myself. They have invested in my learning and my growth. They have allowed me to take chances, to grow a team, and to have fun while doing it!
It’s hard to explain in words all that the Kahlig Automotive Group has done for my life, but I truly believe it is captained by God because there are some things only God can do.
Q.: How did you get your first job in the industry? A.:
I went to Our Lady of the Lake to obtain my bachelor’s degree in accounting. During that time, I was also seeking a position in accounting so I could utilize my knowledge from school. My husband worked for Bluebonnet Chrysler Dodge in New Braunfels, Texas. This is another dealership of the Kahlig Automotive Group. I was invited as a guest to one of the dealership’s events.
During that event, Clarence Kahlig, president and CEO of the Kahlig Automotive Group, was present. My husband is quite charismatic. He excitedly introduced me to Mr. Kahlig and told Mr. Kahlig that I was in school for accounting. My husband then asked, “You guys ever need accountants?”
Mr. Kahlig was unbelievably kind in his response and gave me his cell phone number. He asked me to forward him my resume, which I did. He forwarded my resume to his son, Jeff Kahlig, who was chief financial officer at the time. Jeff and I had an interview – a meeting of the minds, really. This meeting was an extremely pivotal moment in my life. Jeff may not even realize how impactful it was, but it was during that meeting that I felt inspired to get my CPA license. He told me about how interesting and complex the automotive accounting sector is – how each profit center of a dealership could be its own business, and yet we are intertwined and interdependent. I wanted to be a part of it.
Jeff passed my resume along to Antoniya Peykova, who serves as the controller for North Park Volkswagen and North Park Subaru at Dominion. She interviewed me and offered me an entry level staff accountant position.
I absorbed all I could from her during that time. I am very grateful to both Antoniya and Jeff for my start and “upbringing” in this industry.
While in North Carolina with my husband, I furthered my education and obtained my Master of Science in accounting and my CPA license.
Antoniya remained in contact with me as a friend, and when she found out we were coming back to Texas, she connected me with Thomas Keenan, our current CFO, and I was offered a role with North Park Lexus.
Q.: What’s your overall view so far of working in the auto industry? Is it what you imagined it to be? A.:
Is it what I imagined? Ha! That makes me chuckle. In short, no, it’s not what I imagined, simply because I had no idea what even to imagine. I mean, even in terms of what I envisioned my adult career life being, my role has exceeded my expectations. The care this company has for its employees and its employees’ families would exceed anyone’s expectations.
The industry as a whole is a pretty close-knit group of people. While from a business standpoint each dealership in and out of this group is technically a competitor of one another, we all stand to do the right thing and help each other out, and ultimately help our guests. Being surrounded by that environment is really a great place to be.
In the automotive accounting sector, it’s complex and challenging, especially with compliance rules and regulations frequently changing. While it certainly comes with inherent frustrations, it’s also exciting and rewarding to constantly be learning and overcoming challenges.
I am a believer in lifelong learning, so I appreciate an industry that doesn’t allow me to stay comfortable.
Q.: What is the most-memorable moment you can recall from your time working in the auto industry? A.:
It’s hard to choose just one moment. There are so many memorable moments. To give one example, though, when I was first promoted to controller and was closing my very first month, I was so nervous; terrified, even. I really wanted to do a good job. There are tight deadlines we have to adhere to, and I was nervous about meeting my deadline, too. But I got it done. After I turned it in, Tom Keenan, our CFO, sent me an email that stated only this, “Congratulations on your first solo try! You are going to do great.”
It was such a short and sweet email. He may not even remember sending it. But it meant so much. I printed it out and have it taped on the wall right next to my monitors. It is still there, even four years later. It serves as a reminder for me on challenging days that I can do anything and that I have leaders here who believe in me.
Q.: Who has had the most influence on you as you developed your career in the automotive industry, and why? A.:
This is not a single-person answer for me. Jeff Kahlig, currently one of our vice presidents, really inspired me initially to be a CPA and really to give automotive accounting my all. He has continued to support me and my growth. Antoniya Peykova was my hands-on trainer from the beginning. Most of what
I know in this sector came from her. Even as peers now, she offers me support and guidance when I need it. And now that I have some experience under my belt, I am able to return that same favor when I can. I value this type of work relationship and friendship.
Lee Willis, one of the vice presidents, has been an unbelievable role model for me in terms of leadership and people management. He is a master of observation on financial statements and really high-level data analytics. He has allowed me to ask so many questions without judgment. He understands my desire to learn and has really leaned into that and fostered my growth. I would not have all the success I have had without him.
James Cole is the general manager for North Park Lexus at Dominion. He has also been a role model for leadership and people management. He has given me the freedom to learn how to grow a team. He has guided me in this capacity. I am so proud of the team and culture that has been fostered under his leadership that I can take with me wherever my career continues to take me.
Thomas Keenan is the current CFO. He really gave me my shot here as a controller. I was young in both age and experience, yet he saw something in me and gave me a shot. I have worked to ensure he would never regret that. He has continued to provide guidance as my career has flourished with the Kahlig Automotive Group.
Bonnie Hill, Jeanette Lane, David Hoyer, and Alyssa Gonzalez have also had a large part in my career. They have all had a hand in training me from the ground up as a controller. I call them all frequently when I come across something new or if I have a question. They have always been kind and helpful.
Q.: Have you experienced any particular challenges as a woman working in a generally male-dominated industry? A.:
I certainly have had challenges in my career, as anyone would, but I don’t feel like the challenges I have faced have had anything to do with me being a woman. Our company values the quality of your work and the kindness in your heart and actions, without regard to any particular gender.
Q.: What advice to you have for other women who might be contemplating careers in the auto industry? A.:
Do it! Many people, many women, have found success in the auto industry and in automotive accounting. The auto industry is something to experience rather than explain. It may not be for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. But if you try it and the auto bug gets to you, you’ll be in it for life. It’s exciting, it’s challenging, it’s rewarding.
Q.: Would you recommend a position like yours to other women, or what positions might you suggest? A.:
Absolutely I would! If you have the qualifications for an accounting leader, I would recommend a role like mine. There are many other roles available though, regardless of gender. In accounting, there are accounts payable, accounts receivable, titling, billing, staff accountants.
Many people have started as cashiers and receptionists and have worked their way up to sales, accounting, and management. Our industry takes a particular amount of tenacity though. There is definitely legwork required, so just have an open mind and put in the work, and you can have a very successful career in this industry.