At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial operations and oversee a team of accounts assistants.
- Company: Join a fast-growing used car supermarket with over 1,000 vehicles in stock.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team with a clear path to senior finance roles.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance management is essential; leadership skills are a plus.
- Other info: This role is onsite in Watford, Monday to Friday.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
?? Financial Controller Used Car Dealership | Motor Trade?? Location: Watford (Onsite)?? Salary: £50,000 £60,000 + Bonus?? Hours: Monday Friday, 9:00am 6:00pm?? Team: 4 Accounts Assistants?? Progression: Clear route to Finance Director or CFO in 23 years
About Us
We are a fast-growing, multi-site used car supermarket with over 1,000 vehicles in stock at any given time. As we expand, we are looking for an experienced Financial Controller with a strong motor trade finance background to lead the accounts function at our Watford dealership.
This is a hands-on, high-impact leadership role within a fast-paced automotive retail environment, overseeing all financial operations, driving process improvements, and ensuring compliance with VAT Margin Schemes and HMRC requirements.
Key Responsibilities
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Financial Strategy & Planning: Lead budgeting, forecasting, and long-term business planning for dealership operations.
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Management Reporting: Prepare monthly management accounts, KPI analysis, and performance dashboards.
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Cash Flow & Stock Funding: Manage working capital, stock finance facilities, and funding relationships.
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Financial Controls & Compliance: Ensure compliance with VAT Margin Schemes, HMRC, and internal audit requirements.
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Audit & Tax: Oversee year-end accounts, audits, and corporation tax processes, liaising with external accountants.
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Process Improvements: Enhance efficiency through better systems, reporting tools, and dealership finance processes.
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Team Leadership: Manage and develop a team of 4 Accounts Assistants, fostering accountability and professional growth.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with the CCO, Directors, and other senior leaders to guide commercial decision-making.
Requirements
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Qualifications: ACCA / CIMA / ACA qualified
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Industry Knowledge: Minimum 2 years in a dealership accountant, management accountant, or motor trade financial controller role.
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Technical Skills: Proficiency in Xero, Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, Formulas), and ideally Dealer Management Systems (Keyloop, Kerridge, Pinnacle, EnquiryMax).
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VAT Margin Scheme Expertise: Essential for accurate dealership financial compliance.
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Leadership: Strong people management skills with experience leading finance teams.
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Analytical & Commercial Mindset: Ability to turn financial data into strategic insights.
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Communication: Clear, confident communicator with stakeholders at all levels.
What We Offer
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Competitive salary £50,000 £60,000 depending on experience
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Performance-related bonuses & incentives
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Clear progression path to Finance Director / CFO in 23 years
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Exposure to a dynamic automotive retail environment with multiple brands
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Supportive and collaborative leadership team
Hiring Process
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Face-to-Face Interview with the CCO at our Watford site
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Includes an Excel VLOOKUP & analytical skills assessment
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Final Interview via Microsoft Teams with our external accountancy team
Dealership Accountant | Financial Controller | Automotive | Car Dealership | Motor Trade | VAT Margin Scheme | Xero | Dealer Management System | ACCA | CIMA | ACA | Used Car Supermarket | Stock Funding | Audit | Management Accounts | Motor Retail Finance | EnquiryMax | Pinnacle | Keyloop | Kerridge
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Financial Controller Used Car Dealership employer: Alexander Gray Recruitment Limited t/a Amor Hire
Contact Detail:
Alexander Gray Recruitment Limited t/a Amor Hire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller Used Car Dealership
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the used car market and current trends. Understanding the financial aspects specific to this industry will help you stand out during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the motor trade sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial reporting and analysis. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved financial processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our company culture and values. Tailoring your conversation to align with what we stand for will demonstrate your genuine interest in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller Used Car Dealership
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Financial Controller in a used car dealership. Highlight your experience in financial management, budgeting, and team leadership in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects relevant experience in the motor trade or similar industries. Emphasise your achievements in financial reporting, compliance, and any experience managing accounts assistants.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the automotive industry and your understanding of the financial aspects of running a dealership. Mention how your skills align with the company's goals and your desire for career progression.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail, which is crucial for a Financial Controller role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Gray Recruitment Limited t/a Amor Hire
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the used car industry, such as profit margins, inventory turnover, and cash flow management.
✨Understand the Business Model
Familiarise yourself with how a used car dealership operates. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to optimising financial processes and improving profitability in this specific sector.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Since you'll be managing a team of Accounts Assistants, highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams, resolved conflicts, or improved team performance in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges a used car dealership might face and how you would address them, particularly from a financial perspective.