At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team, manage operations, and contribute to strategic decisions.
- Company: Join P J Nicholls Ltd, a family business with 40 years of success in automotive and retail.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, 30 days leave, and discounts on services and products.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment that values your growth and contributions.
- Qualifications: ACCA/CIMA qualified or part-qualified with 2 years of financial management experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and mentorship from experienced leaders.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 40000 £ per year.
Ready to take your accounting career to the next level? Join P J Nicholls Ltd, a thriving family business with 40 years of success, where your expertise will drive financial excellence across our expanding automotive and retail operations.
Why This Role Will Accelerate Your Career
- Step into a pivotal leadership position where you will manage day-to-day finance operations, mentor and develop a dedicated team, and contribute to strategic business decisions.
- This is your opportunity to make a real impact in a stable, growing company that values its people.
What makes this opportunity special:
- Leadership Development: Guide and mentor a small, dedicated finance team.
- Strategic Influence: Your financial insights will directly inform senior management decisions.
- Professional Growth: Full support for continued ACCA/CIMA studies and professional development.
- Business Impact: See how your work contributes to the success of a multi-site operation serving thousands of customers monthly.
- Job Security: Join a profitable, family-owned business with 40 years of consistent growth.
Your Key Responsibilities
- Lead and inspire a small team of accounts clerks, providing mentorship, training, and day-to-day guidance.
- Take ownership of our complete financial operations including accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, payroll processing, and VAT returns.
- Prepare monthly management accounts, financial reports, and cashflow forecasts.
- Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements and accounting standards while continuously improving our financial processes.
- Conduct regular audits and implement policies that enhance operational efficiency.
- Work closely with senior management on budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
- Manage relationships with auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners.
What We’re Looking For
- ACCA, CIMA qualified or part-qualified (we’ll support your continued studies).
- Minimum 2 years financial management experience, preferably in an SME environment.
- Proven experience leading or mentoring finance staff.
- Confident with accounting software and financial systems.
- Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
What Will Set You Apart:
- Experience in automotive, retail, or multi-site operations.
- Knowledge of VAT, payroll, and HMRC compliance.
- Proactive problem-solving approach.
- Passion for developing others.
- Desire to grow with a family business.
Exceptional Benefits Package
- Competitive salary £40,000 - £50,000 (based on experience and qualifications).
- Company pension scheme.
- Annual salary reviews with genuine progression opportunities.
Work-Life Balance:
- 30 days annual leave (including bank holidays) + additional days for long service.
- Monday to Friday schedule - no weekend work.
- Supportive, family-friendly environment.
- Staff discount on vehicle servicing, parts, and MOTs.
- Staff discount on vehicle purchases.
- 20% discount at our Nisa convenience stores.
Professional Development:
- Full support for professional qualification studies.
- Opportunities for career progression within our growing business.
- Training and development budget.
- Mentorship from experienced senior management.
About P J Nicholls Ltd - Where Service Means Everything
Since 1984, we’ve built our reputation on one simple principle: "The Name That Means Service." Our mission is to provide an enhanced customer experience and exceptional service while treating our customers and employees with respect and unyielding integrity.
Ready to Join Our Team? This is more than just a job – it’s your chance to lead, grow, and make a real difference in a company that values your contribution. Don’t wait – exceptional opportunities like this don’t come along often.
To Apply: Send your CV to Liz Barr at liz@pjnicholls.com with a brief cover note explaining why you’re excited about this opportunity.
Application Deadline: 10th July 2025
Finance & Accounting Manager employer: PJ Nicholls Ltd
Contact Detail:
PJ Nicholls Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance & Accounting Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with P J Nicholls Ltd's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to service and community will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how you can contribute to their culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership experience in finance. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've mentored or developed team members, as this role places a strong emphasis on guiding a dedicated finance team.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the automotive and retail sectors, particularly any recent trends or challenges. This knowledge will allow you to speak confidently about how your financial insights can support strategic decisions in these industries.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare questions that demonstrate your interest in the company's growth and your potential role in it. Asking about future projects or initiatives shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance & Accounting Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance and accounting, particularly any leadership roles or mentoring experiences. Use keywords from the job description to align your skills with what P J Nicholls Ltd is looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Note: In your cover note, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific aspects of the job that excite you, such as the opportunity to mentor a team or contribute to strategic decisions. Keep it concise but impactful.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your ACCA or CIMA qualifications, or your progress towards them. If you have experience in automotive or retail finance, make sure to highlight this as it aligns with the company's focus.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover note for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in finance roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at PJ Nicholls Ltd
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Finance & Accounting Manager, you'll be expected to lead a team. Be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences and how you've successfully mentored others. Highlight specific examples where your guidance made a difference.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Familiarise yourself with key financial concepts relevant to the role, such as budgeting, forecasting, and compliance with HMRC standards. Be ready to discuss how you have applied these in past roles, especially in an SME environment.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
This role involves contributing to strategic business decisions. Think about how your financial insights have influenced management decisions in the past. Prepare to share examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
✨Research the Company Culture
P J Nicholls Ltd values teamwork, honesty, and community support. Show that you align with these values by discussing how you've contributed to a positive work environment in previous positions. This will help you connect with the interviewers on a personal level.