At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the accounts department and manage financial operations in a growing car dealership.
- Company: Dynamic multi-site car dealership group in Peterborough with ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, senior role, and clear progression opportunities to Finance Director.
- Other info: Ideal for ambitious candidates looking for influence and responsibility.
- Why this job: Shape the finance function and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Must have dealership accounting experience and strong commercial awareness.
We are recruiting on behalf of a growing, multi-site car dealership group in Peterborough, seeking an experienced Motor Trade Accountant to take ownership of the accounts function and help drive the business to its next stage of growth. This role is not suitable for practice accountants or candidates without dealership experience. You must have prior experience working as an Accountant within a car dealership environment and understand the mechanics of how a dealer operates financially. The business currently operates 3 sites, with clear plans to grow to 5 sites in the near future and beyond. As such, this role offers genuine scope for progression, including future Finance Director potential for the right individual.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and lead the Accounts Department, overseeing a team of 4
- Bring structure, control, and improved processes to a currently under-managed team
- Full responsibility for daily banking, reconciliations, and cashflow management
- Produce accurate management accounts, weekly and monthly sales reports
- Oversee stocking loans and funding facilities, including settlements, interest, and fees
- Manage and submit VAT returns, including: Margin VAT scheme, VAT qualifying and non-qualifying vehicles
- Maintain strong cost control during business expansion
- Liaise with Directors, General Manager, funders, and external accountants
- Support business growth with commercial insight and financial planning
- Implement improvements to systems, controls, and reporting accuracy
Essential Motor Trade Knowledge (Non-Negotiable)
- You must have experience and understanding of:
- Motor trade accounting within a dealership
- Stocking loans / funding platforms
- Margin VAT scheme
- VAT qualifying vs non-qualifying vehicles
- Dealership finance structures and reporting
- How sales, stock, funding, and margin work in a dealer environment
- Candidates without dealership accounting experience will not be considered.
Your Background & Skills
- Proven experience as a Motor Trade Accountant (dealership-based)
- Strong commercial awareness of how a car dealer operates
- Experience managing or mentoring accounts staff
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, growing business
- Able to “roll sleeves up” when required but also think strategically
- Ambitious candidates with Finance Director aspirations highly welcomed
Systems & Technical Requirements
- Catalyst and Xero experience a benefit
- Confident using motor trade funding platforms (e.g. BCA, Alphera, MotoNovo, V12, etc.)
- Strong VAT and HMRC compliance knowledge
- Ability to produce final accounts and support year-end processes
What’s On Offer
- Circa £50,000 basic salary (negotiable dependent on experience)
- Senior, influential role within the business, directly reporting line to Owners and General Manager
- Opportunity to shape the finance function during rapid growth and clear long-term progression potential
This is a career-defining opportunity for a true motor trade accountant who wants influence, responsibility, and the chance to grow with a dealership group. For further details on this Motor Trade Accountant role in Peterborough, please submit your CV to ACS Automotive Recruitment Consultancy.
Motor Trade Accountant in Peterborough employer: ACS Automotive Recruitment
Join a dynamic and expanding multi-site car dealership group in Peterborough, where your expertise as a Motor Trade Accountant will be valued and pivotal to our growth. We offer a competitive salary of circa £50,000, a supportive work culture that encourages professional development, and the unique opportunity to shape our finance function while aspiring towards a Finance Director role. With a focus on teamwork and innovation, this is an excellent environment for ambitious individuals looking to make a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
ACS Automotive Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Motor Trade Accountant in Peterborough
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like ACS Automotive Recruitment. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Motor Trade Accountant in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to ACS Automotive Recruitment.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on ACS Automotive Recruitment's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ACS Automotive Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with ACS Automotive Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at ACS Automotive Recruitment will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former ACS Automotive Recruitment employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
