At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and manage a dynamic finance team in a fast-growing car supermarket.
- Company: Join a rapidly expanding used car supermarket with multiple locations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £70,000, plus opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on leadership and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategy and support exciting business expansion.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in finance roles, ideally within the motor trade.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 € per year.
We’re a fast-growing used car supermarket with sites in Watford, Barnet, and Enfield, stocking over 1,500 vehicles. As part of our expansion, we’re looking for a commercially astute Financial Controller to lead our finance function and support strategic growth. This is a senior role reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), with responsibility for financial strategy, controls, reporting, and team leadership. Experience in the motor trade is highly desirable.
- Key Responsibilities
- Financial Strategy & Planning: Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning to support growth.
- Management Accounts: Prepare and present accurate monthly management accounts with meaningful insights.
- Cash Flow & Working Capital: Oversee cash flow, stock funding, and liquidity management.
- Financial Controls & Compliance: Maintain strong internal controls and ensure compliance with VAT & HMRC.
- Audit & Tax: Manage year-end accounts, audits, and corporate tax with external advisors.
- Process Improvement: Identify and implement efficiencies across finance operations.
- Leadership & Development: Manage, mentor, and develop the finance team.
- Stakeholder Management: Partner with senior management to provide strategic financial insight.
- Requirements
- Proven experience as a Financial Controller / Finance Manager / Senior Accountant
- Motor trade experience highly preferred
- ACCA / CIMA / ACA qualified (or strong part-qualified experience)
- Strong Xero and Advanced Excel skills
- Experience with Dealer Management Systems (DMS)
- Leadership experience with a hands-on approach
- Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills
- High attention to detail and compliance standards
Working Hours: Monday – Friday | 9:00am – 6:00pm
Interested or know someone who’d be a great fit? Send me a message or apply directly — we’d love to hear from you!
Financial Controller employer: Car Planet
Join our dynamic team at a fast-growing used car supermarket in Watford, where we prioritise employee development and foster a collaborative work culture. As a Financial Controller, you will not only lead the finance function but also have the opportunity to shape strategic growth while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive environment that values your contributions. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, we offer a unique chance to thrive in the motor trade sector and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and motor trade sectors. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Financial Controller role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial strategy knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've led budgeting and forecasting in previous roles, as this will show you're the right fit for our fast-growing team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've mentored or developed your finance team. We want to see how you can bring that hands-on approach to our finance function.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your experience in financial strategy, management accounts, and any relevant motor trade experience. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your strong Xero and Advanced Excel skills. If you have experience with Dealer Management Systems, make sure to mention that too! We’re keen on seeing how you can bring value to our finance function.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Car Planet
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also leverage them for strategic growth.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing and mentoring a finance team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your hands-on approach and any process improvements you've implemented. Highlighting your leadership style will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Motor Trade
Since experience in the motor trade is highly desirable, do your homework! Familiarise yourself with industry trends, challenges, and financial practices specific to the automotive sector. This knowledge will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands the business.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Questions
Expect questions about how you would partner with senior management to provide financial insights. Think of scenarios where you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders. This will showcase your communication skills and strategic thinking.
