At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and audits while managing a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a high-growth automotive tech scale-up with a mission to revolutionise car buying.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are key; we welcome all backgrounds to apply.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced environment preparing for an IPO and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with strong technical expertise and team management experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
OUR MISSION
To become the car-changing destination of choice. By combining technology, media and deep automotive expertise, we've turned how people buy, sell, advertise and lease cars on its head. What started as a simple reviews site is now one of the largest online car-changing destinations in Europe. Last year alone we grew over 50% with nearly £3bn worth of cars bought on site, while £1.8bn of cars were listed for sale through our Sell My Car service. In 2024 we went big and acquired Autovia - creators of AutoExpress and Evo magazines - doubling our audience overnight. Together we now have one of the biggest YouTube channels in the world with almost 10m subscribers and over 1.1 billion annual views, while we sell 1.2 million print copies of our magazines and have an annual web content reach over 350 million. And we’re a long way from done!
Job Description & Requirements
Carwow is a high‑growth automotive tech scale‑up seeking a Group Financial Reporting Manager to lead external reporting across the group. Following a $52m investment in 2024 and achieving £85m in revenue (a 55% YoY increase), we're scaling rapidly and preparing for an IPO within the next 3‑4 years.
Reporting to the Head of Finance, you'll be responsible for external reporting across the group, managing a team of one. You'll work closely with management accounting, corporate finance and finance operations.
Responsibilities
- Financial Reporting & Control
- Lead the consolidation of financial results across multiple entities and geographies.
- Manage the group and subsidiary audits.
- Work with external advisers to manage the tax compliance across the group including corporation tax, VAT, R&D, WHT and transfer pricing.
- Own the upcoming IFRS transition and in‑house preparation of group financial statements.
- Responsible for payroll, other staff costs and below EBITDA accounting.
- Oversee the implementation and maintenance of robust accounting policies, including R&D capitalisation, revenue recognition, lease accounting and other key areas.
- Key role in establishing and maintaining a strong control environment appropriate for a business scaling towards IPO.
- Leadership & Team Development
- Manage a part qualified ACA accountant, supporting their career development as they work towards qualification.
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and ownership across the reporting function.
- Systems, Processes & Governance
- Drive process automation and system optimisation to improve accuracy, scalability, and efficiency.
- Write and maintain detailed financial systems and process notes.
- Business Partnership
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with Management Accounting, Commercial Finance, and Finance Operations to ensure alignment between financial performance and strategic objectives.
- Lead initiatives to enhance financial literacy and accountability across the organization.
- Support with IPO readiness, M&A integration, and investor reporting.
Competencies
- Communication: Clear and confident communicator, both written and verbal, with the ability to distill complex financial information into concise, actionable insights for stakeholders at all levels.
- Team Management: Experience managing teams across audits or other project work.
- Resilience & Self‑Motivation: Balances attention to detail with an understanding of broader business objectives. Demonstrates resilience, focus, and self‑motivation in high‑pressure or fast‑paced environments.
- Agility & Curiosity: Embraces change with a growth mindset. Leverages technology and innovative thinking to optimise processes and solve complex problems.
- Attention to Detail & Strategic Insight: Combines strong analytical discipline with the ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels—zooming out to understand business priorities while zooming in to identify process and system improvements that enhance overall performance.
Requirements
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent) with minimum 3 years post‑qualification experience.
- Experience working with multinational, multicurrency groups.
- Strong technical accounting expertise (IFRS/UK GAAP) and experience with group consolidation and audit management.
- Hands‑on experience with ERP systems (ideally NetSuite).
- Strategic mindset with excellent attention to detail and operational execution.
- Exceptional communicator and collaborator.
- Experience with M&A accounting & integration or accounts preparation is highly desirable.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
- Hybrid working
- Competitive salary to fund that dream holiday to Bali
- Matched pension contributions for a peaceful retirement
- Share options - when we thrive, so do you!
- Vitality Private Healthcare, for peace of mind, plus eyecare vouchers
- Life Assurance for (even more) peace of mind
- Monthly coaching sessions with Spill - our mental wellbeing partner
- Enhanced holiday package, plus Bank Holidays
- 28 days annual leave
- 1 day for your wedding
- 1 day off when you move house - because moving is hard enough without work!
- For your third year anniversary, get 30 days of annual leave per year
- For your tenth year anniversary, get 35 days of annual leave per year
- Option to buy 3 extra days of holiday per year
- Work from abroad for a month
- Inclusive parental, partner and shared parental leave, fertility treatment and pregnancy loss policies
- Bubble childcare support and discounted nanny fees for little ones
- The latest tech (Macbook or Surface) to power your gif‑sending talents
- Up to £500/€550 home office allowance for that massage chair you’ve been talking about
- Generous learning and development budget to help you master your craft
- Regular social events: tech lunches, coffee with the exec sessions, lunch & learns, book clubs, social events/anything else you pester us for
- Refer a friend, get paid. Repeat for infinite money
Diversity and inclusion is an integral part of our culture. We know that diverse teams are strong teams, so we welcome those with alternative identities, backgrounds, and experiences to apply for this position. We make recruiting decisions based on experience, skills and potential, so all our applicants are treated fairly and equally.
Group Financial Reporting Manager in London employer: Carwow Group
Carwow Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration within its in-house agency, Moshi. Employees benefit from robust growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and the chance to lead innovative projects that directly impact OEM partnerships across diverse markets. Located in a vibrant area, the company promotes a healthy work-life balance and encourages professional development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Financial Reporting Manager in London
✨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 Carwow Group. 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 Group Financial Reporting Manager in London
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 Carwow Group.
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 Carwow Group'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 Carwow Group
✨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 Carwow Group.
✨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 Carwow Group 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 Carwow Group 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.
