Finance Manager in Blackburn

Hippo Motor Group are recruiting for an enthusiastic and driven finance manager to join our accounts department. The finance manager is a key player in managing and safeguarding the group's financial health, well-being and stability. The role will contribute to the group’s overall success by ensuring accurate financial control, reporting and compliance. The successful candidate will have previous experience in a similar role, ideally within the motor-trade. The accounts department is exciting and vibrant and stands out from most, offering an excellent working environment for an experienced Accountant to thrive within.

Key Responsibilities

• Management of the Finance Team: Including Financial Accountants, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Treasury and Payroll functions.
• Responsibility for General Ledger Accuracy: Ensuring teams maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts, ensuring accuracy and completeness of financial records (including the processing of journals as required).
• Balance Sheet Reconciliations: Ensure balance sheet reconciliations are completed and all balances supported as part of month-end close process.
• Financial Reporting: Responsibility for producing and presenting management accounts and financial statements (income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements) for internal and external stakeholders.
• Financial Analysis: Analysing financial data to identify trends, variances, and areas for improvement, providing insights to influence decision‑making.
• Budgeting and Forecasting: Preparation of budgets and forecasts, monitoring performance against these plans and maintaining integrated model.
• Cash Management: Maximising cash balances and managing cash‑flow, including completion and development of short‑term cashflow forecast model. Effectively manage transactional teams to maximise working capital (e.g. minimise aged debtors) and ensure all payment obligations are met.
• Stock and Funding: Ensure stock is effectively managed, recorded and reported, with associated funding drawn and repaid in line with facility processes.
• Intercompany Accounting: Complete month‑end processes and all other compliance activities for other group and related companies.
• Tax Management: Responsibility for tax filings (e.g. corporation tax and VAT), ensuring associated payments are made on time, ensuring compliance with tax laws, liaison with HMRC or other regulators.
• Audits: Supporting both internal and external audits by providing necessary documentation, supporting schedules and explanations.
• Communication and Liaison: Communicating financial information to various stakeholders, including management, auditors, banks, funders and other relevant parties.
• Compliance: Ensuring adherence to accounting standards, tax laws, Companies House filings and other relevant regulations.
• Internal Controls: Developing, implementing and auditing financial policies and procedures, ensuring tight controls, ensuring financial risks are managed effectively.
• Continuous Improvement: Develop the accounts function, alongside the Finance Director. Identifying opportunities to improve accounting processes and systems to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Ad Hoc Finance Tasks: Perform other ad‑hoc duties relevant to the role and follow all company procedures, as required to support the finance team and wider business.

Skills & Experience

• ACCA/CIMA qualified (or part‑qualified and studying towards qualification)
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, reporting standards and practices.
• Knowledge of relevant company and tax laws and regulations.
• Proficiency in financial accounting software and systems, including Microsoft Office suite (advanced Excel).
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills, ensuring deadlines are achieved.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Automotive dealership experience an advantage (but not essential).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.