At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive financial performance and provide insightful analysis for our dealerships.
- Company: Join one of the UK's top automotive retailers with a focus on people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health perks, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic workplace with excellent progression and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while partnering with operational teams.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant or equivalent experience with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 62500 £ per year.
We are one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, proudly representing 32 manufacturer brands, selling a huge range of new and used vehicles from over 150 dealerships across the UK and Ireland. We believe our people are our greatest asset, and we're committed to recognising the valuable contribution each person makes. That's why we continue to invest in a leading rewards and benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing, and life outside of work.
Location: Belfast, Charles Hurst Head office
Salary: £45,000 - £62,500 DOE + company car benefit and bonus opportunity
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm (1-hour lunch break)
About the Role
We are looking for a commercially focused Divisional Accountant to join our busy Charles Hurst Division, supporting a portfolio of dealerships across Northern Ireland. As Divisional Accountant, you will play a key role in driving financial performance, providing insightful analysis and ensuring robust financial controls across the division. Working closely with operational leaders and senior finance stakeholders, you will be responsible for the accurate production of management accounts, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and performance analysis for your allocated dealerships. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced accountant who enjoys partnering with operational teams and influencing business performance within a fast-paced, multi-site environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce accurate and timely monthly management accounts for allocated dealerships.
- Lead month-end and year-end financial close processes.
- Analyse financial performance, identifying trends, risks and opportunities to improve profitability.
- Prepare budgets, forecasts and financial plans, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
- Conduct balance sheet reviews and maintain strong financial controls across the division.
- Partner with dealership management teams, providing financial insight and challenge to support decision-making.
- Monitor key performance indicators and provide meaningful commentary on business performance.
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal controls and company policies.
- Support audits and statutory reporting requirements where necessary.
- Lead and develop best practice across financial reporting and accounting processes.
About You
We're looking for a proactive and commercially aware finance professional with excellent analytical skills and the ability to build strong relationships across the business.
Skills & Experience
- Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or Qualified by Experience.
- Strong knowledge of management accounting, financial controls and reporting.
- Proven experience within a commercial finance environment.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and the ability to analyse and interpret complex financial data.
Core Benefits:
- Competitive salaries with structured pay scales and progression as you grow within the business.
- Generous annual leave that increases with your length of service.
- Enhanced family leave, including 6 months' full pay for maternity and adoption leave, and 2 weeks' full pay for paternity leave.
- Access to Techscheme for discounted technology purchases with flexible payments.
- Health & Wellbeing: Eyecare vouchers to help cover vision care needs, Smart Health - 24/7 access to GP services to support your mental and physical wellbeing, Dental insurance for everyday dental care and unexpected treatments, Optional critical illness cover for peace of mind during life's most challenging moments.
- Financial Wellbeing: MyView PayNow - access a portion of your pay as you earn, with features to stream, save, and track your money through a user-friendly app, Free will writing services to help plan for the future, Flexible life assurance options and partner life assurance for added protection.
- Leisure & Lifestyle: Discounted gym memberships to support an active lifestyle, Travel insurance to help you explore with confidence, Access to home and technology vouchers bYond card and a wide range of exclusive retail and lifestyle discounts.
We strongly believe in nurturing and providing our people with specific manufacturer brand and management training to enhance career development opportunities.
Please note, all offers of employment are made subject to a 6 month probation period commencing from your start date.
Accountant - Finance in Belfast employer: Lookers Ltd
As one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, we pride ourselves on our commitment to our employees, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that supports both career growth and personal wellbeing. Our collaborative work culture in Belfast fosters strong relationships and provides opportunities for professional development, making it an ideal environment for a Divisional Accountant looking to make a meaningful impact within a dynamic leasing division.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Accountant - Finance in Belfast
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Accountant - Finance in Belfast
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 Lookers Ltd.
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Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Lookers Ltd'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 Lookers Ltd
✨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 Lookers Ltd.
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Lookers Ltd 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.
