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- Tasks: Lead financial control and payroll management in a dynamic automotive retail environment.
- Company: Join one of the UK's top automotive retailers with a focus on teamwork and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health perks, and discounts on tech and lifestyle.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial strategies while developing your career in finance.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong leadership and financial analysis skills.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional development and team mentorship.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Overview
Job Title: Central Finance and Payroll Manager
Location: Hybrid role with travel
Salary: Per annum (Depending on Experience) with a £6,000 Car Allowance or Company Car
Contract Type: Permanent Full-Time
As Finance and Payroll Manager for Lookers Central Support you will be responsible for ensuring robust financial control, accurate reporting and compliance across the Central Support function.
This role maintains the integrity of financial data, oversees budgeting and forecasting processes, and ensures adherence to internal controls and regulatory requirements. Acting as a key partner to central support teams, the role provides timely financial insights to support decision making and cost management. Additionally, the position drives process efficiency, strengthens governance, and supports the delivery of group financial objectives.
Responsibilities
- Ensure accurate and timely preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reports for Central Support.
- Maintain robust financial controls and ensure compliance with internal policies, statutory regulations, and audit requirements.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting and variance analysis processes, providing clear insights to support decision‑making.
- Monitor and manage Central Support cost centres, ensuring effective cost control and value for money.
- Partner with Central Support leadership teams to provide financial guidance and challenge on performance and expenditure.
- Ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial data within all systems and processes.
- Lead the month‑end and year‑end close processes for Central Support, ensuring deadlines are met.
- Maintain strong balance‑sheet control, including reconciliations, review of key accounts and resolution of discrepancies.
- Support the preparation of statutory accounts and liaise with external auditors as required.
- Provide financial oversight for project reporting and accounting, ensuring accurate tracking of costs and benefits, compliance with governance requirements and effective review of outputs prepared by the team.
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy and governance.
- Lead, mentor and develop team members.
- Provide ad‑hoc financial analysis and reporting to support business initiatives and strategic projects.
- Oversight of monthly payroll.
- Strategic payroll initiatives.
Qualifications
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Strong knowledge of financial reporting, balance‑sheet control and internal controls.
- Proven experience in leading and developing finance teams.
- Advanced ability to interpret financial data and provide actionable insights.
- Proficiency in financial systems and ERP platforms with strong Excel skills.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to challenge and influence senior leaders.
About Us
We are one of the top three automotive retailers in the UK, proudly representing over 30 manufacturer brands and 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 are 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.
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
- 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
- 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
Equality & Diversity
Lookers and Charles Hurst are an equal‑opportunity employer. We are committed to a working environment that is free from discrimination, inclusive, and empowers our people to bring their whole selves to work and reach their full potential.
Hiring Process
If your application is successful, we will conduct relevant employment checks prior to commencing employment. These will include verifying recent employment, address, credit history and a standard criminal record check. For roles that require driving, a driving licence check will also be carried out. All offers of employment are made subject to a 6‑month probation period commencing from your start date.
Required Experience
Manager
Key Skills
Dayforce, Paychex, Payroll Management, Ceridian, Paylocity, SOX, Payroll, ADP, Kronos, Human Resources, JD Edwards, Workday
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Central Finance and Payroll Manager employer: Lookers Motor Group Limited
Contact Detail:
Lookers Motor Group Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Central Finance and Payroll Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and payroll sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial practices. Familiarise yourself with their recent reports and any news related to them. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Focus on articulating your experience with financial controls and reporting. The more comfortable you are discussing your expertise, the more confident you’ll appear to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of roles that could be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Central Finance and Payroll Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Central Finance and Payroll Manager role. Highlight your experience in financial reporting, compliance, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills match 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 this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven process improvements or provided financial insights in previous positions.
Showcase Your Qualifications: As a fully qualified accountant, make sure to emphasise your qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA. We love seeing that you have the right credentials to back up your experience in finance and payroll management.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lookers Motor Group Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Central Finance and Payroll Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles. This shows you can provide the timely financial insights they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading and mentoring a finance team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed team members or improved team performance in the past. Highlighting your leadership style will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand Their Business
Research Lookers and their position in the automotive retail market. Familiarise yourself with their financial goals and challenges. Being able to discuss how your skills can help them achieve their objectives will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially around budgeting, forecasting, and compliance. Think of specific scenarios where you’ve had to overcome challenges in these areas and be ready to share your thought process and outcomes.