Financial Controller
Salary – Competitive (dependent on experience)
40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
Join Our Award-Winning Team at Carbase!
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping the financial success of the largest used-car supermarket in the South West? We are looking for a proactive and commercially driven finance leader to take ownership of our day-to-day financial operations and help steer our continued growth.
In this pivotal role, you will lead financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and risk management, ensuring strong financial governance and compliance across the business. You will provide meaningful insights that drive decision-making, optimise performance, and support our ambitious growth strategy in a fast-paced and dynamic automotive retail environment.
With direct line management of our purchase ledger and administration teams, you will ensure strong internal controls, seamless transactional processing, and robust stock loan management to keep the business operating efficiently and effectively.
Key responsibilities:
- Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the company’s business objectives in the used-car retail sector.
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and analysis to support decision-making, considering industry-specific challenges and seasonality.
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations, tax laws, and internal policies, particularly those related to used vehicle sales and financing.
- Manage financial reporting, including preparing monthly and annual financial statements.
- Lead cash flow management and cost optimisation efforts tailored to the industry.
- Provide strategic financial support and financial insights to the senior leadership team.
- Identify and mitigate financial risks while ensuring financial stability.
- Business partner with other senior leaders to help analyse and develop the available data, particularly in relation to vehicle preparation.
- Manage relationships with external auditors, banks, financial institutions, and automotive industry stakeholders.
- Develop and oversee internal financial controls and procedures to maintain data accuracy and integrity, ensuring efficiency in vehicle procurement and sales processes.
- Lead and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Oversee and support the purchase ledger and general administration team, ensuring accurate financial records, timely payments, and streamlined processes.
- Partner with the stocking loan administration team, ensuring efficient inventory financing, and optimised cashflow.
Person Specification:
- Qualified Accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA or equivalent)
- Proven experience in senior financial leadership roles – experience in the second-hand car retail industry is preferred but not essential.
- Strong knowledge of financial management principles, accounting standards, and compliance regulations relevant to used car sales and dealership operations.
- Expertise in financial planning, analysis, and risk management within the automotive retail sector.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in financial software and ERP systems used in the automotive industry.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
- High attention to detail and strategic thinking.
Benefits:
- 31 days annual leave increasing to 35 days with long service (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Access to BHSF Health Cash Plan
- Access to company pension scheme
- In-store discounts on car purchases, servicing and electric charging points
- ‘Refer a friend’ scheme
- Health and Wellbeing support via ‘Ben’
- Bike to work scheme
- Access to ‘Money@Work’
If you are ready to lead with insight, drive performance, and make a difference, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to become our next Financial Controller.