Assistant Franchise Financial Controller

Group 1 Automotive; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading automotive group as an Assistant Franchise Financial Controller, where you'll play a pivotal role in financial management and performance analysis. This hybrid position requires strong analytical skills and expertise in financial reporting, compliance, and strategic budgeting, contributing directly to the Group 1 finance agenda. Enjoy a range of benefits including 33 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and opportunities for continuous learning and growth.

Benefits

33 days of annual leave

Exclusive retail discounts

Discounts on cars and servicing

Pension scheme

Family-friendly policies

Cycle-to-work scheme

Health support

Paid volunteer day

Company share purchase plan

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven financial management experience in a franchise or multi-unit environment.
• Expertise in preparing and analyzing financial statements.
• Proficiency in budgeting and variance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Efficient monthly accounting for financial transactions and compliance.
• Support budgeting and forecasting efforts for franchise performance.
• Assist in the implementation of financial systems to improve efficiency.

Skills

Financial management

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

CPA, CMA, or relevant certification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Assistant Franchise Financial Controller

Assistant Franchise Financial Controller - Hybrid Field-Based (Within a commutable distance from Toyota/ Lexus dealerships)

Where Numbers Meet Opportunity. Lead with Insight, Support with Precision.

As an Assistant Franchise Financial Controller, you will work closely with the Franchise Financial Controller to support with the efficient, accurate and timely accounting for financial transactions. Having the opportunity to assist in the preparation of financial reports, budgets and forecasts, you will also support with ensuring compliance with company policies and relevant regulations, providing financial analysis to enhance franchise performance.

Leading the franchise / division on all finance related matters, you will embed a professional and collaborative culture, whilst driving the Group 1 UK finance agenda towards growth and an enhanced performance.

What we can offer you

• Enjoy 33 days of annual leave (including bank holidays) to rest and recharge
• Save money every day with our exclusive retail discounts
• Drive a great deal with discounts on new and used cars, plus servicing offers
• Plan for the years ahead with our company pension scheme
• Balance home and work with our industry-leading family-friendly policies designed to help you spend more time with the people that matter
• Commute for less with our cycle-to-work scheme
• Prioritise your wellbeing with dedicated support for you and your family
• 24/7 access to healthcare professionals, ensuring you get the expert advice you need quickly and easily
• Make a difference with a paid day to volunteer in your community
• Invest in your future with our company share purchase plan
• Earn financial rewards when you refer a friend to join the team
• Keep learning and growing with our training and development opportunities for everyone.
• Life assurance with the option to increase cover
• We're open to flexible working options - just ask

What you'll do day to day

• Efficient, accurate and timely accounting for financial transactions, including the routine month-end reports ensuring compliance with applicable accounting, tax, legislative and other regulatory standards, highlighting trends and cost saving opportunities.
• Act as a point of contact for franchise teams, regarding financial enquiries and support to align financial strategies with business objectives.
• Assist in the implementation and maintenance of financial systems and processes to improve efficiency, streamlining financial reporting and data collection processes.
• Closely support the Franchise Financial Controller to review and assess the financial impact of the Franchise, ensuring decisions are fully considered and legally sound.
• Support with budgeting, forecasting, reporting and analysis of franchise investments and commercial initiatives, including management of business cases, benefits tracking and course correction where required.
• Timely recording and reporting of salary and payroll information, in line with usual payroll timeframes.
• Ensure that nominal ledger balance sheet reconciliations are completed and reviewed in line with Group 1 procedures and Sarbanes Oxley reporting requirements.
• Drive and encourage the continuous improvement of end to end accounting activities, meeting relevant timeframes.
• Ensure that the Senior finance teams are well-versed of relevant issues and material risks and opportunities for the business, sharing best practice across the wider Franchise Financial Controller community, providing insights and commentary as well as forward thinking on cost saving initiatives.
• Effective management of working capital, liaising with Shared Services and other senior finance teams.
• Oversee effective operations of Finance within the respective Franchise area, with continuous identification of risk, proposing sensible solutions where necessary.
• Compliance with auditing standards and Group1 accounting policies and procedure, demonstrating understanding and compliance with Sarbanes Oxley reporting requirements.

Helpful skills and qualifications

• Don't worry about ticking off every single skill here - if you care about delivering great experiences as much as we do, we want to hear from you
• Proven financial management or accounting experience, preferably in a franchise or multi-unit environment.
• Expertise in accurate preparing, analysing, and interpreting financial statements.
• Proficiency in budget preparation and variance analysis with a strong ability to analyse franchise performance metrics, with familiarity with financial challenges unique to franchise businesses.
• Understanding of accounting principles (GAAP/IFRS).
• Experience with accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger processes.
• Proficiency in accounting software with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, macros, financial modelling).
• Familiarity with tax regulations and franchise-specific financial requirements.
• Ability to ensure compliance with corporate financial policies and legal standards.
• CPA, CMA, or other relevant professional certifications (preferred).
• Ability to present financial information clearly to stakeholders, including non-financial team members.
• Team player with the ability to lead financial projects and mentor junior team members.
• Strong relationship-building skills with franchise owners and corporate teams.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

We value diversity and believe it strengthens our team. If you don't meet every requirement listed but are enthusiastic about this role and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply.

Be part of something big

Group 1 Automotive is on an exciting growth journey. We are home to over 7000 colleagues dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, with 114 dealerships in the UK, representing 21 brands at the forefront of automotive retail.

But you don't need to love cars to work with us - just need to share our mission to create outstanding and trusted experiences for our customers, our partners, and our people.

Our Values

At Group 1 Automotive, we pride ourselves on our five core values that are incorporated in all that we do.

Respect - Integrity - Transparency - Teamwork - Professionalism

These are the principles that every member of our team lives by, whether that be business functions, customer interactions, how we interact with the local community and even how we view each other in the team.