Divisional Finance Controller – Automotive Retail

Lookers Limited; Chester; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries with progression

Generous annual leave

Company car benefit

Eyecare vouchers

Smart Health – GP access

Dental insurance

Critical illness cover

Techscheme for tech purchases

Job summary

Lookers is seeking a proactive Divisional Accountant to join Chester Nissan, supporting a portfolio of dealerships across the division. You will drive financial performance, produce management accounts, and partner with operational leads to influence business outcomes.

The role focuses on robust financial controls, budgeting, forecasting, and insightful analysis in a fast-paced, multi-site environment. A competitive package includes a company car and bonus potential.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Management accounting

Financial controls

Financial reporting

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical thinking

Multi-site coordination

Education

Professional accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Tools

Excel

Dealer management systems

Job description

Lookers is seeking a proactive Divisional Accountant to join Chester Nissan, supporting a portfolio of dealerships across the division. You will drive financial performance, produce management accounts, and partner with operational leads to influence business outcomes.

The role focuses on robust financial controls, budgeting, forecasting, and insightful analysis in a fast-paced, multi-site environment. A competitive package includes a company car and bonus potential.