Financial Controller

White Horse Employment; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable automotive dealership group in Yeovil is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead their financial operations. The role involves collaborating with the Board of Directors, overseeing financial tasks, and managing a finance team. Ideal candidates will have a background in the automotive industry and strong finance management skills. Competitive salary and excellent benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Annual profit share scheme

22 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Company pension scheme

Ongoing training and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing finance functions within the automotive industry.
• Senior management input experience desirable but not essential.
• Flexible, positive attitude with the ability to adapt.

Responsibilities

• Report directly to the Board of Directors and collaborate with the wider Accounts team.
• Oversee year-end accounts, VAT returns, fixed assets, accruals, and prepayments.
• Control management accounts, including budgeting and monthly reporting.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Team management expertise

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills

Ability to work collaboratively

Education

AAT qualification

Industry accounting background (motor trade preferred)

Job description

Are you an experienced finance professional with a passion for the motor trade? White Horse is recruiting for a Financial Controller to lead the financial operations for a long-established dealership group, which includes 9 franchises across 4 main dealer locations. This is a hands‑on, proactive role where you’ll play a key part in shaping the future of a well-established business.

The Role

As Group Accountant, you will:

• Report directly to the Board of Directors and collaborate with the wider Accounts team to provide accurate financial insights.
• Oversee year-end accounts, VAT returns, fixed assets, accruals, prepayments, and vehicle stock reconciliations.
• Work closely with General Managers, Departmental Managers, and the Accounts team to produce budgets and manage cashflow.
• Control management accounts, including budgeting and monthly reporting.
• Prepare and present financial forecasting, variance analysis, cost control, and other key financial tasks.
• Support internal reporting requirements and external audit documentation.
• Lead special projects, recommend improvements, and implement new reporting techniques.
• Produce monthly composite reports for manufacturers.
• Manage and develop a finance team of five.

About You

We’re looking for someone who brings:

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Proven experience managing finance functions within the automotive industry, ideally in a dealership setting.
• Team management expertise and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• AAT qualification and an industry accounting background (motor trade preferred).
• A flexible, positive attitude with the ability to adapt in a growing and evolving business.
• DMS experience and senior management input experience (desirable but not essential).

What they Offer

Joining the team means becoming part of a supportive, family‑run business with a strong culture and excellent benefits, including:

• Competitive salary package.
• Annual profit share scheme (after one full calendar year’s service).
• 22 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing with service).
• Company pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities.
• Free eye tests.
• Discounted MOTs, servicing, and parts for employees and their families.
• Employee and customer referral schemes.
• A welcoming, open‑door management style and a culture built on nearly 100 years of success.