Motor Trade Accountant

Adam Curtis Specialist Automotive Recruitment Consultancy Ltd; Farcet; On-site; GBP 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment consultancy seeks a Motor Trade Accountant for a multi-site car dealership in Peterborough. The successful candidate will manage a team, handle account functions, and ensure financial compliance. A salary of circa £50,000 is offered, with opportunities for growth and potential to shape the finance function. Candidates must possess dealership accounting experience and demonstrate strong commercial awareness. This role presents a great opportunity for ambitious professionals with aspirations towards managerial positions.

Qualifications

• Experience within a car dealership as an Accountant.
• Strong VAT and HMRC compliance knowledge.
• Experience managing accounts staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Accounts Department and manage a team.
• Produce accurate management accounts and financial reports.
• Ensure compliance with VAT returns and funding facilities.

Skills

Motor trade accounting

Financial reporting

Team management

Commercial awareness

Tools

Catalyst

Xero

Motor trade funding platforms

Job description

Motor Trade Accountant (Dealership Experience Essential)

Peterborough
Circa £50,000 Basic (DOE)
Full-Time | Permanent
Office-based role | Standard motor trade hours

The Role

We are recruiting on behalf of a growing, multi-site car dealership group in Peterborough, seeking an experienced Motor Trade Accountant to take ownership of the accounts function and help drive the business to its next stage of growth.

This role is not suitable for practice accountants or candidates without dealership experience. You must have prior experience working as an Accountant within a car dealership environment and understand the mechanics of how a dealer operates financially.

The business currently operates 3 sites, with clear plans to grow to 5 sites in the near future and beyond. As such, this role offers genuine scope for progression, including future Finance Director potential for the right individual.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and lead the Accounts Department, overseeing a team of 4
• Bring structure, control, and improved processes to a currently under‑managed team
• Full responsibility for daily banking, reconciliations, and cashflow management
• Produce accurate management accounts, weekly and monthly sales reports
• Oversee stocking loans and funding facilities, including settlements, interest, and fees
• Manage and submit VAT returns, including: Margin VAT scheme, VAT qualifying and non‑qualifying vehicles
• Maintain strong cost control during business expansion
• Liaise with directors, general manager, funders, and external accountants
• Support business growth with commercial insight and financial planning
• Implement improvements to systems, controls, and reporting accuracy

Essential Motor Trade Knowledge (Non‑Negotiable)

You must have experience and understanding of:

• Motor trade accounting within a dealership
• Stocking loans / funding platforms
• Margin VAT scheme
• VAT qualifying vs non‑qualifying vehicles
• Dealership finance structures and reporting
• How sales, stock, funding, and margin work in a dealer environment
• Candidates without dealership accounting experience will not be considered.

Your Background & Skills

• Proven experience as a Motor Trade Accountant (dealership‑based)
• Strong commercial awareness of how a car dealer operates
• Experience managing or mentoring accounts staff
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, growing business
• Able to “roll sleeves up” when required but also think strategically
• Ambitious candidates with Finance Director aspirations highly welcomed

Systems & Technical Requirements

• Catalyst and Xero experience a benefit
• Confident using motor trade funding platforms (e.g., BCA, Alphera, MotoNovo, V12, etc.)
• Strong VAT and HMRC compliance knowledge
• Ability to produce final accounts and support year‑end processes

What’s On Offer

• Circa £50,000 basic salary (dependent on experience)
• Senior, influential role within the business
• Direct reporting line to owners and general manager
• Opportunity to shape the finance function during rapid growth
• Clear long‑term progression potential

This is a career‑defining opportunity for a true motor trade accountant who wants influence, responsibility, and the chance to grow with a dealership group.

For further details on this Motor Trade Accountant role in Peterborough, please submit your CV to ACS Automotive Recruitment Consultancy.