Head Office Accountant - Drive Motor Retail (Leicester City Centre)
Salary: £50,000 per annum
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Location: Office-based, Leicester City Centre
Drive Motor Retail is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head Office Accountant to join our central finance function in Leicester. This is a pivotal position within the business, overseeing the financial operations of 15 dealership sites across the UK.
The successful candidate must have a strong background in the automotive industry, with demonstrable experience in multi-site dealership accounting. This role offers the opportunity to lead financial governance, reporting, and control across a diverse and fast-paced motor retail environment.
Key Responsibilities:
* Full oversight of financial reporting across all Drive Motor Retail locations
* Preparation of monthly management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, and group-level financial summaries
* Liaison with Site Accountants and General Managers to ensure compliance and financial accuracy
* Monitoring and controlling dealership working capital, accruals, prepayments, and provisions
* Oversight of payroll reconciliations and collaboration with HR for accurate reporting of salaries, bonuses, and benefits
* Management of pension scheme contributions and compliance with auto-enrolment legislation
* Ensuring accurate VAT, PAYE, and corporation tax submissions in conjunction with external auditors and HMRC requirements
* Support and audit preparation for manufacturer composite submissions and quarterly reviews
* Lead the integration and consistency of accounting systems and processes across all sites (including DMS platforms such as Kerridge/CDK or Pinewood)
* Drive improvements in financial efficiency, cost control, and internal reporting tools
* Act as the key finance contact for senior leadership, external auditors, and stakeholders
Candidate Requirements:
* Qualified Accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or equivalent with significant post-qualification experience
* Must have recent and relevant experience within the automotive retail sector
* Strong background in multi-dealership financial oversight and centralised accounting environments
* High proficiency in Excel, financial reporting tools, and motor trade DMS systems
* Thorough understanding of UK accounting standards, tax regulations, and pension legislation
* Confident communicator with the ability to build strong cross-functional relationships
* Proactive, analytical, and capable of operating independently under pressure
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