Financial Controller

About us

Accelerate your career with Dick Lovett

Dick Lovett has grown to become one of the South West's leading automotive retailers, representing a number of the motoring industry's biggest and most prestigious manufacturers. Come and grow with us.

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional, commercially minded Financial Controller to join a leading automotive retail group with annual revenues exceeding £800 million.

Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this is a high-profile leadership role that will play a critical part in strengthening financial control, enhancing reporting quality, supporting strategic decision-making and driving continuous improvement across a complex multi-site business.

This position offers a unique development opportunity. During the initial 6 to 9 months, the successful candidate will focus on gaining a deep understanding of the business, its operations, systems and financial processes, with specific focus on group consolidation and tax. During this period, there will be no direct reports, allowing full immersion into the organisation.

Following this onboarding phase, the role will evolve into a broader leadership position with responsibility for the three key finance teams:

Management Accounts

Financial Accounts

Head office / Central Costs Accounts

The Financial Controller will be a key member of the senior finance leadership team and a trusted deputy to the Finance Director.

Job Opportunity

Financial Leadership & Control: Own financial control, governance and compliance across the Group, ensuring accurate reporting, consistent accounting practices and effective support for statutory accounts, audit and Board-level decision-making.

Reporting & Performance Management: Strengthen reporting and insight by reviewing performance, highlighting risks and opportunities, supporting budgeting and forecasting, maintaining balance sheet discipline and delivering meaningful KPI reporting across the business.

Business Improvement: Drive continuous improvement across finance processes, systems and controls, championing best practice and working with operational leaders to improve financial performance and accountability.

Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships with dealership and senior leadership teams, supporting strategic projects, acquisitions, integrations and business change, while deputising for the Finance Director when required.

Team Leadership: Lead the Management Accounts, Financial Accounts and Head Office Accounts teams, building a high-performing finance function through coaching, development, accountability and continuous improvement.

Company Benefits

27 Days Holiday (plus Bank Holidays)

Employee Car Ownership Scheme

Bonus scheme

Private Medical Insurance

Health cash plan – Claim back medical costs

Rewards platform – Gym & high street discounts

Contributory Pension Scheme

Regular Pay Reviews

Life Assurance

Servicing, Parts and Accessories Discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Staff Referral Scheme

Learning and Development

Enhanced Family Leave

Volunteering Opportunities

Onsite Parking

Essential Skills

Essential Requirements

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).

Significant post-qualification experience within a large, complex, multi-site organisation.

Strong technical accounting background combined with commercial acumen.

Proven experience of leading high-performing finance teams.

Excellent knowledge of financial controls, reporting and governance.

Experience managing external audit relationships and statutory reporting requirements.

Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders.

Advanced analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.

Highly Desirable

Experience within automotive retail, retail, distribution or other high-volume multi-site environments.

Experience supporting organisational growth, acquisitions or finance transformation programmes.

Strong understanding of ERP and financial reporting systems.

Previous experience in a Financial Controller, Group Financial Controller or Finance Director direct report role.

This position is designed as a successor role to the Finance Director, suited to a high-calibre qualified accountant seeking their final step before progressing into a Finance Director position in the future.

DEI Statement

We all have a ‘Personal Role in Delivering Excellence’ at Dick Lovett

This doesn’t just refer to our customers, this phrase is pivotal to our hiring process, onboarding, and how we look after our staff and treat each other at Dick Lovett. We are committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for all.

The company appreciates the advantages of being an equal opportunities employer and recognise the importance of having a diverse and inclusive team. When everyone feels that they are included and are appreciated for their performance, we will be able to deliver on our promise of customer satisfaction.