MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT (AUTOMOTIVE) JOB PURPOSE You will be responsible for the production of the management accounts on a monthly basis, assisted by your team of direct reports. You will produce key financial analysis for the management and stakeholders within the business, working closely with the operational team to provide accurate information and drive performance. You will have the ability to advise and assist the management team with developing business plans and strategy, financial forecasts, and the production of the annual budget. Department/Business/Location: Accounts / Group, Pulborough, West Sussex Reports to: Divisional Financial Controller Direct Reports: Assistant Management Accountant & Accounts Assistant KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure all management accounts are submitted and any variances highlighted with the management team. Produce monthly balance sheet reconciliations. Compilation and submission of manufacturer composites to strict deadlines.è Report to the DFC with timely and accurate financial information. Review all financial information regularly to look for cost reduction opportunities. A fortnightly visit to each dealership to undertake debtor reviews and monthly accounts reviews, as well as offer support and guidance. Support management in the production of accurate and regular financial forecasts. Ownership of the annual dealership budget production, with the support of the Head of Business and relevant department heads. Manage cash flow and working capital through analysis and interrogation of system reports, finding resolution and optimisation through liaison with site and direct reports. Advise and assist the management team in developing annual business plans, forecasts, and strategy. Ensure accuracy and adherence to company policy and timescales. Support and train the Accounts Assistants and Assistant Management Accountants, to upskill the team and work efficiently together. Ensure that all financial transactions are properly recorded, filed, and reported. Active involvement in reporting and management of debtors including manufacturer bonus claims. Create monthly and annual reports to identify results, trends, and financial forecasts. Assist in the production of the statutory accounts. Monitor VAT transactions and carry out sample testing, offering advice and guidance to all relevant employees. Skills & Requirements: You will be a highly organised individual, showing excellent analytical and problem-solving skills that will enable you to review and manage financial information, reconciliations, and reports in a fast-paced environment. You will have exceptional communication skills, allowing you to develop a strong rapport with stakeholders of the business, and offer support, direction, and training to members of your team. You should have a thorough understanding of financial management and wider management principles and techniques, preferably supported by an accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA), or a proven track record of success as a Management Accountant. A full UK driving licence is required for this role. Experience Knowledge of the motor trade industry is preferred, but not essential. Hours: Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5pm. Monday. Hybrid working opportunity. Driver/own transport essential due to location. The Harwoods Way Harwoods Group is a values led, family owned automotive retail group that was founded in 1931. Our values are lived and breathed by all of our colleagues to enable industry leading customer experience and colleague engagement, as detailed below: We Treasure our people and our customers We challenge ourselves to grow & improve We grab responsibility We run in the same direction as one team We inject energy and fun into our work We are a top 30 automotive dealer group, as ranked by annual turnover on AM100, representing the following brand partners: Bentley, McLaren, Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover, Audi, Volvo, INEOS, BMW & Mini (Service), MAN We operate across 6 counties in the South East of England, namely: Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, Kent, Wiltshire, Hampshire With a high colleague engagement score of 72%, Harwoods Group has a real differentiator with our industry leading people development programme, including: recruitment and selection; onboarding; induction; probation; lets talk one to ones; Harwoods Academy; succession and development; colleague recognition After continued growth, we now operate with circa 1,100 colleagues across circa 28 state of the art facilities