Dealership accountant

Company Description Cambria Automobiles is an independent UK motor dealership group, established in 2006, representing volume, premium, and luxury vehicle brands through a successful “buy and build” strategy. The group retails new and used cars, commercial vehicles, and motorbikes across the UK. Cambria operates with an autonomous culture, empowering local management teams to run their businesses with lean support structures and minimal hierarchy.

Its culture is built on “The Four Pillars” of Associate Delight, Guest Delight, Brand Delight, and Stakeholder Delight, guiding all operational and strategic decisions. Associates are supported to reach their full potential, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and build transparent, trusting relationships with brands and stakeholders.

Role Description This is a full-time, on-site Dealership Accountant role based in the Manchester Area, United Kingdom. The Dealership Accountant will oversee the day-to-day financial operations of the dealership, including preparing monthly management accounts, maintaining accurate ledgers, and ensuring timely posting of all income, costs, and journal entries. Responsibilities include managing balance sheet reconciliations, overseeing cash flow, banking, and payment runs, and ensuring compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, and relevant accounting standards.

The role will support department heads with budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and operational financial reporting to drive profitability and cost control. The Dealership Accountant will also supervise the local accounts team, streamline processes, collaborate with the wider Cambria finance function, and provide financial insights that align with the group’s Four Pillars culture.

Qualifications

• Strong dealership or automotive retail accounting experience, including preparation of management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, and cash flow management.
• Proficiency with accounting software and dealer management systems (DMS), as well as solid skills in Microsoft Excel and other standard office applications.
• Sound knowledge of UK accounting principles, VAT, and regulatory requirements relevant to motor retail operations.
• Proven ability to analyze financial data, produce clear reports, and communicate insights to non-finance stakeholders to support commercial decision-making.
• Experience leading or mentoring finance or accounts teams, with the ability to organize workloads, set priorities, and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a continuous improvement mindset to enhance processes and controls.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a collaborative approach aligned to an autonomous, values-driven culture.
• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or part-qualified status, or equivalent relevant experience in a similar role.
• Experience in the automotive, retail, or multi-site environment is highly beneficial.