Sector: Automotive Retail
Management Level: Executive
Reporting To: Chief Operating Officer
Role Overview
3L Consulting is recruiting an experienced and commercially astute Financial Director for a leading automotive retail organisation.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the Executive Committee and operational leadership, the Financial Director will provide strategic and operational financial leadership across a complex, multi-site business.
This senior executive position carries responsibility for financial strategy, planning, performance, governance and the leadership of the finance function. The successful candidate will use financial and commercial insight to influence decision-making, strengthen profitability and controls, and support the organisation’s sustainable growth and long-term value creation.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the organisation’s financial strategy, planning, budgeting, forecasting and performance-management processes
Translate business strategy into measurable financial plans, targets and commercial outcomes
Provide strategic financial advice and insight to the Chief Operating Officer, Executive Committee and operational leadership
Oversee financial reporting, annual financial statements and the delivery of accurate and timely management information
Monitor financial and operational performance against budgets, forecasts and key performance indicators
Provide meaningful insight into revenue, margins, profitability, cash flow, costs and return on investment
Partner with operational leaders to improve commercial performance, cost management and operational effectiveness
Identify financial risks, opportunities, performance gaps and areas for business optimisation
Establish and maintain effective financial governance, internal controls, policies and reporting disciplines
Ensure compliance with applicable financial, statutory, regulatory and governance requirements
Oversee financial risk management and support the mitigation of material business risks
Provide financial analysis and guidance relating to acquisitions, investments, capital allocation and other strategic initiatives
Lead, develop and retain a high-performing finance team with clear standards of accountability
Build leadership, technical capability and succession capacity within the finance function
Drive continuous improvement across financial systems, processes, reporting and analytical capabilities
Promote the effective use of technology, automation and data to improve efficiency and decision-making
Build credible relationships with internal stakeholders, auditors, financial institutions and other external business partners
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications
Experience
A minimum of 10 years’ progressive finance experience
At least 5 years’ experience in a senior finance leadership role
Proven experience operating within a complex, multi-site or group environment
Strong experience in financial strategy, planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, governance and performance management
A demonstrated track record of improving financial performance, profitability and operational effectiveness
Proven experience leading and developing a high-performing finance team
Experience partnering with executive and operational leaders on strategic and commercial matters
Exposure to acquisitions, investments, capital allocation or business-optimisation initiatives
Experience within automotive retail, dealership operations, general retail or a closely related industry will be strongly advantageous
Key Competencies and Attributes
Strategic and commercial financial leadership
Strong financial and operational acumen
Executive-level decision-making and business partnering
Financial reporting, analysis and performance management
Governance, risk management and internal controls
Profitability, cash flow and capital management
Analytical thinking and sound commercial judgement
Confident stakeholder engagement and influence
Strong people leadership and team-development capability
Clear and credible executive communication
A practical, decisive and solutions-focused approach
High levels of integrity, accountability and financial discipline
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is an accomplished senior finance leader with the technical credibility, commercial judgement and leadership presence required to help shape the financial direction of a significant automotive retail business.
They must be comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels, using financial insight to influence decisions, improve performance and create sustainable value. The successful candidate will be a credible business partner who can constructively challenge senior stakeholders, lead a high-performing finance function and operate effectively within a large, fast-paced and complex commercial environment.
