Regional Accountant

Salary: £23-£26k (DOE)

Hours: 40hrs p/w

About us:

Established in 1986, The Vella Group is one of the largest independent repair groups in the UK. The company remains founder owned, with a team of experienced staff and management. This mix of professional and family values helps us deliver a quality, forward thinking service, whilst not losing the personal touch.

The accident repair industry is estimated to have a market value of £5billion, having increased from £3.5b in 2012. The extended repair, accident and claim management supply chain includes some of the largest and best-known brands around today. With the increasing technology and complexity involved in repairing the modern car, the pace of change has never been more prominent in the industry and requires constant reinvestment.

Overview:

The regional accountant role is a blended mix of financial and management accounting, in conjunction with close business partnering with the operational team. This role offers the right person the opportunity to grow professionally with full support, training and professional study support provided. It will also give an up-close opportunity to learn and be involved in this unique industry. With a business model involving elements of retail, manufacturing and service principals, the regional accountant will be exposed to many different business ideas.

The current plan for the business is that there will be two regions, with each having an operational and financial lead. With both regional accountants being new, initially both will be supported by a senior member of the finance team. However, it is envisaged that the regional accountannt would take complete financial accountability for their region. Initially starting at 4 locations, this will rise over the next 12-24 months as the company grows. Therefore, getting into a good working routine quickly will be imperative, as will building good relationships across the business. Outside of month end and key company meetings and reporting time frames, the regional accountant is expected to take the initiative in how best to use their time to have the best impact.

The Role:

The regional accountant will undertake a wide range of financial duties which includes the timely preparation of monthly management accounts for inclusion in the consolidated reporting pack and individual branch performance packs in accordance with deadlines and also to provide timely and insightful financial analysis and commentary on the results.

Individuals will also be expected to work closely with the Regional Head of Operations for their shared repair centres, providing analysis to support understanding of financial and operational performance. This will include the preparation of and commentary on KPIs and business performance drivers.

Building strong relations with department heads, as well as operational teams, will be key and site visits will be expected where appropriate to facilitate this.

This role will also involve supporting the senior management team with new sites, acquired both via acquisition and new build, including financial planning and feasibility analysis.

Assisting the budget preparation process.

Ensuring support is given to the Finance Manager and Finance Director, as well as the finance team as and when required.

Providing ad hoc analysis and insight on specific as well as general issues.

The Person:

We are keen to look for a person who is innovative, forward-thinking and gains satisfaction from making an impact to the growth of the business.

The successful applicant will have;

• Proven experience from a practical background
• AAT or equivalent
• Must have a Full Valid Driving License
• Strong IT skills - specifically advanced excel (pivots, lookups and graphs)
• Strong analytical, written, communication and presentation skills
• Excellent teamwork skills
• Attention to detail

Perks and Benefits:

Company car.

Laptop and mobile phone.

22 days holiday plus Bank Holidays.

Pension Scheme & death in service insurance.

The Vella Group Reward Scheme, 'Above and Beyond', will give you access to hundreds of exclusive perks from cheap cinema tickets and discounts to major retailers and restaurants.

The opportunity to join a salary sacrifice scheme which gives access to child care vouchers or a workplace nursery benefit.