- Socialising with friends and family
- Walking my dogs
- Going to the Gym
- Crafting
- Learning new things
HELEN LAI
Leighton Buzzard
Summary
Driven Divisional Financial Controller with 18 years of experience within the motor trade. Delivered financial governance and oversight for multi-site, multi-franchise dealer operations with revenue exceeding £150 million. Strengthened profitability and cash flow through effective vehicle stock management, margin control, and strategic partnerships with key stakeholders. I am a self motivated individual that can work well under pressure and towards deadlines.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Divisional Financial Controller
Brayleys Cars Ltd
01.2024 - Current
- Full responsibility for the Kia/Renault/Hyundai/Mazda franchise. Overseeing P&L, balance sheet, budgets, year end audit requirements, working capital and cashflow.
- Acted as key finance partner to the franchise director and senior leadership team.
- Led monthly forecasting processes, enhancing forecast accuracy and supporting informed decision making.
- Managed accounting for OEM bonuses, rebates, and incentives to ensure accurate financial reporting.
- Controlled sales and aftersales stock aging provisions to optimise inventory management.
- Working with internal/external auditors
- Used KPIs to imrpove performance and efficiency.
- Developed annual budget and compared actual expenses against projected budget to minimise costs.
- Managed payroll bonus/commissions calculations
- Managed a team of 4 Management Accountants.
Divisional Accountant
Brayleys Cars Ltd
01.2015 - 01.2024
- Compiled divisional management accounts to tight deadline.
- Submitting composites and remapping of any nominal codes.
- Reconciled balance sheets
- Assisted with budgeting and forecasting
- Involved with the year end audit
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
- Managed complaints with calm, clear communication and problem-solving.
Assistant Accountant
Brayleys Cars Ltd
01.2008 - 01.2015
- Reconciled bank statements daily.
- Monitored accounts receivable and payable, ensuring timely collection and payment of invoices.
- Kept general ledger documents updated for accurate transaction records.
- Chased missing transactions to help facilitate timely payments.
- Worked with credit control to chase payment of outstanding sales invoices.
Education
Lealands High School
Luton2011
Leadership training -
Get the Edge
01-2024
AAT -
Oaklands College
St. Albans01-2020
Skills
- Motor trade expertise
- Dealer systems management
- Leadership skills
- Effective communication
- Creative solutions
- Strategic planning
- Risk assessment
- Team leadership
- Budget development
Accomplishments
- Improved the divisional EBITDA
- Reduced working capital through tighter controls and improved process
- Successfully integrated finance operations following acquisition / restructure.
Interests
DMS Systems
- Automate (Reynolds & Reynolds)
- POWER
- Keyloop - Drive version.
- Cutol - Management Accounting software
Timeline
Divisional Financial Controller
Brayleys Cars Ltd
01.2024 - Current
Divisional Accountant
Brayleys Cars Ltd
01.2015 - 01.2024
Assistant Accountant
Brayleys Cars Ltd
01.2008 - 01.2015
Lealands High School
Leadership training -
Get the Edge
AAT -
Oaklands College