Rachel Clarke FMAAT
Atherstone,Warwickshire
Summary
Having worked for Sytner in a Dealership Accountant role for almost 20 years, I feel I offer an exceptionally high standard of expertise. I have experience in two Sytner BMW dealerships within my employment within the company. I am currently in the role at the second largest and second most profitable dealership in the Division YTD.
Demonstrated commitment to SGA principles by consistently analysing expenses to enhance spending efficiency. Current SG&A ratio stands at 79.6%, outperforming budget expectations of 83.5% and improving from a previous YTD of 81.6%.
As part of the Management team, I have assisted in bringing two individual dealerships together as one after our move to a purpose build Arch Concept site in April 2021.
I am a highly skilled professional with exceptional knowledge of Keyloop (ADP) systems and Sytner Policies and Procedures, demonstrating a strong understanding of audit procedures with notable achievements such as a 2025 Dealership Audit score of 96. Possesses AAT certification and management accounting competence, complemented by excellent time management and balance sheet management skills. Provides full support to the Management Team, offering one-to-one training and team leadership. Committed to continuous learning and career advancement within the field of accounting and dealership operations.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Dealership Accountant
SYTNER - Jaguar Land Rover Northampton
Northampton, Northamptonshire
2020.11 - Current
- Generated accurate financial reports using Keyloop and excel.
- Highlighted deficiencies through thorough internal audits, prompting necessary actions.
Performed weekly audits to verify elimination of previous issues in all departments, resulting in a latest dealership score 96. Accounts 96 & Balance Sheet 97. - Facilitated dealership-wide budget meetings, resulting in successful budget submission.
Streamlined communication during budget discussions to enhance collaboration.
Ensured timely preparation and delivery of all necessary financial documents. - Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
- Prepared monthly balance sheets, ensuring accuracy. Achieving excellent Balance Sheet Review results by the Divisional Financial Controller.
- Managed financial reporting processes resulting in enhanced transparency.
- Ensured timely invoice payments with diligent follow-ups for all suppliers.
- Efficiently managed payroll processing tasks, avoiding errors.
- Reviewed and reconciled ledgers to maintain integrity of financial data.
- Handled complex account reconciliations; ensured consistency in records.
- Improved cash flow through meticulous accounts receivable management.
- Completed detailed expense analysis; identified improvement areas.
- Enhanced profitability by managing cost control measures.
- Compiled general ledger entries on short schedule with 100% accuracy.
- Organised and carried out month-end, quarterly and year-end processes.
- Advised management on financial details related to business operations and budgets.
- Resolved invoice coding and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
- Compiled financial data for business forecasting and budgeting.
Dealership Accountant
SYTNER - Jaguar Coventry
Coventry
2017.10 - 2020.11
Dealership Accountant
SYTNER - Jaguar Coventry & Jaguar Northampton
Coventry & Northampton
2015.03 - 2017.10
Dealership Accountant
SYTNER - BMW Birmingham Central
Birmingham
2007.03 - 2015.03
Dealership Accountant (Maternity Cover)
SYTNER - BMW Coventry
Coventry
2006.05 - 2007.02
Dealership Accountant
Abacus Vehicle Sales - Redditch VW
Redditch, Worcestershire
2006.02 - 2006.05
Dealership Accountant
REG VARDY PLC - Redditch VW
Redditch, Worcestershire
2004.03 - 2006.02
Worked with Reg Vardy PLC until acquisition by Pendragon, resulting in immediate sale of VW dealerships to Abacus Vehicle Sales.
Dealership CMA Accountant
REG VARDY PLC - Leicester Audi, VW & Commercial
Leicester
2002.05 - 2004.03
Dealership Accountant
REG VARDY PLC - Birmingham Nissan
Birmingham
2001.05 - 2002.05
Assistant Accountant promoted to Accountant
REG VARDY PLC - Birmingham Fiat
Birmingham
1997.04 - 2001.05
Secured position as Assistant Accountant on six-month maternity cover at Birmingham Fiat.
Established procedures and systems as Regional Payroll Administrator for company-wide implementation.
- Promoted to Dealership Accountant at Birmingham Fiat dealership in November 1999.
- Transitioned from temporary role to permanent contract in January 1998.
Credit Controller & Query Clerk
TNT Express Worldwide
Birmingham
1996.06 - 1997.04
Credit Controller & Office Manager
Network Electrical Components Ltd
Birmingham
1995.11 - 1996.06
Credit Controller
Connect Distribution Ltd
Birmingham
1990.10 - 1995.11
General Office Clerk & Cashier
Vauntage Insurance Brokers
Hall Green, Birmingham
1990.01 - 1990.10
Diamond Cutter
Smiths
Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham
1989.08 - 1989.12
Education
AAT Level 2, 3 & 4 - Accounts
Solihull College
Solihull 1997.09 - 2002.03
GCSEs -
Tudor Grange Secondary School
Solihull 1984.09 - 1989.07
Skills
- Exceptional knowledge of Keyloop (ADP) systems
- Exceptional knowledge and understanding of Sytner Policies and Procedures (Toolkit)
- Extremely hardworking and keen to learn
- Punctual and good organisational skills I do not miss deadlines
- Audit procedures understanding :
2025 Dealership Audit score of 96 (Accounts 96 and Balance Sheet 97)
2024 Dealership Audit Score of 91 (Accounts 99 and Balance Sheet 95)
- AAT certification
- Management accounting competence
- Time management excellence
- Balance sheet management
- Full support to the complete Management Team, giving one to one support and training where needed
- Team Leadership and support
Affiliations
- For the past 8 years I have taken up Karate. I am currently studying to achieve my 1st Dan belt (Black belt), which i am hoping to grade to in September 2026 with my daughter.
- I enjoy Swimming and going to the gym, where time allows me.
- I also enjoy spending quality time with my Family and friends.
Accomplishments
Having being a qualified member of the Association of Accounting Technicians, I was invited by the Association to become a Fellow Member. This is awarded once you have been a member for five or more continuous years.
I have won the SAGA fully expensed trip to New York with Sytner on two separate occasions.
I have been nominated for Divisional Accountant of the Year for two consecutive years.
Certification
I am extremely proud to have achieved the letters FMAAT after my name after successfully achieving the AAT qualification in 2002.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Dealership Accountant
SYTNER - Jaguar Land Rover Northampton
2020.11 - Current
Dealership Accountant
SYTNER - Jaguar Coventry
2017.10 - 2020.11
Dealership Accountant
SYTNER - Jaguar Coventry & Jaguar Northampton
2015.03 - 2017.10
Dealership Accountant
SYTNER - BMW Birmingham Central
2007.03 - 2015.03
Dealership Accountant (Maternity Cover)
SYTNER - BMW Coventry
2006.05 - 2007.02
Dealership Accountant
Abacus Vehicle Sales - Redditch VW
2006.02 - 2006.05
Dealership Accountant
REG VARDY PLC - Redditch VW
2004.03 - 2006.02
Dealership CMA Accountant
REG VARDY PLC - Leicester Audi, VW & Commercial
2002.05 - 2004.03
Dealership Accountant
REG VARDY PLC - Birmingham Nissan
2001.05 - 2002.05
AAT Level 2, 3 & 4 - Accounts
Solihull College
1997.09 - 2002.03
Assistant Accountant promoted to Accountant
REG VARDY PLC - Birmingham Fiat
1997.04 - 2001.05
Credit Controller & Query Clerk
TNT Express Worldwide
1996.06 - 1997.04
Credit Controller & Office Manager
Network Electrical Components Ltd
1995.11 - 1996.06
Credit Controller
Connect Distribution Ltd
1990.10 - 1995.11
General Office Clerk & Cashier
Vauntage Insurance Brokers
1990.01 - 1990.10
Diamond Cutter
Smiths
1989.08 - 1989.12
GCSEs -
Tudor Grange Secondary School
1984.09 - 1989.07