Robert Davis
Stratford Upon Avon,Warwickshire
Summary
Finance professional with 20 years in the automotive retail sector specializing in cash flow management, strategic financial planning, and financial auditing. Expertise in ledger management, prepayments, accruals, and debt control, with proficiency in cloud-based accounting software including Pinnacle, Gemini, Sage Accounts, QuickBooks, and Sage Payroll. Demonstrated success in improving financial operations through effective forecasting, budgeting, bank reconciliation, stock management, asset management, and audit preparation. Committed to utilizing financial systems skills to enhance organizational performance and drive career advancement in finance.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Finance Director
Unity Automotive Group Limited
Midlands
10.2019 - 06.2026
- Managed multiple locations, leading accounts and administration teams to optimize monthly accounts preparation procedures.
- Improved cash flow management to ensure operational stability.
- Provided guidance on complex financial matters to senior management, informed strategic decisions.
- Consolidated comprehensive management accounts, integrating income statements, cashflow and balance sheets.
- Enhanced financial performance through strategic planning, budget management, and accurate forecasting.
- Facilitated external and internal audits while coordinating with external tax advisors.
- Conducted variance analysis to identify discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
- Optimised use of financial software to expedite accounting tasks and improve accuracy.
- Ensured consistent profitability with diligent cost control measures.
- Oversaw payroll functions for 100 staff, ensuring complete accuracy and compliance.
- Maintained Group accountant roles (as below)
Senior Group Accountant
Unity Automotive Group Limited
Midlands
10.2014 - 10.2019
- Lead and managed Sales Administration and Accounts teams.
- Supported the Accounts Payable and Accounts receivable functions.
- Prepared supplier payments runs.
- Compiled composite reports in accordance with manufacturer requirements.
- Executed month-end close process ensuring all relevant accrual/prepayment journals were completed.
- Executed balance sheet reconciliation on a monthly basis, incorporating fixed asset management and depreciation analysis.
- Facilitated onboarding of new dealerships by coordinating DMS installations, delivering onsite training, and offering continuous support.
- Managed DMS system installations across the group, achieving substantial cost reductions through active engagement.
- Prepared ad hoc financial reports and management information to support informed decision-making.
- Compiled monthly consolidated accounts for the group.
Dealership Accountant
Unity Automotive Group Limited
Warwickshire
10.2006 - 10.2014
- Solely responsible for a multi-franchise dealership's accounts function.
- This included, sales ledger processing, debt chasing, supplier invoice processing, supplier payment runs, prepayments, accruals and maintenance of the fixed asset register.
- Prepared monthly management accounts and submitted manufacturer composite reports.
- Experienced in processing of vehicles invoices, new car registrations and manufacturer bonuses.
Education
Level 4 Diploma - Accounting
Association of Accounting Technicians
Trident Business Centre Leamington Spa 09.2006 - 07.2009
GCSE's - Secondary Education
King Edward VI Grammar School
Stratford-Upon-Avon 09.1993 - 07.1998
Skills
- Cash flow optimisation
- Restructuring experience
- Capital budgeting
- Fixed asset accounting
- Capital expenditure control
- Account reconciliation
- Excel proficiency
- Payroll processing
- Financial management reporting
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Finance Director
Unity Automotive Group Limited
10.2019 - 06.2026
Senior Group Accountant
Unity Automotive Group Limited
10.2014 - 10.2019
Dealership Accountant
Unity Automotive Group Limited
10.2006 - 10.2014
Level 4 Diploma - Accounting
Association of Accounting Technicians
09.2006 - 07.2009
GCSE's - Secondary Education
King Edward VI Grammar School
09.1993 - 07.1998