Finance Manager - Operations

Company Description/ Business Unit

Location: Basingstoke  hybrid 3 x per week in the office

Employment Type: Permanent  

Salary: Competitive salary plus up to 10% annual bonus 

Hours: 37 Hours per week 

Think the AA is just about roadside assistance? Think again!  

  As one of the UK's most trusted brands, we provide a wide range of services to millions of customers. From comprehensive Home and Motor Insurance to personalised Financial Services like Loans and Savings, and outstanding B2B, Consumer, Business Services, Driver Training, Car Care, and Service Maintenance and Repair, we've got you covered. Our mission is to keep Britain moving, and we're looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. Ready to join us? 

 #LI-CL1 #LI-Hybrid 

This is the job

This role sits within the Financial Control team and supports the Roadside Financial Controller in delivering accurate management accounting and financial reporting for the Roadside Patrol Operations division. It also ensures strong governance over financial data. Additionally, the role will work closely with the Fleet commercial team, providing analytical insight to support decision-making around the Group’s evolving Fleet strategy.

What will I be doing?

In this role, you’ll take on a wide range of responsibilities that are key to the financial management and strategic direction of the Roadside Patrol Operations division and Fleet. Your main duties will include: 

• Managing Month-End Close 
  Leading the month-end process for Roadside Patrol Operations and the Group’s leased vehicle fleet (including Patrol vehicles, Driving School tuition vehicles, and company cars). This includes posting and reviewing journals, managing accruals and prepayments, analysing actuals, and ensuring all deadlines are met 

• Supporting Strategic Decision-Making 
  Acting as a key member of the finance team, you’ll support the Fleet commercial team by providing analytical insights to inform the Group’s Fleet strategy 

• Producing Financial Reports 
  Preparing month-end reports with detailed analysis and commentary on financial performance, KPIs, balance sheet, and cash flow, ensuring accuracy and integrity throughout 

• Maintaining Financial Controls 
  Completing and reviewing balance sheet reconciliations and ensuring compliance with all financial control requirements 

• Improving Financial Processes 
  Reviewing, challenging, and documenting financial processes across Roadside Patrol Operations and Fleet, including those carried out by your direct report 

• Leading on Controls Framework 
  Acting as the finance lead for Roadside Patrol Operations in collaboration with the central Controls team during the rollout of the Controls framework 

• Ensuring Accounting Compliance 
  Upholding accounting governance standards (e.g. revenue recognition, lease accounting, provisions) and handling technical accounting queries 

• Managing Forecasts and Budgets 
  Consolidating forecast and budget submissions, ensuring accurate input into planning systems, and forecasting balance sheet and cash flows 

• Driving Process Improvements 
  Working with wider finance teams to streamline processes, automate tasks, and align reporting practices 

• Enhancing Cash Flow Reporting 
  Supporting cash flow reporting and collaborating with the Treasury function to develop and improve reporting processes 

• Meeting Reporting Deadlines 
  Ensuring all month-end and reporting activities are completed on time and to a high standard 

• Liaising with Auditors 
  Acting as the main finance contact for external auditors, responding to technical queries and managing audit requests during year-end and interim audits 
• Leading and Developing Team Members 
  Overseeing, training, and reviewing the work of direct reports 
• Supporting Controls Projects 
  Contributing to the Group’s ongoing controls project and helping implement new or improved processes 
• Contributing to Ad Hoc Projects 
  Getting involved in various projects and initiatives to support the wider Finance team 

What do I need?

To thrive in this role, you’ll bring a strong blend of technical expertise, commercial awareness, and interpersonal skills, including: 

• Advanced professional knowledge of accounting principles and practices 

• In-depth understanding and experience of lease accounting 

• Highly numerate and analytical, with strong verbal and written communication skills 

• Technologically forward-thinking, with high IT literacy and a proactive approach to adopting new tools 

• Technical proficiency, including experience with Excel, VBA, SQL, and ERP systems such as SAP and BPC 

• Commercially minded, with the ability to link financial insight to business strategy 

• Enthusiastic and ambitious, bringing energy and drive to the team 

• Proactive problem-solver, able to take ownership and see issues through to resolution 

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment 

• Strong organisational skills, capable of working independently and managing competing priorities 

• Leadership capability, with experience in managing and training finance staff 

• A desire to build knowledge of AA product performance drivers while strengthening core accounting and controllership expertise 

 Education & Qualifications 

• Educated to graduate level 

• Chartered Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or equivalent) with a minimum of 3 years’ experience in an accounting environment 

Additional information

We’re always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you’ll have access to a range of benefits including: 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme 
• Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution 

• Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends 

• Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance 

• Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more 

• Company funded life assurance 

• Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career 

• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family 

Plus, so much more! 

We’re an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change. 
 
As part of the onboarding process, we complete several pre-employment checks including work reference, credit and criminal record checks. 

We may close the vacancy sooner than the advertised date if we get a high volume of applications, please apply now if you are interested.