Every franchised dealership, dealer group and automotive business depends on a capable accounts function to manage the financial transactions that keep the operation running. The Automotive Accounts Assistant sits at the heart of that function, handling the day-to-day processing of sales and purchase ledgers, manufacturer bonuses, vehicle funding, stocking finance and the complex reconciliations that are specific to the motor trade.
It is a sector with its own financial rhythm, vocabulary and compliance requirements that are meaningfully different from general commercial accountancy. Candidates who understand how a dealership's accounts function operates are significantly more valuable in this market than those with pure finance experience from outside the sector.
Venatu recruits Automotive Accounts Assistants for permanent and temporary roles across franchised dealerships, dealer groups and automotive businesses throughout the UK. This role sits within our operational support recruitment activity. Explore all current opportunities on our job map or browse live vacancies.
Who We Recruit For
We place candidates with:
- Franchised car, van and commercial vehicle dealerships
- Multi-site dealer groups and automotive retail groups
- Independent automotive service businesses with dedicated accounts functions
- Vehicle leasing and contract hire companies
- Automotive parts distributors and aftermarket businesses
- Fleet management and vehicle remarketing businesses
- Manufacturer-owned retail and distribution operations
- Automotive bodyshop groups and accident repair networks
Roles We Place
- Automotive Accounts Assistant
- Dealership Accounts Administrator
- Sales Ledger Assistant (Automotive)
- Purchase Ledger Assistant (Automotive)
- Vehicle Accounts Assistant
- Finance and Insurance (F&I) Administrator
- Automotive Payroll Assistant
- Dealer Management System (DMS) Accounts Administrator
- Stocking Finance Administrator
- Manufacturer Bonus Claims Administrator
- Accounts Receivable / Accounts Payable Assistant (Automotive)
Who Can Apply
Strong candidates typically come from:
- Existing Automotive Accounts Assistants or Dealership Accounts Administrators looking for a new employer, larger group or more structured finance environment
- General accounts assistants or purchase and sales ledger clerks from outside the motor trade who have strong transactional finance skills and want to move into a specialist sector
- Bodyshop Administrators or service administrators with exposure to invoicing, purchase orders and financial reconciliation who want to move into a dedicated accounts role
- Automotive parts administrators or stock controllers with an understanding of parts purchasing, supplier invoicing and inventory finance processes
- Finance or business administration students completing AAT or equivalent study who want a motor trade environment to develop practical accounts experience
- Payroll administrators from any sector with strong attention to detail and experience across time-based pay structures
Familiarity with a dealer management system (DMS) such as Keyloop (CDK), Autoline or Pinewood is highly valued. Venatu confirms the DMS in use with each employer and advises candidates on the systems they are likely to encounter.
Automotive Accounts Assistant Salary Guide UK (2026)
| Role | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Automotive Accounts Assistant (Entry Level) | £24,000 - £28,000 |
| Automotive Accounts Assistant (Experienced) | £28,000 - £35,000 |
| Senior Accounts Assistant / Team Leader | £34,000 - £42,000 |
| Stocking Finance / Manufacturer Bonus Administrator | £28,000 - £36,000 |
| Automotive Payroll Assistant | £26,000 - £34,000 |
Salaries in larger dealer groups and those located in London and the South East typically sit at the higher end of each band. Some roles offer a discretionary bonus or profit share. Study support for AAT or equivalent qualifications is offered by a number of larger employers. Venatu benchmarks package expectations with each client before beginning a search. Visit our HR Hub for broader salary context across automotive support functions.
What the Role Involves
Responsibilities vary by employer size and team structure but typically include:
- Processing of sales and purchase invoices and reconciling against delivery notes and purchase orders
- Maintaining the vehicle sales and purchase ledgers, including new and used vehicle transactions
- Processing manufacturer bonus claims and reconciling manufacturer statements
- Managing stocking finance drawdowns, settlements and interest reconciliations
- Handling accounts payable and receivable functions including supplier payment runs
- Bank reconciliations and petty cash management
- Supporting month-end processes and providing data to the dealership Accountant or Financial Controller
- Managing intercompany accounts in multi-site group structures
- Maintaining accurate records within the dealer management system (DMS)
- Assisting with VAT return preparation and compliance documentation
- Processing employee expenses and supporting the payroll function where required
In larger dealer groups the role may focus on a specific ledger function. In smaller dealerships the Accounts Assistant typically covers the full transactional accounts range. Venatu clarifies the scope with each employer before presenting candidates.
How the Process Works
For employers:
- Submit a vacancy with the dealership or group structure, DMS in use and the specific accounts function the role covers.
- We confirm candidate availability and present a shortlist within five working days.
- Candidates are screened for relevant transactional finance experience, DMS familiarity and motor trade sector knowledge.
- Interview and offer supported by Venatu throughout.
For candidates:
- Register your CV and details of your current or most recent accounts role, including any DMS or motor trade experience.
- A Venatu consultant will review your background and contact you directly.
- Roles are matched to your accounts specialism, preferred employer type and location.
- Venatu supports you through the process and advises on package expectations ahead of offer.
Browse current vacancies or create a job alert to be notified when relevant roles appear.
FAQ
Do you need automotive experience to work as an Automotive Accounts Assistant? Not always. Strong transactional finance skills from any sector are valued by many employers, particularly for purchase and sales ledger roles. However, motor trade-specific experience covering vehicle funding, stocking finance, manufacturer bonus reconciliation and DMS operation is highly valued and makes candidates more competitive. Venatu advises candidates from outside the sector on which roles are most accessible and how to position their transferable skills.
What dealer management systems do Automotive Accounts Assistants use? The most widely used DMS platforms across UK franchised dealerships are Keyloop (CDK), Autoline (Kerridge) and Pinewood. Each platform has its own accounts module and financial reporting structure. Candidates with direct DMS experience are typically preferred but most employers will provide training for candidates with strong accounts fundamentals. Venatu confirms the DMS in use with each employer before presenting candidates.
What does an Automotive Accounts Assistant earn in the UK? Experienced Automotive Accounts Assistants typically earn between £28,000 and £35,000. Senior or specialist roles covering stocking finance or manufacturer bonuses earn between £28,000 and £42,000. London and South East rates sit above the national range. Venatu benchmarks package expectations with each client before beginning a search.
What is stocking finance and why is it relevant for automotive accounts roles? Stocking finance (also called floorplan finance) is the funding mechanism most franchised dealerships use to finance their new and used vehicle stock. Vehicles are funded by a finance provider when they arrive at the dealership and the finance is settled when the vehicle is sold. Managing the drawdowns, settlements and interest reconciliations associated with stocking finance is a specific accounts function in all franchised dealership environments. Candidates with experience in this area are consistently in demand. Venatu identifies the depth of stocking finance experience required for each role before beginning a search.
Is there progression from Automotive Accounts Assistant into management? Yes. Common progression routes include moving into a Senior Accounts Assistant, Accounts Controller or Dealership Accountant role, or developing into a Financial Controller position within the dealer group. Larger groups offer more structured development pathways. Venatu identifies employers with active accounts career development programmes for candidates focused on progression. Our HR Hub has further resources on career development in automotive support functions.
Register or Enquire
Candidates - Register your CV with details of your accounts experience, any DMS familiarity and your motor trade background if applicable. Our team will match you to current Automotive Accounts Assistant vacancies across dealerships and dealer groups, including roles that are not publicly advertised. Browse live vacancies or create a job alert.
Employers - Submit a vacancy or visit the client hub to discuss your accounts recruitment requirements. Our team will respond within one working day.