Finance Administrator Jobs

The Finance Administrator in an automotive business is the administrative backbone of the finance and accounts function. Working within a franchised dealership, dealer group or automotive finance business, the Finance Administrator ensures that vehicle transactions, finance agreements, supplier invoices, payroll journals and accounts data are processed accurately, completely and on time within the employer's dealer management system.

It is a role where attention to detail is non-negotiable. In a dealership environment, every vehicle sold generates a linked chain of finance, insurance, part-exchange and invoicing documents that must reconcile against the vehicle stock account, the sales ledger and the finance company's settlement record. An error at any point in that chain creates downstream reconciliation problems for the Dealer Accountant and ultimately affects the accuracy of the dealership's monthly composite return and management accounts. The Finance Administrator who processes transactions accurately and completely from day one is an immediate and tangible commercial asset.

Venatu recruits Finance Administrators for permanent and contract roles across franchised car and commercial vehicle dealerships, multi-site dealer groups and automotive finance and insurance businesses throughout the UK. This role sits within our car dealership and operational support recruitment divisions.

Who We Recruit For

We place candidates with:

• Franchised car and commercial vehicle dealerships
• Multi-site franchised dealer groups
• Used car supermarkets and large independent vehicle retailers with structured accounts functions
• Motor finance companies and automotive consumer credit businesses
• Automotive warranty, insurance and protection product providers
• Dealer group central finance and shared services operations
• Automotive leasing and fleet management businesses with accounts administration functions

Roles We Place

• Finance Administrator (Dealership)
• Automotive Finance Administrator
• Dealership Accounts Administrator
• F&I Administrator (Dealership)
• Vehicle Finance Administrator
• Sales Ledger and Purchase Ledger Administrator (Dealership)
• Motor Finance Administrator
• Senior Finance Administrator (Dealership)

Who Can Apply

Strong Finance Administrator candidates in automotive typically come from:

• Experienced Finance Administrators at franchised dealerships or dealer groups who want to move to a new employer, a better-structured accounts environment or an improved package
• Automotive Accounts Assistants who have been handling vehicle transaction processing, purchase ledger and sales ledger administration within a DMS and want to formalise their development into a dedicated finance administrator role with broader scope
• Dealership Receptionists or Bodyshop Administrators who have developed strong DMS data entry and administrative accuracy within the dealership environment and want to move into a finance and accounts role
• Finance administrators from retail, financial services or property management backgrounds who want to move into automotive and are willing to develop DMS-specific knowledge and the dealership accounts workflow
• Bodyshop Customer Service Advisors or Dealership Receptionists who deal with invoicing and payment administration and want to develop into a dedicated finance function
• College leavers or graduates with a business, accounting, finance or administration qualification who want to begin a career in automotive finance administration with a clear pathway to Dealer Accountant level

DMS proficiency is the most highly valued technical skill in dealership finance administration. The most commonly used systems in UK franchised operations are Kerridge Autoline, CDK Drive, Pinewood and Keyloop. Candidates with hands-on experience in one or more of these systems are significantly more attractive to dealership employers. Venatu confirms the DMS in use with each employer before presenting candidates.

Finance Administrator Salary Guide

Salary ranges reflect DMS competency, the size and complexity of the dealership or group, and the breadth of the finance administration scope. Larger dealer groups and multi-franchise operations typically pay towards the higher end of each band. Venatu benchmarks package expectations with each client before beginning a search. Visit the HR Hub for broader context on dealership administration and finance support role remuneration.

What the Role Involves

• Processing vehicle sales invoices, finance agreement paperwork and part-exchange settlement documents within the DMS, ensuring each transaction is complete, accurate and correctly linked to the relevant vehicle stock record
• Managing the submission and tracking of finance proposals to motor finance lenders through the dealership's finance submission platform, chasing outstanding decisions and managing payouts, settlements and early termination administration
• Handling finance company settlement queries, overpayment and underpayment reconciliation, and any finance agreement amendments or corrections in line with the Business Manager or Dealer Accountant's instructions
• Processing dealer bonus, finance house commission and manufacturer holdback income claims and reconciling receipts against expected amounts
• Assisting with purchase ledger administration including invoice processing, supplier statement reconciliation and preparing payment runs for the Dealer Accountant
• Supporting the sales ledger function including customer account maintenance, cash allocation and aged debt reporting
• Processing warranty claims documentation and submitting warranty labour and parts reimbursement claims to manufacturers within the required submission window
• Maintaining employee expenses, petty cash and contra account records where within the Finance Administrator's scope
• Supporting the month-end process by completing outstanding transaction processing, ensuring all vehicle deals are fully document-complete and reporting any outstanding items to the Dealer Accountant ahead of composite submission deadline
• Handling document filing, archiving and audit trail maintenance in compliance with the employer's data retention policy

How the Process Works

For employers:

1. Submit a vacancy with the DMS in use, the size of the finance administration team, the scope of the role and any franchise-specific finance administration requirements.
2. We confirm candidate availability and present a pre-screened shortlist within five working days.
3. Candidates are assessed for DMS competency, transaction processing accuracy and dealership accounts familiarity.
4. Interview and offer supported by Venatu throughout.

For candidates:

1. Register your CV with your DMS experience, the scope of the finance administration function you have worked within, any relevant qualifications and your preferred working pattern and geography.
2. A Venatu consultant will review your background and contact you directly.
3. Roles are matched to your experience level, DMS background and location.
4. Venatu manages the process and advises on package expectations ahead of offer.

Browse current vacancies or create a job alert to be notified when relevant roles become available.

FAQ

What does a Finance Administrator do in a car dealership? A Finance Administrator in a franchised dealership processes vehicle sales transactions, finance agreement documentation, part-exchange settlements, warranty claims and accounts ledger administration within the dealership management system. The role ensures every sales deal and financial transaction is accurately processed and documented, supporting the Dealer Accountant in producing accurate month-end accounts and composite returns. The Finance Administrator is a key part of the dealership's financial control environment.

What DMS systems do Dealership Finance Administrators use? The most widely used dealer management systems in UK franchised dealerships are Kerridge Autoline, CDK Drive, Pinewood and Keyloop. Each has its own data architecture, transaction processing workflows and reporting structure. Proficiency in at least one of these platforms is expected by most dealership employers for experienced Finance Administrator roles. Most dealerships provide full system induction for candidates new to their specific platform. Venatu confirms the DMS in use with each employer before presenting candidates.

Do I need a finance or accounting qualification to become a Finance Administrator in a dealership? Formal qualifications in accounting, business administration or finance are valued but not universally required. Most dealership employers prioritise candidates who demonstrate strong data accuracy, familiarity with a DMS and a systematic approach to transaction processing. AAT study or completion is valued and supports progression towards Dealer Accountant level. Venatu confirms qualification preferences with each employer before presenting candidates.

What does a Finance Administrator earn in a UK dealership? Experienced Finance Administrators in franchised dealerships typically earn between £24,000 and £32,000. Senior Finance Administrators and those in dealer group central finance functions earn between £30,000 and £38,000. Venatu benchmarks package expectations with each employer before beginning a search.

What is the progression from Finance Administrator in a dealership? The most common progression route is to Automotive Accounts Assistant, then onto Dealer Accountant level, typically supported by AAT or equivalent study. Finance Administrators who develop DMS breadth, group reporting understanding and strong working relationships with the Dealer Accountant and Dealer Principal move through this pathway most quickly. Read about the financial and commercial dimensions of the automotive retail sector in The Evolution Of Automobiles.

Register or Enquire

Candidates - Register your CV with your DMS experience, the finance administration function scope you have worked within, any qualifications held and your preferred working pattern. Venatu will match you to current Finance Administrator vacancies across franchised dealerships and dealer groups, including roles not publicly advertised. Browse live vacancies or create a job alert.

Employers - Submit a vacancy or visit the client hub to discuss your dealership finance administration requirements. Our team will respond within one working day.