Financial Controller

Join our team at Goddard Enterprises Ltd - (GEL) and become a part of a continuously expanding and financially sound multinational conglomerate which has a robust presence across six diverse industries, spanning over 100 companies, strategically positioned in twenty-seven (27) countries in the Caribbean, Latin America and North America. 

The Automotive Division within GEL comprises several entities. These companies serve as authorized dealerships for Nissan and Hyundai brands in Barbados, and exclusively for Nissan in Jamaica, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent. Additionally, the division boasts a diverse portfolio that also includes a Rental Brand, operating exclusively in Barbados. 

Within this division, the respective companies offer a range of services, including authentic parts, mechanical and electrical workshops, body shops, tire services, and the manufacturing and retailing of vehicle batteries. 

We are looking for a highly numerate, self-motivated, commercially focused and results-driven Financial Controller for Fidelity Motors Ltd, to become a part of the Automotive Division. This position reports directly to the General Manager and functionally to Divisional Financial Controller. 

The Financial Controller is responsible for providing senior management with a forecast of the company’s profit & loss, operating expenses and provides a critical role in supporting strategic decision-making by providing insightful financial analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting.  

Core Responsibilities:  

A. Financial Reporting & Accounting Operations 

• Oversee the full accounting function, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, fixed assets, bank reconciliations and month-end close. 

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of monthly management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations, income statements, cash flow reports, sales reports, inventory reports and supporting schedules. 

• Analyze and interpret financial results monthly, highlighting key variances, risks, opportunities and corrective actions required. 

• Ensure financial statements, statutory filings, tax submissions and other regulatory obligations are completed accurately and on time. 

• Ensure creditors’ accounts are reconciled, authorized invoices are paid in accordance with agreed terms, and receivables are actively monitored in line with company policy. 

B. Budgeting, Forecasting & Business Performance 

• Lead the annual budgeting and rolling forecasting process for Fidelity Motors Ltd., in alignment with divisional timelines, assumptions and reporting requirements. 

• Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast, identifying key risks, opportunities and areas requiring management intervention. 

• Provide forward-looking financial insights to support pricing, cost control, margin improvement, inventory planning and strategic decision-making. 

• Partner with the General Manager, department heads and Divisional Financial Controller to support profitability improvement across Vehicle Sales, Parts, Service, Bodyshop and other business units. 

• Prepare monthly commentary and analysis for divisional review, including performance against budget, gross margin, overheads, working capital, cash flow and inventory performance. 

C. Internal Controls, Risk Management & Fraud Prevention 

• Design, implement, monitor and continuously improve the internal control framework across all financial and operational processes at Fidelity Motors Ltd. 

• Conduct periodic reviews of key financial controls, including segregation of duties, approval authorities, cash handling, bank reconciliations, credit notes, write-offs, discounts, commissions and incentive payments. 

• Identify and investigate control weaknesses, unexplained variances, suspected fraud, revenue leakage, wastage, duplicate payments, ghost vendors or other financial irregularities. 

• Ensure adherence to divisional policies, Group requirements, statutory obligations and established dealership operating procedures. 

• Escalate material control weaknesses, suspected fraud, policy breaches or financial risks to the General Manager, Divisional Financial Controller and Group Internal Audit, as appropriate. 

D. Inventory, Revenue & Dealership Controls 

• Oversee vehicle, parts and other inventory control processes, including reconciliation of physical counts to system records and investigation of variances. 

• Monitor stock levels, ageing, floorplan/inventory financing, slow-moving inventory and margin performance, escalating material risks or exposures. 

• Ensure complete and accurate revenue capture across Vehicle Sales, Parts, Service, Bodyshop and other revenue-generating departments. 

• Review and monitor sales transactions, discounts, concessions, credit notes, commissions and incentive payments to ensure proper approval and compliance with policy. 

• Monitor for unusual transactions, fictitious sales, pre-delivery manipulation, margin erosion, revenue cut-off issues or other irregularities. 

• Support OEM reporting requirements, dealer standards compliance and audit requests where applicable. 

E. Cash Flow, Working Capital & Treasury Support 

• Manage and monitor cash flow, working capital, receivables, payables and inventory financing to support liquidity and operational needs. 

• Prepare short-term and medium-term cash flow forecasts and provide early warning of funding risks, supplier payment pressures or facility constraints. 

• Liaise with bankers and other financing partners, as required, to support facility management, covenant compliance and funding requests. 

• Ensure bank deposits, receipts, payments and reconciliations are properly controlled, reviewed and completed in a timely manner. 

• Support divisional treasury planning by providing accurate cash flow, inventory funding and supplier payment information. 

F. Systems, Process Improvement & Data Integrity 

• Maintain the integrity of financial data across the dealer management system, ERP/accounting systems and divisional reporting tools. 

• Review accounting systems, procedures and workflows periodically, recommending improvements to strengthen efficiency, accuracy, controls and reporting. 

• Support system enhancements, automation, reporting improvements and standardization of financial processes across Fidelity Motors Ltd. 

• Ensure that financial and operational reports generated from systems are complete, accurate and fit for management decision-making. 

G. Leadership & Stakeholder Management 

• Lead, mentor and develop the finance and accounting team, ensuring clear objectives, accountability, training and performance management. 

• Provide financial guidance and support to the General Manager and departmental managers to improve decision-making and operational performance. 

• Act as the primary finance liaison for Fidelity Motors Ltd. with the Divisional Financial Controller, Group Finance, auditors, bankers, tax authorities, suppliers and other external stakeholders. 

• Promote a strong control culture, high ethical standards and timely escalation of issues across the business. 

Qualifications, Experience & Skills required:  

•       Completion of a university degree in Management, Accounting or related discipline. 

•        Professional certification at ACCA, CPA/CGA qualified or at final level of study. 

•        A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a senior position and possess strong leadership skills. 

•        Strong proficiency in financial planning, modeling and analysis.