Contract Hire Accounting Manager

About the role

This position leads the core financial operations for Santander Consumer Finance's contract hire business in the United Kingdom. Based in Milton Keynes, the role will initially manage a small team and expand as the contract hire portfolio grows.

Key responsibilities

• Identify and mitigate conduct, operational and credit risks, ensuring completion of mandatory training.
• Support Financial Crime Compliance by detecting and preventing money laundering, sanctions breaches, terrorist financing, bribery, corruption and tax evasion.
• Document and operate planning assumptions and reporting controls accurately.
• Lead a high‑performing finance team, improving reporting, analysis capability and forecasting.
• Maintain strong relationships with external auditors and ensure timely resolution of audit queries.
• Provide commercial and technical advice to support business decisions and align financial reports with strategy.
• Oversee production of external reporting and ensure robust controls reconcile management information with statutory statements.

Required profile

• Proven experience in accounting or finance leadership within a contract hire or motor finance environment.
• Strong understanding of risk management, regulatory compliance and financial crime controls.
• Ability to develop talent, set performance targets and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills to liaise with auditors, senior stakeholders and the wider business.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape a growing finance function within a leading UK motor finance company.
• Competitive remuneration package.
• Professional development and career progression as the business scales.