Chief Financial Officer
Bournemouth
Job Purpose
As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will provide strategic financial leadership and oversight. The role is responsible for ensuring the company’s financial integrity, sustainability, and compliance while actively contributing to overall corporate strategy and decision-making. The CFO will drive financial planning, risk management, and operational efficiency, enabling the business to scale and remain competitive in a dynamic global cargo and aviation market, including effective governance, robust internal controls, and high-quality statutory and management reporting.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Shape and lead the company’s financial strategy in alignment with long-term vision, growth objectives, and operational priorities.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team, contributing financial insight to key business decisions, investments, and planning.
- Develop and oversee multi-year financial plans, capital allocation strategies, and investment appraisals.
Financial Planning, Analysis & Reporting
- Lead the development and management of annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and performance reviews, ensuring alignment with commercial and operational strategies.
- Produce accurate, timely, and insightful financial reports for internal stakeholders, the Board of Directors, auditors, and regulatory bodies.
- Implement and maintain financial KPIs and dashboards to monitor performance and support proactive decision-making.
- Oversee month-end close and management reporting, including variance analysis and actionable commentary for budget owners.
Risk Management & Compliance
- Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks through robust risk management frameworks and internal controls.
- Maintain an effective financial control environment including delegated authorities, segregation of duties, and finance policies and procedures.
- Ensure compliance with all financial, legal, tax, and regulatory requirements, including aviation industry standards and reporting obligations
- Oversee tax compliance and strategy (e.g., VAT, corporation tax, PAYE) in conjunction with external advisers, ensuring appropriate governance and risk management.
- Own statutory financial statements and year-end processes, ensuring timely delivery of audited accounts and all required filings.
- Lead internal and external audit processes, resolving issues and implementing recommended improvements.
- Oversee the company’s insurance programme (in conjunction with brokers) and ensure appropriate financial governance for claims, renewals, and risk financing.
Cash Flow, Treasury & Funding
- Oversee cash flow management, liquidity planning, and working capital optimisation to support operational resilience and growth.
- Lead treasury management including banking facilities, signatory controls, and foreign exchange exposure management for multi-currency operations.
- Manage relationships with financial institutions, investors, and funding partners, ensuring the business maintains optimal financing structures.
- Drive funding strategies for major projects, expansions, or asset acquisitions, including debt or equity financing when necessary.
Commercial & Operational Finance
- Partner with commercial, operations, and logistics teams to evaluate pricing models, route profitability, and cargo yield management.
- Provide financial analysis and modelling to support contract negotiations, cost-reduction programmes, and strategic initiatives.
- Lead cost control measures and margin improvement projects across the business.
Systems, Technology & Data
- Champion the adoption of modern financial systems and digital tools to improve reporting accuracy, operational efficiency, and strategic forecasting.
- Ensure robust financial data governance and the effective use of analytics to drive business performance.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team capable of supporting a growing and complex business.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the finance function.
- Establish clear goals, development plans, and succession strategies for finance team members.
Board & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a key liaison between the executive team and the Board of Directors on all financial matters, providing reports, insights, and recommendations.
- Represent the company with external stakeholders including investors, auditors, regulators, and strategic partners.
Experience Required
- Significant senior-level experience in a financial leadership role, typically gained over 10+ years, preferably within the aviation, logistics, or transport sector.
- Proven track record in leading financial operations, strategic planning, and business transformation.
- Experience in private equity-backed or growth-focused organisations is advantageous.
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent); MBA or additional financial qualifications desirable.
- Strong understanding of financial and management accounting, audit, compliance, and reporting standards (IFRS/UK GAAP).
- Working knowledge of accounting for leases (e.g., IFRS 16) and asset-intensive environments is desirable.
- Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial modelling.
- Strong treasury knowledge including banking facilities, covenant reporting (where applicable), and foreign exchange risk management.
- Knowledge of aviation industry financial structures (e.g., cargo revenue models, aircraft leasing, freight yields) is highly desirable.
- Strong analytical, commercial, and strategic thinking skills.
- High proficiency in finance systems, data analytics, and Microsoft Excel
Why Work with JMC Aviation?
At JMC Aviation, we specialise in aviation recruitment across engineering services and training to airlines, MROs and OEMs, leasing and asset management companies, and component overhaul organisations. With deep industry knowledge and a global network, we match the right talent to the right roles — contract or permanent.
- Industry-leading compliance support
- Fast onboarding and documentation assistance
- Dedicated recruitment consultant
- Placements across the globe
- Extensive experience and knowledge of the aviation sector
How to Apply
Submit your up-to-date CV, along with copies of right to work documents
Compliance & Equal Opportunities
JMC Aviation is committed to equal opportunity and diversity in the workplace. All applicants will be considered based on merit, qualification, and business need, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or background. We operate in full compliance with global aviation recruitment regulations.
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