Financial Controller

Financial Controller (Finance Director Designate)

Staverton nr Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Up to £50,000 per annum

Gloucestershire Airport is widely regarded within the industry as one of the UK’s leading General and Business Aviation airports with around 180 aircraft being permanently based, ranging from single seat micro-lights to multi-million dollar Executive Jets. 

It is a thriving business and recreation airport handling around 90,000 movements each year and as part of our growth plan we are looking to recruit a Financial Controller (Finance Director Designate).  The jobholder will ensure the delivery and development of a fully integrated marketing and business development strategy which delivers business growth and increased shareholder returns ensuring customer focus is paramount.

Role Overview

The Financial Controller (Finance Director Designate) will support the Managing Director and Commercial Director by advising on the best path of growth for the business. This commercially astute senior position is required to be an exceptional accountant advising on the best path of growth for the business. The role will provide strategic support to the business in delivering overall profitable growth and increased returns to shareholders, including specific responsibility for DCF modelling, business planning, investment appraisals and cost analysis. The role will have overall control and responsibility for all financial aspects of company strategy and is expected to analyse figures and implement recommendations based on these findings, with the most profitable outcomes. A hands-on approach is required to support and lead a small team through month, year-end and annual budgeting. In periods of change and growth the jobholder will be critical in coordinating corporate finance and managing company policies regarding capital requirements, debt, taxation, equality and acquisitions as appropriate. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

• Provide leadership on the airport’s finance and accounting strategy to optimise the company’s financial performance and strategic position.
• Form a close working relationship with the Managing Director, other Senior Executives and Non-Executives.
• Take overall control of the company’s accounting and HR functions 
• Contribute fully to the development of company strategy across all areas of the business, challenging assumptions and decision-making as appropriate and providing financial analysis and guidance on all activities, plans, targets and business drivers.
• To ensure that sound business planning and budgeting processes are in place to support the delivery of the Business Plan, including the development and implementation of sound business appraisal techniques.
• To support the Managing Director in ensuring that all major business decisions are accompanied by a detailed business case appraisal. 
• Ensure that company financial systems are robust, compliant and support current activities and future growth.
• Preparing accurate budgets and rolling 10 year forecasts for the Board and Shareholders on a consistent and credible basis along with comparisons to actual and explanations of variances and presentation of the result to Directors and Shareholders.
• To develop reporting systems to ensure the timely presentation of business performance monitoring information to the Board and Shareholders.
• Provide commercial support and financial insights to the Executive Directors on all matters relating to the commercial development of the airport.
• Work with senior teams to grow the business, formulating strategies and plans.
• Closely supervising, training and develop the accounts team to ensure that processes are properly maintained and followed at all times
• To plan and implement the most sensible structure for the department to support the changing needs of the business.
• To support the Finance Manager in the monthly management accounting function by providing prompt and accurate information after each month (within 5 working days) and developing and presenting data in an suitable format.
• Monitoring and forecasting cash flow on a systematic basis and ensuring prompt and efficient collections from tenants and customers.
• Automating, upgrading and modernizing systems, including the interfaces with ALDIS and operational staff, to improve controls and the efficiency and quality of the accounting function.
• Ensure corporate budgeting process are carried out and reviewed.
• Take ultimate responsibility for the company cash management policies.
• Present annual accounts to shareholders.
• Ensure regulatory requirements of all statutory bodies are met.
• Establish a high level of credibility and manage strong working relationships with external parties including customers and advisors.
• Help develop revenue pricing and costing policies to maximize revenue.
• To perform any other duties which the Board may reasonably require and which are commensurate with the position of Financial Controller (Finance Director Designate).

Experience 

• Reporting to or membership of a commercial board
• Minimum of 5 years in a financial controllership environment
• Property development, aviation, capital raising and Local Authority experience would be an advantage

Qualifications 

• ACA, ACCA or equivalent degree level qualification in business finance

Working Hours: As required to perform the function of the role Financial Controller (Finance Director Designate).