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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and reporting for global commercial product lines.
- Company: Join James Fisher and Sons, a global leader in engineering services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, and clear career development pathways.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-growth environment with meaningful work.
- Qualifications: Extensive finance experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and individual contributions.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
James Fisher and Sons is seeking a Head of Finance – Commercial. This is a full-time, permanent position based in Westhill, Aberdeen with hybrid working options. Please note that this role requires security checks.
The Role
As the Head of Finance – Commercial, you will be our finance business partner for the Commercial product lines, responsible for the financial delivery to forecast, ensuring accurate reporting, financial strategy ownership, and driving efficiency and value add to the business. You will work closely with the Divisional Finance Director and Commercial Director to unlock the full financial potential of these product lines and be instrumental in the implementation of system and process improvements while upskilling the current finance team.
As part of the Commercial management team, you will shape team culture across regions and play a key role in all senior commercial sign-offs. Reporting directly to the Divisional Finance and Commercial Director, with dotted lines to the Commercial Director and Divisional FC, you will support operations with an annual turnover of £25m and significant growth potential. With teams based in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Knutsford, Singapore, US, and Australia, this is a high-impact role at the heart of a truly global business. This role offers you a chance to join an exciting business during a key growth period and offers fantastic career progression opportunities.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead the production and continuous improvement of consolidated accounts and financial reports for global Commercial product lines, ensuring compliance with Group deadlines.
- Partner with senior management to develop KPIs, deliver insightful analysis, and provide monthly management packs to support strategic decisions.
- Collaborate with the Product Line Director and regional teams to drive accuracy in budgets and forecasts, optimise cash flow, and monitor working capital requirements.
- Oversee financial governance for new product development, maintaining robust cost controls and accountability.
- Champion process improvements and operational efficiencies by challenging the status quo and implementing best practices.
- Support the rollout of a consolidated ERP system across Commercial operations.
- Assist regional finance leads with monthly accounts and statutory reporting, ensuring compliance with internal controls and audit recommendations.
- Act as the escalation point for external audits, guaranteeing smooth audit processes.
- Drive talent management, succession planning, and resource development to build a high-performing finance team aligned with future business needs.
What We’re Looking For
- Extensive experience in financial reporting, modelling, and consolidation across global operations.
- Background in Defence, energy, production, or manufacturing industries desirable.
- Proven track record in implementing change, including entity consolidations and wind-downs.
- Experience working in high-growth environments.
- Strong knowledge of ERP systems, ideally with implementation and integration experience.
- Expertise in enhancing control environments to FTSE-250 standards.
- ACA, ACCA, or CIMA full qualification with a solid understanding and application of current accounting standards.
- Ability to convey complex financial information clearly and effectively.
- Skilled in collaborating with senior management, executives, auditors, and cross-functional teams.
- Confident in presenting complex financial findings to senior leadership and providing clear, actionable recommendations.
- Experienced leader with a track record of developing finance teams and fostering collaboration across functions.
- Committed to mentoring and supporting less experienced team members.
- Ability to align financial strategies with broader organisational goals.
Why join us?
- Competitive salary and benefits package aligned with experience (Private Medical Insurance, Life Assurance, Cycle to work scheme, Company Pension, etc.)
- Clear pathways for career development
- Inclusive and supportive culture that values individual contributions
- Meaningful work with impact across safety, innovation, and global operations
About Us
James Fisher is a global engineering services company operating across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. With a strong heritage in maritime operations, we now deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. Our One James Fisher strategy is focused on building a unified, sustainable business within the Blue Economy, driving progress through technology, expertise, and collaboration.
If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now! James Fisher and Sons are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications for candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.
Head of Finance - Commercial employer: ACCA Careers
Contact Detail:
ACCA Careers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance - Commercial
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in commercial roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals that could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial strategies. Understand their product lines and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows you're genuinely interested and can add value.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear and concise about your achievements and how they relate to the role of Head of Finance – Commercial. Highlight your experience in driving efficiencies and implementing changes, as these are key for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at James Fisher and Sons, where we value talent and diversity.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance - Commercial
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance – Commercial role. Highlight your experience in financial reporting and modelling, especially in high-growth environments. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven efficiency and value in previous positions. Remember, we love a good story that showcases your skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential leader in our finance team, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to develop and mentor others. Share experiences where you've built high-performing teams or improved team culture. We’re all about collaboration here!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at James Fisher and Sons.
How to prepare for a job interview at ACCA Careers
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Finance – Commercial, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial reporting and modelling. Brush up on your key metrics and be ready to discuss how you've driven financial performance in previous roles. This will show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
This role requires someone who can implement change effectively. Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully led financial transformations or process improvements. Highlight your ability to challenge the status quo and drive efficiencies.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the Defence, energy, and manufacturing sectors, as these are relevant to the company. Be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with their operations and how you can contribute to their growth strategy.
✨Engage with Senior Management Scenarios
Since you'll be collaborating with senior management, practice articulating complex financial information clearly. Prepare to present a few scenarios where you've provided actionable recommendations to executives, showcasing your ability to influence strategic decisions.
