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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance for a key public sector organisation.
- Company: Highlands and Islands Airports Limited, vital for Scotland's transport infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and impactful leadership experience.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a high-profile role during a pivotal transition.
- Qualifications: Recognised accountancy qualification and senior financial leadership experience required.
- Other info: Engage with government and stakeholders while supporting essential community services.
The predicted salary is between 101500 - 106400 £ per year.
Location: Head Office, Inverness (hybrid or remote working available across HIAL locations)
Contract: Interim - 5 Months (Potential to extend if required)
Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Salary: £101,500 - £106,400
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to join Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) at a pivotal time for the organisation. HIAL is a company wholly owned by the Scottish Government, operating 11 airports across the Highlands and Islands. Its mission is to enable vital air connectivity and lifeline services for the communities it serves, while working towards the ambition of becoming a net zero regional airport group. With annual revenues of circa £35m, a capital programme of around £20m, and a workforce of approximately 670 staff, HIAL plays a critical role in Scotland’s transport infrastructure.
This interim role offers a unique opportunity to provide senior financial leadership within a complex, regulated, and high-profile public sector environment.
The Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Interim CFO is a key member of the Strategic Leadership Team with full legal responsibilities under the Companies Act. The role combines strategic financial leadership with governance oversight.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the development and delivery of HIAL’s financial strategy in line with corporate objectives
- Providing high-quality financial advice to the CEO, Board, and Strategic Leadership Team
- Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, audit, and regulatory compliance
- Managing finance, procurement, and project management functions
- Ensuring compliance with the Scottish Public Finance Manual, IFRS, and relevant procurement regulations
- Supporting commercial decision-making, investment appraisal, and risk management
- Advising the Board on governance matters and ensuring compliance with the Corporate Governance Code
The role requires regular engagement with Scottish Government, Board members, regulators, and key external stakeholders, as well as site visits across the airport network.
The Person
We are seeking a senior finance professional who brings:
- A recognised accountancy qualification and degree-level education
- Proven experience in a senior financial leadership role, ideally at Executive level
- Strong strategic, commercial, and analytical capability
- Experience of governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance
- Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
- A collaborative leadership style with experience of managing and developing teams
- Experience within the public sector, infrastructure, transport, or aviation environments would be advantageous.
Why Join HIAL?
This is a high-impact interim leadership role within an organisation that delivers essential services to communities across Scotland. You will play a critical role in maintaining financial stability, supporting strategic priorities, and strengthening governance during a key period of transition.
Interim CFO employer: Aspen People
Contact Detail:
Aspen People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim CFO
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, or even reach out to former colleagues. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, don’t hold back! Share your insights on financial strategies and governance. Let them see how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can add value.
✨Be Ready for Interviews
Prepare for interviews by researching HIAL and understanding their mission. Think about how your skills can help them achieve their goals, especially around financial stability and compliance. Confidence is key!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim CFO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Interim CFO role. Highlight your strategic financial leadership experience and any relevant public sector work to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for HIAL, focusing on your governance and compliance experience. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see your passion!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, don’t just list responsibilities. Share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous positions, especially in financial strategy and stakeholder management.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at HIAL!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aspen People
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim CFO, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on HIAL’s financials, including their revenue streams and capital programmes. Be ready to discuss how your strategic financial leadership can align with their objectives.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the Scottish Public Finance Manual and IFRS regulations. Show that you understand the compliance requirements and can navigate the complexities of public sector finance. This will highlight your capability in governance and risk management.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you would manage relationships with key stakeholders, including the Scottish Government and Board members. Think about examples from your past where you successfully influenced decision-making or navigated complex stakeholder dynamics.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
HIAL is looking for a collaborative leader. Be ready to share your experiences in managing and developing teams. Highlight how your leadership style has fostered a positive work environment and driven results in previous roles.