At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a finance team to drive strategic decisions and manage a £2bn budget.
- Company: Join British Airways, the UK's flag carrier with over 100 years of aviation history.
- Benefits: Enjoy staff travel perks, discounted airfares, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of one of the world's leading airlines.
- Qualifications: Must have an accounting qualification and 5+ years of relevant experience.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.
A career without limits. Check you match the skill requirements for this role, as well as associated experience, then apply with your CV below.
As the nation's flag carrier, we take great pride in connecting Britain with the world and the world with Britain. It's something we've been doing for over 100 years, ever since we launched the world's first international scheduled air service between London and Paris. This originality has been in our blood since day one. It's the spirit we share with the people that fly with us, our partners, and our colleagues. So, whether you are a reassuring voice on the end of a phone, a smile at the door, under a wing keeping the turbines spinning or landing us gently in far-flung places, a job at British Airways is yours to make. We know great things can happen when you're inspired to think big and bring your ambition to work every day, which is why, at British Airways the sky is never the limit.
The role: Head of Finance for Fleet, Network & Alliances. Join British Airways as our Head of Finance for Fleet, Network & Alliances, where you'll lead a high-performing finance team to drive strategic decision-making across a budget portfolio exceeding £2bn. This is a key leadership role supporting the Chief Planning and Strategy Officer and helping to shape the financial future of one of the world's leading airlines.
What you'll do:
- Lead a high-performing team of qualified finance professionals, supporting strategic decisions and financial planning across Fleet, Alliances, and User Charges.
- Drive business case development, from inception through to Investment Committee approval.
- Oversee budgeting and forecasting of OPEX and CAPEX (~£1bn each).
- Partner with key stakeholders (CEO, CFO, BA Management Committee) to deliver impactful reporting and analysis.
- Optimise route profitability reporting and influence cost efficiencies, especially in Heathrow negotiations and regulatory settlements.
- Champion finance transformation initiatives and identify synergies across finance areas.
- Provide insightful competitor financial analysis to support strategic direction.
- Strengthen BA's external relationships, with lessors and strategic partners.
What you'll bring to British Airways:
- Inspirational leadership with a focus on collaboration, inclusion, and performance.
- A solution-oriented mindset with the agility to navigate changing circumstances.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex financial concepts.
- Independent professional judgement and commercial awareness to support high-impact decision making.
Your experience:
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), with a minimum of 5 years PQE preferred.
- Extensive experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and strategic planning within complex organisations.
- Detailed knowledge of IFRS and annual report processes.
- Proven track record of leading finance teams and delivering results under tight deadlines.
- Sector experience preferred within aviation, transportation or logistics.
What we offer:
We believe that all the people who work with us should feel valued for the part they play. It's one of the reasons our rewards go far beyond a competitive salary. From the day you join us, you'll get access to brilliant staff travel benefits including unlimited basic and premium standby tickets on British Airways flights. You'll also receive up to 30 discounted Hotline airfares per year for yourself, friends, and family. At British Airways you'll have the chance to take on new challenges and move forward in a way that feels right for you. We encourage all those who work for us to consider opportunities right across our business to help you develop and progress. We never stand still, and we don't expect our people to either.
Inclusion & Diversity: At British Airways we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work. Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we're committed to creating a culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We're looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey to become a Better BA as we continue to connect Britain with the world and the world with Britain.
Head of Finance - Fleet, Network & Alliances (London) employer: British Airways PLC
Contact Detail:
British Airways PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance - Fleet, Network & Alliances (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with British Airways' financial strategies and recent developments in the aviation sector. Understanding their current challenges and opportunities will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the aviation finance sector, especially those who have experience with British Airways or similar companies. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with British Airways' values of collaboration and inclusion. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team through challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the latest trends in financial reporting and budgeting within the aviation industry. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance - Fleet, Network & Alliances (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Match Your Skills: Before applying, carefully review the job description and ensure that your skills and experience align with the requirements. Highlight relevant qualifications such as your accounting certification and experience in financial reporting.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the specific responsibilities and qualifications mentioned in the job listing. Emphasise your leadership experience, strategic planning skills, and any relevant sector experience in aviation or logistics.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Discuss how your background and achievements make you an ideal candidate for leading a finance team at British Airways.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Airways PLC
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before your interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Head of Finance role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities, especially around budgeting, forecasting, and strategic decision-making. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As this role requires inspirational leadership, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences leading finance teams. Highlight specific examples where you fostered collaboration and drove performance, as these qualities are crucial for success in this position.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Questions
Given the importance of stakeholder engagement in this role, think about times when you've successfully communicated complex financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders. Be ready to share how you simplified these concepts and influenced decision-making.
✨Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Since sector experience in aviation, transportation, or logistics is preferred, brush up on current trends and challenges in the airline industry. Being able to discuss these topics will show your genuine interest and understanding of the business landscape.