At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic finance initiatives and support major investment decisions.
- Company: Join Collinson, a global leader in travel experiences and customer engagement.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Diverse team environment focused on innovation and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of travel finance and work with top-tier clients worldwide.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in strategic finance and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Collinson is the global, privately-owned company dedicated to helping the world to travel with ease and confidence.
The group offers a unique blend of industry and sector specialists who together provide market-leading airport experiences, loyalty and customer engagement, and insurance solutions for over 400 million consumers.
Collinson is the operator of Priority Pass, the world’s original and leading airport experiences programme.
Travellers can access a network of 1,500+ lounges and travel experiences, including dining, retail, sleep and spa, in over 650 airports in 148 countries, helping to elevate the journey into something special.
We work with the world’s leading payment networks, over 1,400 banks, 90 airlines and 20 hotel groups worldwide.
We have been bringing innovation to the market since inception – from launching the first independent global VIP lounge access Programme, Priority Pass to being the first to sell direct travel insurance in the UK through Columbus Direct and creating the first loyalty agency of its kind in the travel sector with ICLP.
Today we still invest heavily in innovation to ensure that we continue to deliver superior customer experiences.
Key clients include Mastercard, American Express, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, LATAM, Flying Blue, Accor, Easy Jet, HSBC, Chase, HDFC.
Our mission is focused on doing good beyond profit, which for us means we seek out opportunities for our people to share in our success and that we give back to the communities and people within which we work.
Never short of ambition, the success of our business is delivered through the diverse and talented team of over 2,200 global colleagues.
Purpose of the role
Reporting to the VP Group FP&A, the Strategic Finance Director plays a leading role in supporting the Group's investment, capital allocation and financing decisions.
The role partners closely with the CFO, Investment Committee, Group Strategy and Treasury teams to provide strategic financial insight, investment appraisal and governance support across the Group.
It is responsible for shaping capital allocation frameworks, supporting major investment and financing decisions, and ensuring robust governance and value creation disciplines are embedded across the organisation.
The role also leads a small Strategic Finance team and supports Executive and Board-level decision-making through high-quality financial analysis and insight.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Group's investment appraisal and capital allocation processes, providing financial analysis and recommendations on major investment decisions.
- Support the CFO, Executive Team and Investment Committee on capital planning, investment prioritisation and strategic decision-making.
- Establish and maintain investment governance frameworks, business case standards and post-investment review processes.
- Support financing, refinancing and capital structure decisions through scenario analysis, lender-facing materials and financial insight.
- Partner with Group Strategy on acquisitions, disposals, strategic partnerships and other significant transactions.
- Lead financial due diligence, investment evaluation and value creation analysis for strategic initiatives.
- Develop measures of investment performance, value realisation and capital efficiency across the Group.
- Lead and develop the Strategic Finance team while building best-practice strategic finance capabilities across the organisation.
- Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) or equivalent.
- Significant experience in Strategic Finance, Corporate Finance, FP&A, Transaction Services or a related discipline within a complex organisation.
- Strong understanding of investment appraisal, capital allocation and value creation methodologies.
- Experience supporting major investment decisions, strategic transactions and capital planning activities.
- Strong financial modelling, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership audiences.
- Ability to translate complex financial analysis into clear and actionable recommendations.
- Experience working with senior stakeholders across Finance, Strategy and Treasury functions.
- Experience supporting financing, refinancing or capital structure initiatives.
- Exposure to Investment Committee, Board or equivalent governance environments.
- MBA, CFA or other relevant postgraduate qualification.
Collinson is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes differences in all their forms including: colour, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, family status, age, individuals with disabilities and people from all backgrounds, cultures and experiences as we strongly believe this contributes to our on-going success.
We are focused on continually evolving our purpose driven, high performing culture, providing an environment where our people have the opportunity to achieve their full potential and do interesting and meaningful work.
Our company values are: Take Action, Do the right thing, One team and Be insight led.
These help guide everything we do internally in terms of how we think, act and interact, right through to how we deliver value to our customers and clients.
In your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example - she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc).
If you need any extra support throughout the interview process, then please email us at ukrecruitment@collinsongroup. com
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Strategic Finance Director employer: Collinson Group
Collinson Group is an excellent employer that fosters a welcoming and inclusive work culture in the heart of Greater London. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer flexible part-time roles that allow you to balance your personal commitments while contributing to a dynamic team. Join us to be part of a diverse environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Finance Director
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Collinson Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Collinson Group.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Collinson Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Collinson Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Collinson Group.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Collinson Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Collinson Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
