At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance strategy and performance for Imagine Cruising, driving growth and efficiency.
- Company: Join dnata, a global leader in air and travel services with a bold vision.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of aviation finance and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and significant senior finance leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Job Purpose dnata is more than a global air and travel services provider.
We connect people with possibilities and opportunities across 130+ airports in 34 countries through ground handling, cargo, travel, and catering & retail services.
Our purpose is clear: to deliver on the promises our customers make.
We are powered by a bold vision to be the world’s most admired air and travel services provider, which guides our strategy, culture, and every role across our teams.
Our core values fuel everything we do: we are safe, we play to win, we respect everyone and work together as a team, and we are future thinking.
At dnata, we foster diversity, nurture ambition, and celebrate achievement.
If you're inspired by purpose and motivated to be part of a global team shaping the future of aviation and travel, we’d love to have you onboard.
As a Finance Director , UK - Imagine Cruising, your role will be to lead the end-to-end Finance function for Imagine Cruising, acting as the most senior Finance leader in the business.
The role is accountable for financial strategy, performance management, governance, control, and cash stewardship, supporting the CEO and leadership team in driving profitable growth and operational efficiency.
You will also have to ensure robust financial management across the business, while embedding a high-performance culture and aligning with group governance and reporting requirements.
- In This Role, You Will
- Act as a strategic and commercial partner to the Managing Director and leadership team, influencing investment decisions, growth strategy, and business priorities.
- Lead the end‑to‑end financial planning cycle, including budgets, forecasts, and long‑range plans, aligned to business objectives.
- Own delivery of EBITDA, PAT, and cash flow targets, providing insightful analysis of performance drivers, risks, and opportunities.
- Oversee accurate, timely, and insightful management reporting, including monthly management accounts, forecasts, variance analysis, KPIs, cash flow reporting, and quarterly balance sheet reporting.
- Ensure a strong financial control environment in line with Group Policy, supporting clean internal and external audits and timely statutory reporting.
- Act as the primary interface with Group Finance, internal and external auditors, and regulatory bodies, including ownership of the CAA relationship and ATOL licence requirements.
- Maintain balance sheet integrity, regulatory, legal, tax, and HMRC compliance, including Senior Accounting Officer (SAO) sign‑off responsibilities.
- Lead treasury, cash flow forecasting, liquidity management, working capital optimisation, and banking relationships.
- Identify and mitigate financial risks, including liquidity, credit, and foreign exchange exposure.
- Lead delivery of an efficient Finance function, overseeing end‑to‑end Order‑to‑Cash (O2C) and Procure‑to‑Pay (P2P) processes.
- Drive standardisation, automation, and continuous improvement across finance operations and systems.
- Own the Finance systems strategy, ensuring effective use, development, and governance of ERP and reporting tools.
- Lead Finance input into wider business transformation initiatives.
- Set clear objectives, develop talent, and build a high‑performance, accountable, and collaborative finance culture.
- Qualification
To be considered for the role, you must meet the below requirements
- Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
- Significant post‑qualified experience, including proven success in a senior Finance leadership role.
- Demonstrated experience leading multi‑functional Finance teams.
- Strong background in financial control, reporting, FP&A, and cash management.
- Experience operating at senior leadership level, with exposure to board‑level engagement.
- Experience working within a large, complex, global matrix organisation and shared services environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate financial data into clear business insight.
- Proven stakeholder management and influencing capability across senior leaders and corporate teams.
- You’ll Have An Edge If You Have
- Experience within the travel, aviation, or broader services sector.
- Prior responsibility for regulatory engagement and statutory licensing environments.
- Experience leading finance transformation, automation, or ERP enhancement programmes.
- A track record of improving profit‑to‑cash conversion and capital efficiency.
- Salary & Benefits
Join our growing team and enjoy a competitive remuneration package. Find out more about working with us in our website www. emirates. com/careers.
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Finance Director, UK - Imagine Cruising in Swindon employer: Emirates
Emirates is an exceptional employer, offering cabin crew members the chance to thrive in a vibrant and diverse environment in Dubai. With a competitive, tax-free salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional growth, employees are supported in their journey to deliver outstanding service. The company's commitment to safety and customer satisfaction fosters a collaborative work culture where every team member can shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director, UK - Imagine Cruising in Swindon
✨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.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
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 Emirates. 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 Finance Director, UK - Imagine Cruising in Swindon
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 Emirates.
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 Emirates'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 Emirates
✨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 Emirates.
✨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 Emirates 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 Emirates 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.
