Head of Finance - Defence

Full time, Permanent

Inchinnan, Hybrid

Please note that this role requires security checks.

The Role

We’re looking for a Head of Finance – Defence to be our finance business partner for the Defence products lines, responsible for the financial delivery to forecast, ensuring accurate reporting, budget delivery, financial strategy ownership, driving efficiency and value across the business. Working closely with the Divisional Finance Director and Defence Director, you will be key to unlocking the full financial potential of these product lines and will oversee the new ERP implementation, group-wide systems and process development, and play a key role in upskilling and talent development within the finance team. Your strong accountancy background and audit experience, combined with exceptional attention to detail and a target‑driven approach, will enable you to maintain robust financial governance while contributing to commercial decision‑making at senior level. A major part of the role will involve new product development, requiring close collaboration with cross‑functional teams to ensure financial viability and strategic alignment. This position oversees a global finance team and works with senior leadership to maintain a strong commercial focus throughout financial statements. Defence product lines generate around £80m annually with significant growth potential, and operations span Glasgow, Aberdeen, Knutsford, Australia, Sweden, US, Singapore and other global locations.

What you’ll be doing

• Produce and continuously improve consolidated accounts and financial reports for Defence product lines, ensuring compliance with Group deadlines.
• Partner with senior management to develop KPIs and deliver actionable financial insights to the Senior Leadership Team and Divisional Finance Director.
• Act as the primary liaison to the Product Line Director and Head of Operations on financial targets, cash flow optimisation, and monthly management packs.
• Collaborate with regional teams to enhance and validate budgets and forecasts, while monitoring and controlling working capital requirements.
• Lead financial governance for new product development, ensuring robust cost controls and compliance.
• Drive process improvements and operational efficiencies by challenging existing practices and implementing best solutions.
• Oversee the implementation of a consolidated ERP system across Defence operations.
• Support regional finance leads with accurate reporting and lead monthly financial deep‑dive sessions.
• Assist the Financial Controller in statutory accounts preparation and act as the escalation point for external audits.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, audit recommendations, and maintain accurate financial documentation.
• Lead resourcing, talent management, and succession planning to build a high‑performing finance team aligned with future business needs.

What we’re looking for

• Significant experience in financial reporting, modelling, and consolidation across global operations.
• Background in Defence, production, or manufacturing industries desirable.
• Proven ability to lead change initiatives, including entity consolidations and wind‑downs.
• Experience operating in high‑growth environments.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems, ideally with implementation and integration experience.
• Expertise in strengthening control environments to FTSE‑250 standards.
• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA full qualification with a solid understanding and application of current accounting standards.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Skilled in presenting financial findings and recommendations convincingly to senior leadership.
• Collaborative leader with experience developing finance teams and fostering cross‑functional partnerships.
• 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. James Fisher Defence (JFD), part of the James Fisher Group, is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting‑edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets. Operating worldwide, JFD is the foremost provider of submarine rescue services and a trusted name in submarine escape training. We’re also at the forefront of hyperbaric rescue innovation and a leading supplier of advanced diving equipment and saturation systems across the industry.

If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now! Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. 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.