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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and reporting for Defence product lines, driving efficiency and value.
- Company: Join James Fisher, a global leader in engineering services with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and clear career development pathways.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in Defence while developing your finance leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong financial reporting experience and ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification required.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values diversity and supports talent development.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 ÂŁ per year.
About The Role
We’re looking for a Head of Finance – Defence to be our finance business partner for the Defence product lines, responsible for the financial delivery to forecast, ensuring accurate reporting, budget delivery, financial strategy ownership, and driving efficiency and value across the business. Working closely with the Divisional Finance Director and Defence Director, you will unlock the full financial potential of these product lines and 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.
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 deliver innovative solutions in challenging environments. James Fisher Defence (JFD) is a global leader in underwater capability, delivering cutting‑edge diving, submarine rescue, and hyperbaric solutions to both commercial and defence markets.
EEO Statement
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.
Head of Finance - Defence in Renfrew employer: James Fisher and Sons plc
Contact Detail:
James Fisher and Sons plc Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance - Defence in Renfrew
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the finance and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its financial strategies. Understand their product lines and recent developments in the defence sector. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with financial reporting, modelling, and team leadership. Highlight how your skills align with the company's goals, especially in driving efficiency and value across the business.
✨Tip Number 4
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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance - Defence in Renfrew
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in financial reporting, modelling, and any relevant industry knowledge, especially in Defence or manufacturing. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive financial strategy and lead teams effectively. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Head of Finance, you'll be leading a team and collaborating with senior management. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and any successful change initiatives you've led. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and develop others!
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 James Fisher!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Fisher and Sons plc
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the Defence sector and be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also leverage them for strategic decision-making.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a global finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in talent development and mentoring, as well as any initiatives you've led that improved team performance or collaboration.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with James Fisher's operations and the Defence product lines. Be ready to discuss how financial strategies can align with broader organisational goals. Showing that you understand the business context will set you apart as a candidate who can contribute to commercial decision-making.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around financial governance and process improvements. Think of specific scenarios where you’ve implemented changes or driven efficiencies, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
