Finance Lead

Acron Aviation is a global leader in providing cutting-edge pilot training, simulation, avionics and flight data intelligence solutions to the aviation industry.

Within our Training Systems business unit, we have a diverse range of products, from Full Flight Simulators to Virtual Flight Decks, our pilot training solutions can be fully tailored to the specific needs and operations of airlines and training centres. In addition to our hardware and software, we provide a wide range of aftercare services to support customers through the lifecycle of their devices.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Finance Lead role within the Finance team, supporting the Training Systems business unit. Partnering with our Classroom Training Devices product line, you will be responsible for leading the budget, forecast and analysis process, as well as managing the program finances. You will act as a key point of contact within the finance team, providing metrics and insights to help the management team drive successful business performance. You will complete monthly EAC reviews and ensure visible cash flow management. Additionally, this role will support month end close activities to ensure accurate, timely and compliant reporting, working with both the UK accounting team and other finance functions.

What The Role Will Involve

The responsibilities of your role will include the following:

• Lead the end-to-end process for the budget and forecast cycle for the product line.
• Review and report on monthly actuals, working with the UK accounting team to ensure timely and accurate information.
• Attend monthly EAC reviews and financially challenge the operation so that forecasts are robust and the timing of costs are accurate. Perform monthly program reporting via dashboards and EAC reports so that the business can assess program profitability.
• Conduct detailed P&L and Balance Sheet analysis to understand actual vs forecast performance, detailing the key business drivers through variance analysis.
• Develop industry, product and operational knowledge of the Product Line.
• Maintain regular KPIs to produce management information for Product Line leadership.
• Partner with Product Line management to support operational objectives and financial targets.
• Produce the cash flow forecast, driving the business to achieve project payment milestones.
• Maintain Risks & Opportunities, challenging key business stakeholders to deliver the actions required to crystalize upside and mitigate downside.
• Drive operational excellence through the use of tools available in SAP S4-HANA (including IBP)
• Support audit queries related to Product Line activities and programs
• Ad hoc projects, reporting and analysis.
  
  

What You’ll Bring

The role of Finance Lead requires the following experience and skills:

Essential

• Degree in Business, Finance or Accounting
• Qualified Accountant
• Experience within a large blue-chip organization
• Strong Excel and analytical skills
  
  

Desirable

• SAP S/4 HANA
• Experience working in an engineering or manufacturing business
• Exposure to working in a Sarbanes-Oxley control environment
• Resilient, working in a fast-moving PE-backed environment
• Gravitas to challenge the status quo and implement change
• Strong communicator within Finance as well as with senior management
• Self-starter with ability to work on own initiative
• Innovative, focused on continuous improvement, and lean
• Ambitious, to create a best-in-class finance function