Head of Finance; FTC); Maternity Cover

At Aquila Air Traffic Management Services (ATMS), we are dedicated to creating a workplace where innovation, collaboration, and excellence thrives. As a joint venture between NATS and Thales, we combine the expertise of leading air traffic control services and global systems integration to deliver cutting-edge solutions in air traffic management.

Join us in shaping the future of air traffic management, and together, we will elevate aviation safety and efficiency worldwide!

We are looking for a Head of Finance to join our team on a 18-month fixed term contract. Reporting to the Finance & Commercial Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership for Aquila’s Finance Department. You will oversee Aquila’s financial management, governance and reporting arrangements, providing the insight and constructive challenge needed to support effective decision-making, delivery of the business plan and Aquila’s long-term financial sustainability.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Setting the strategic direction for the Finance Department and developing the capability, capacity and culture needed to deliver Aquila’s business priorities.

• Providing clear, timely and decision-focused financial insight to the Leadership Team, Board and shareholders.

• Leading the annual business-planning and budgeting process, working collaboratively with Heads of Department and senior leaders.

• Ensuring compliance with relevant accounting standards and overseeing statutory reporting, audit and tax requirements.

This is a hands on role where you’ll contribute to meaningful work and play a part in helping the organisation achieve its objectives.

You’re an experienced Finance leader who contributes positively to your team and the wider organisation. You work collaboratively, adapt to different situations, and bring sound judgement to your work. You communicate clearly, build effective working relationships, and approach challenges with a practical, solutions‑focused mindset.

To be successful in this role, you’ll bring:

• Significant experience as a Head of Finance, senior Finance leader or in a similar senior Finance role
  .

• Strong knowledge of project accounting, statutory accounting, financial controls and risk management.

• Experience of leading budgeting, forecasting, business planning, management reporting and month-end activities.

• The ability to interpret complex financial information, identify risks and opportunities, and translate your findings into clear recommendations.

• The confidence to present financial performance, forecasts and strategic insight at senior leadership and Board level.

• A track record of leading, developing and inspiring Finance teams through changing priorities and demanding delivery commitments

You also:

• Promote Aquila’s Just Culture
  , reporting incidents, safety non compliance, or potential issues in an appropriate and timely manner.

• Consistently demonstrate behaviours aligned with Aquila’s core values and leadership behaviours in all actions and decisions.

• A fully qualified accountant with an ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualification
  , together with current membership of the relevant professional accountancy body.

• Substantial post-qualification experience, including proven success in senior Finance leadership roles with organisation-wide responsibility for financial management, strategic planning and governance.

• Strong technical expertise across project and statutory accounting, budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, cash-flow management, financial controls and financial risk management.

• Proven experience of leading and developing Finance teams, working with senior stakeholders and presenting financial performance,…