Divisional Financial Controller - Maritime Transport
Join to apply for the Divisional Financial Controller - Maritime Transport role at James Fisher and Sons plc.
About The Role
Full-Time, Permanent
London, Hybrid working arrangements
The Company
James Fisher and Sons is a global engineering services company that has evolved from its origins as a ship owner and operator to provide expertise and innovative technology across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport. We help our customers deliver on their promises safely, efficiently, and responsibly. With a strong heritage built on our people and innovation, we are embedding sustainability across our business.
Our strategy, centered around the One James Fisher ambition, aims to build a cohesive engineering service company in the Blue Economy.
* Our Energy Division offers safe, sustainable products and services for oil, gas, and renewables.
* The Defence Division provides underwater systems and life support for defence and commercial diving markets.
* Maritime Transport leads in global maritime shipping and ship-to-ship transfer services.
Together, we are building a brighter, bolder, and more innovative future.
The Role
We are looking for an accomplished and visionary Divisional Financial Controller to lead the financial strategy and operations for our Maritime Transport Division. In this critical leadership role, you will drive innovation through process automation, ensuring our financial reporting is precise and timely. You'll foster a culture of accountability and robust governance, making audit readiness a top priority.
With a commitment to building a high-performing finance team, you will play a pivotal role in embedding a strong control environment and partnering with the FP&A team to deliver actionable financial insights. Your strategic oversight will support data-driven decision-making and drive sustainable growth for the business. You will be instrumental in maintaining a commercial focus that maps through to monthly reporting.
Join us and make a significant impact on our journey towards excellence!
Role Accountabilities
* Strategic Financial Leadership
o Support the FD on building and implementing the division’s financial strategy, aligning processes, reporting and controls with the organisation’s long-term goals.
o Deliver high-quality financial statements, providing technical expertise to support complex accounting judgements and decisions.
o Lead divisional financial governance, ensuring best practices are embedded across reporting and compliance functions.
* Process Optimisation and Innovation
o Accelerate initiatives to transform financial processes through automation, digitalisation, and advanced analytics, ensuring efficiency and scalability.
o Establish a forward-looking culture of operational excellence by utilising technology and analytical tools.
* Governance, Risk, and Compliance
o Serve as the division’s senior representative for audits, ensuring seamless collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
o Drive enhancements in the risk management framework, implementing preventative controls to mitigate financial, operational, and reputational risks.
o Oversee the development of comprehensive documentation and frameworks that ensure ongoing compliance and audit readiness.
* Business Partnering and Insight Generation
o Collaborate with the divisional leadership team to provide strategic financial insights, contributing to critical decision-making and long-term business planning.
o Partner with FP&A to deliver robust forecasting, budgeting, and scenario analysis, enabling proactive financial management.
o Act as a trusted advisor to divisional leaders on capital allocation, working capital optimisation, and financial performance.
o Lead and track various division-wide initiatives, including cost and project reviews.
o Engage with Group tax, treasury, and internal controls to align divisional strategies with global objectives, including tax planning and hedging strategies.
* Leadership and Team Development
o Build and lead a high-performing finance organisation, instilling a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration.
o Develop and execute talent strategies to address skill gaps, championing diversity, inclusion, and professional growth.
o Mentor emerging finance leaders, fostering a pipeline of future-ready talent.
o Oversee the deliverables from shared services, establishing clear KPIs and high standards.
* Sustainability and Emerging Standards
o Lead governance initiatives to embed ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards into financial and operational processes, ensuring alignment with sustainability initiatives and adherence to emerging global regulations.
o Anticipate and adapt to changes in global financial and sustainability regulations, proactively aligning divisional operations to meet new standards.
* Value Creation and Liquidity Management
o Drive initiatives to optimise working capital, ensuring liquidity and financial stability across the division.
o Establish metrics and KPIs that deliver actionable insights for value creation and strategic growth opportunities.
Knowledge, Qualifications And Experience
* Qualifications
o Professional accounting qualification, ACA.
o Audit experience with a Big 4 audit firm is a plus.
o Proven experience in a senior financial management role in a divisional or group-level capacity at a PLC.
* Technical Skills
o Strong knowledge of IFRS/GAAP and technical accounting principles.
o Proficiency in financial systems and tools; experience with process automation technologies is highly desirable.
o Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
* Soft Skills
o Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
o Strong problem-solving capabilities with a proactive and innovative mindset.
o Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
About You
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.
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