Job Description
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Head of Finance - Commercial

Full time, Permanent

Westhill, Aberdeen - Hybrid

Please note that this role requires security checks.

The Role:

As the Head of Finance – Commercial, you will be our finance business partner for the Commercial product lines, responsible for the financial delivery to forecast, ensuring accurate reporting, financial strategy ownership, and driving efficiency and value add to the business. Working closely with the Divisional Finance Director and Commercial Director, you will key to unlock the full financial potential of these product lines and will be instrumental in the implementation of system and process improvements whilst upskilling the current finance team.

As part of the Commercial management team, you’ll shape team culture across regions and play a key role in all senior commercial sign-offs. Reporting directly to the Divisional Finance and Commercial Director, with dotted lines to the Commercial Director and Divisional FC, supporting operations with an annual turnover of £25m and significant growth potential. With teams based in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Knutsford, Singapore, US and Australia, this is a high-impact role at the heart of a truly global business.

This role offers you a chance to join an exciting business during a key growth period and offers fantastic career progression opportunities.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead the production and continuous improvement of consolidated accounts and financial reports for global Commercial product lines, ensuring compliance with Group deadlines.
• Partner with senior management to develop KPIs, deliver insightful analysis, and provide monthly management packs to support strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with the Product Line Director and regional teams to drive accuracy in budgets and forecasts, optimise cash flow, and monitor working capital requirements.
• Oversee financial governance for new product development, maintaining robust cost controls and accountability.
• Champion process improvements and operational efficiencies by challenging the status quo and implementing best practices.
• Support the rollout of a consolidated ERP system across Commercial operations.
• Assist regional finance leads with monthly accounts and statutory reporting, ensuring compliance with internal controls and audit recommendations.
• Act as the escalation point for external audits, guaranteeing smooth audit processes.
• Drive talent management, succession planning, and resource development to build a high-performing finance team aligned with future business needs.

What we’re looking for:

• Extensive experience in financial reporting, modelling, and consolidation across global operations.
• Background in Defence, energy, production, or manufacturing industries desirable.
• Proven track record in implementing change, including entity consolidations and wind-downs.
• Experience working in high-growth environments.
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems, ideally with implementation and integration experience.
• Expertise in enhancing control environments to FTSE-250 standards.
• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA full qualification with a solid understanding and application of current accounting standards.
• Ability to convey complex financial information clearly and effectively.
• Skilled in collaborating with senior management, executives, auditors, and cross-functional teams.
• Confident in presenting complex financial findings to senior leadership and providing clear, actionable recommendations.
• Experienced leader with a track record of developing finance teams and fostering collaboration across functions.
• 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.

Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc

For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc

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. Explore more about JFD

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. xkybehq We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success depends on our talented and diverse workforce.