Lead Business Finance Officer

1. JOB PURPOSE:

The Lead Business Finance Officer will be responsible for the preparation of financial and strategic planning, monitor execution of financial plans by tracking risks, controls, opportunities, and driving corrective actions in cooperation with the management team. Leads, directs and develops recognition as an expert in financial matters for the assigned function.

As a subject matter expert, the role will provide value-added, meaningful, and insightful reporting and analysis for the Senior Management.

2. ACCOUNTABILITIES

Operational

• Review the Budget prepared by Departments with reference to various parameters, restrictions & limits specified by the management for ensuring that the additions sought are reasonable and minimized depending on the circumstances of operation.
• Analyze monthly financial statements, identify the drivers of financial performance and propose potential solutions. Evaluate and prioritize financial and operational viability and attractiveness of solutions proposed by self and others.
• Produce periodic financial forecasts, projections, as well as annual strategic and financial plans.
• Independently complete reviews of current practices to ensure effective control and/or feasibility reviews of proposed business operating plans to ensure the most efficient functioning of all areas of the company.
• Identify procedures & practices that involve additional cost, wasteful & avoidable expenditure, quality in excess of requirement, cheaper alternatives without compromising quality, and suggest methods or improvements to reduce or control costs.
• Review and prepare analyses of potential new business ventures to evaluate adequacy of supporting business cases with new reports/formats/distribution media.
• Maintain a database of all statistical information on various matters, e.g., KPIs, data relevant to the determination of KPIs, for the past 3–4 years for effective comparison of performance.
• Report on actual investment or initiative results after implementation and compare to the original project plan.
• Monitor the capital budget to ensure funds are spent as intended.
• Revise existing IAPs & Policies to update and accurately reflect current practices and management instructions.
• Develop new Policies & IAPs for any area of operation not covered by existing IAPs & Policies and ensure all practices are as per Delegation of Authority (DOA).
• Perform related duties as assigned which may not be specifically listed in the job description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level associated with the incumbent's class of work.
• Present the annual planning process within the assigned area and function as a resource for area's planners on the criteria for the current processes.
• Maintain and update key operating statistics of the airline constantly sought at various levels of management for decision-making, including other airline statistics.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
• MBA or Master's degree in Finance or Business Administration is an advantage.
• Professional certification such as CPA, CMA, ACCA, or CIMA is highly preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 8–10 years of progressive experience in financial planning & analysis (FP&A), business finance, financial analysis, or corporate finance.
• At least 3 years of experience in a senior finance or business partnering role.
• Experience leading annual budgeting, forecasting, long-range financial planning, and management reporting.
• Experience evaluating business cases, investment proposals, and capital expenditure projects.
• Experience developing financial models, KPIs, dashboards, and performance reports.
• Aviation, transportation, logistics, or large corporate experience is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Advanced financial modeling and analytical skills.
• Strong understanding of financial statements and business performance metrics.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or equivalent).
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including PivotTables, Power Query, and financial modeling.
• Experience using business intelligence and reporting tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or similar is an advantage.
• Sound knowledge of internal controls, financial governance, and corporate policies.

Core Competencies

• Strategic financial planning and business partnering.
• Financial analysis and commercial acumen.
• Budget management and cost optimization.
• Business case development and investment appraisal.
• KPI development and performance management.
• Risk identification and financial controls.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong presentation and executive communication skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and collaborate across departments.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.