Finance Director, dnata Catering & Retail - Windsor, UK

dnata Catering and Retail is one of the world’s leading inflight hospitality providers, delivering world-class culinary services and innovative products that enhance our passengers’ experience.  Our En Route business specialises in inflight retail product - developing, designing, producing and distributing world-class treats. En Route’s bespoke products often complement ‘branded’ product, allowing airlines to differentiate elements of their tailor-made offering while providing the brands consumers know.

Reporting to and collaborating with Dubai HQ, the Finance Director (FD) will play a critical role in developing and implementing the strategy for the Company. As a member of the senior leadership team, the FD will be an advisor to the En Route CEO, evaluating and assisting them with their financial plans and economic modeling. They will be responsible for overseeing all fiscal and fiduciary responsibilities for the organization, in conjunction with Dubai HQ.

In this role, you will:

• Plan, develop, organize, implement, direct and evaluate the Company’s financial function and performance.


• Ensure production of accurate and timely financial statements in compliance with IFRS and statutory reporting standards.


• Manage the accounting team and oversee accounting functions for the company.


• Participate in the development of the corporation’s plans and programs as a strategic partner.


• Evaluate and advise on the impact of long-range planning, introduction of new programs/strategies and regulatory action.


• Develop credibility for the finance group by providing timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial reports and financial trends in order to assist senior executives in performing their responsibilities.


• Establish credibility throughout the organization as an effective developer of solutions to business challenges.


• Enhance and/or develop, implement and enforce policies and procedures of the organization by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the Company.


• Provide technical financial advice and knowledge to others within the financial discipline.


• Participate in continual improvement of the budgeting process through education of department managers on financial issues impacting their budgets.


• Optimize the handling of bank and deposit relationships and initiate appropriate strategies to enhance cash position.


• Develop a reliable cash flow projection process and reporting mechanism that includes minimum cash threshold to meet operating needs.


• Be an advisor from the financial perspective on any contracts into which the Company may enter.


• Evaluation of the finance department structure and team plan for continual improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the group as well as providing individuals with professional and personal growth with emphasis on opportunities (where possible) of individuals.


• Coordinate internal and external audits and ensure proper filing of all tax returns.


• Oversee and lead the company’s finance infrastructure and implementations (e.g. new ERP system).

To be considered for the role, you must meet the below requirements:

• A Bachelors Degree in Finance or Accounting 


• At least 12 years of broad finance experience and experience in evaluating financial information and making actionable recommendations to senior leadership.


• At least 5 years of experience leading a financial function of US $100m+ business within a diverse, division-based entity. 


• A professional accounting qualification 


• Strong IFRS and Internal Controls knowledge


• Systems implementation experience


• Energetic, forward-thinking and creative individual with high ethical standards.


• Strategic visionary with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment and strong operational focus.


• Intelligent and articulate individual who can relate to people at all levels of an organization and possesses excellent communication skills.


• Excellent negotiator who is experienced in contracts.


• Decisive individual who possesses a "big picture" perspective and is well versed in systems.


• Ability to read, analyze and interpret the most complex documents.


• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.


• Effective oral and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills.


• Well organized and self-directed individual who is a team player.


• Well developed written presentation, organization, and editing skills.


• Ability to multi-task, work in high pressure environment.


• Strong organizational skills and very detail oriented.


• Proactive and solution oriented.


• Must demonstrate exceptional judgment, discretion and professional courtesy.

You'll have an edge if you have:

• An advanced degree in a related field, MBA and/or CPA strongly preferred.


• International experience

At dnata, part of Emirates Group, we’re committed to providing our employees with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers. So if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, apply today and join our team! 

Recruitment Process and Timeline 

dnata, part of Emirates Group, is an international organisation with employees from over 170 nationalities, we encourage applications from across the globe. Your application journey begins by applying via the Emirates Group Careers website. Please ensure your CV is up to date for our talent acquisition team to review your profile. If you meet the criteria of the role, you will then be invited to complete a HireVue video interview, to share more about your experience and your career aspirations. If you are shortlisted, you will then be invited to interview with our hiring managers. If you are successful, your recruiter will reach out to you with an offer and then our Onboarding team will ensure a smooth transition to your new role at Emirates Group