Operations Finance Analyst

Loganair Limited; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional airline based in Glasgow seeks a proactive Finance Assistant to support the Operations Finance Accountant in monitoring expenditures and managing month-end processes. The ideal candidate will have analytical and interpersonal skills, and be comfortable using an integrated accounting package, especially Excel. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with finance policies and assisting in financial audits. The role is suitable for individuals pursuing a relevant CCAB accounting qualification.

Qualifications

• Airline experience desirable but not essential.
• Comfortable with integrated accounting packages.
• Relevant experience in a similar environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Operations Finance Accountant monitor expenditure against budgets.
• Conduct month-end processes ensuring accurate results.
• Ensure Finance policies are complied with throughout the company.
• Prepare departmental KPI’s, volumes, and non-financial information.
• Assist with audits and review Operating cost invoices.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication and influencing

Teamwork

Accountability

Education

Relevant CCAB accounting qualification

Tools

Excel

Job description

Overview of Role

The purpose of this role is to assist the Operations Finance Accountant monitor expenditure against budgets and forecasts. To carry out month end processes in line with monthly deadlines ensuring that an accurate result is delivered.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Control

• Ensure company Finance policies, procedures and forms are complied with and adhered to consistently throughout the company;
• Identify and resolve areas of financial weakness in a timely manner;
• Continually review, maintain and improve ledger postings against budget, forecast, year and trends;
• Assist with providing commercial analysis used for decision making by management;
• Assist with developing targets and benchmarking processes to challenge the business stakeholders.

Monitoring Financial Performance

• Ensure that direct operating costs and operations fixed costs are coded correctly within the finance system;
• Month end direct operating cost and operations fixed costs analysis against budget, forecast and trends;
• Prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations and fully investigate anomalies;
• Month end preparation of departmental KPI’s, volumes and non-financial information;
• Assist with month end preparation of risks and opportunities schedule;
• Direct operating cost and operations fixed costs accruals and prepayments;
• Liaise with and support budget holders to understand, challenge and improve financial performance;
• Assist with audits including route audits for PSO’s;
• Review and approval of Operating cost invoices in line with approval limits;
• Escalation point for issues with suppliers, disputes invoices and outstanding credit notes.

Forward Looking Financial Performance

• Working with the Accountant and Business Partner to assist in the creation of departmental budgets and forecasts in conjunction with the department heads and budget holders;
• Liaising with contract owners and suppliers regarding rates/pricing;
• Assist with Investment appraisals and business cases;
• Assist /business Partner prepare Direct Operating cost and operations fixed cost information and analysis for tenders and contract pricing;
• Drive continuous improvement plans and assist with tracking of results of various productivity initiatives;

Ad Hoc and Other

• Represent finance in any operational management meetings and for any projects being carried out within the company;
• Ensure all financial and accounting records are thoroughly maintained and completed in preparation for independent audits;
• Monitoring financial information systems and suggesting improvements where needed;
• Present at meetings as and when required;
• Assist with special Finance projects in support of key corporate initiatives as defined by the Board;
• Any other reasonable duties as required by the finance and operations department.

Skills and Knowledge

Minimum Requirements

• Airline experience desirable but not essential;
• Comfortable working on an integrated accounting package together with a detailed knowledge of core office systems – particularly Excel;

Attitude

• Analytical skills – Strong analytical and numeracy skills;
• Interpersonal skills - ability to build relationships at all levels; assess own strengths and weakness; pursue training and development opportunities;
• Communication and influencing – Strong influencing and relationship building skills. Can adjust style and language to meet the needs of the audience; reviews work for accuracy and relevance; presents data effectively and in an understandable format;
• Teamwork – Ability to prioritise and coordinate multiple work requirements to meet deadlines. Balances team and individual responsibilities; open to others’ views; provides and accepts constructive feedback; able to build positive moral; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed in achieving goals and objectives;
• Accountability – Takes responsibility for own actions; delivers on agreed actions and commitments; keeps stakeholders informed of progress;
• Values and behaviours - demonstrates company value and behaviours at all times, is proactive by nature and embraces a culture of respect at all levels.

Training and Experience

Working towards a relevant CCAB accounting qualification with relevant experience gained in a similar environment desirable.