Group Financial Controller

NATS; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading air navigation service provider is seeking a Group Financial Controller to oversee finance teams and ensure compliance with financial reporting standards. You will manage the preparation of key financial reports and guide technical accounting across the group. Ideal candidates are qualified accountants with substantial experience and excellent communication skills. Flexibility in working arrangements is available, including remote options.

Qualifications

• Substantial post‑qualification experience.
• Experience preparing annual and interim reports.
• Ability to explain complex accounting matters clearly.

Responsibilities

• Manage Finance Control Reporting and Route Charges teams.
• Produce the monthly CFO Report for the Board.
• Ensure compliance with accounting policies and procedures.
• Manage preparation of the Annual Reports and Accounts.
• Oversee external audit process.
• Provide technical accounting guidance across the Group.

Skills

Excellent technical accounting knowledge

Strong analytical skills

Advanced user of Excel

Strong organisational skills

Excellent written communication skills

Leadership and interpersonal skills

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA or equivalent)

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

The Group Financial Control team at NATS is responsible for ensuring that all NATS companies comply with the financial reporting obligations set out in shareholder and lender agreements, Companies Act legislation and regulatory licence. As Group Financial Controller (GFC) you will set the agenda for change and support the delivery of the wider finance vision, shaping the future of aviation as a trusted business partner focused on efficiency, collaboration and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Line manage the Finance Control Reporting and Route Charges teams through coaching, development and engagement, holding performance reviews, providing direction and setting clear objectives.
• Manage the production of the monthly CFO Report to the Board, setting and controlling the reporting timetable, performing detailed reviews and providing insight to senior leadership.
• Continuously improve the CFO report, wider financial reporting and financial statements, utilising the latest tools and technology.
• Ensure compliance with, and provide technical advice on, group financial and management accounting policies, procedures and reporting; remain current with upcoming legislative changes and assess impact on financial reporting.
• Improve existing processes and controls through implementation and maintenance of high‑quality financial controls impacting the business; maintain and develop the Group's core accounting policies, manuals and documentation.
• Manage the end‑to‑end process for preparation of the Annual Reports and Accounts of the NATS group and its subsidiaries, coordinating with external auditors, corporate communications, company secretarial, CFO, CEO and wider Executive.
• Manage the external audit process, ensuring timely preparation of comprehensive accounting papers and detailed schedules required for audit.
• Plan and prepare half‑year interim financial statements for the NATS group and its subsidiaries.
• Provide technical accounting support and guidance across the Group, including preparation of financial returns required by NERL's licence.
• Support business planning with reviews of financial plans and financial modelling, providing input and guidance on technical accounting matters.
• Support the Route Charges function to deliver accurate data efficiently and on time.
• Develop a detailed understanding of the Group's Pension position and obligations, becoming a subject‑matter expert in this area.
• Support the Director, Group Financial Control in any ad‑hoc tasks as required.

Technical and Professional Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA or equivalent) with substantial post‑qualification experience.
• Excellent technical accounting knowledge, including requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
• Experience preparing both annual and interim reports and accounts for a medium‑sized group.
• Excellent written communication skills, able to explain complex accounting matters clearly and concisely.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to rapidly interpret, concisely explain and act on complex information.
• Strong organisational skills, able to prioritise own workload and that of others in a pressurised environment and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficient in a robust control and reporting environment.
• Understanding of current modern accounting systems.
• Advanced user of Excel, with good working knowledge of Word and PowerPoint.

Leadership and Interpersonal Skills

• High leadership and interpersonal skills to build team culture and behaviours with strong line‑management experience.
• Ability to coach, develop, motivate and performance‑manage others.
• High energy, positive attitude and strong commitment.
• Proven ability to prioritise multiple tasks, set goals and meet deadlines whilst working under pressure.
• Sound decision‑making skills together with good organisation and planning skills.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, able to adapt style and engage others in formal and informal situations with confidence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to lead and manage meetings, provide direction and clarity to others.

We have adopted agile working to provide greater flexibility and increased choice over working arrangements, with the opportunity to work in modern office facilities as well as remotely. We also welcome discussions on flexible and part‑time working arrangements.

We welcome applications from individuals who bring different perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds, including those who share our passion to advance aviation and keep the skies safe. Applicants of all ages, sexes, races, faiths, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, visible or invisible disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Closing date – Tuesday 16th December 2025.

NATS is the UK's leading air navigation service provider, handling over 2.4 million flights each year.