Interim Finance Director – Freight Forwarding / Cargo

Finatal; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Finatal is seeking an Interim Finance Director for a six‑month assignment in West London. You will lead the finance function, deliver robust reporting, and partner with senior management on commercial decisions during a pivotal period for the business.

The role requires hands‑on leadership, strong experience in freight forwarding or cargo, and expertise in CargoWise. Immediate start preferred with a proactive, strategic mindset.

Qualifications

• Qualified or senior finance professional with a proven track record in freight forwarding, cargo, logistics or related environments.
• Experience at Finance Director, Financial Controller or senior finance management level.
• Hands‑on experience with CargoWise is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the finance function for the business.
• Provide accurate management accounts and financial reporting.
• Own budgeting, forecasting and cash-flow management.

Skills

Freight forwarding experience

Finance leadership

Management accounting

Cash-flow management

Stakeholder management

Interim experience

Strong communication

Education

Accounting qualification (ACCA/ACA/CIMA)

Tools

CargoWise

ERP systems

Job description

Interim Finance Director – Freight Forwarding / Cargo

Location: West London

Duration: 6 months

Start: ASAP

Contract: Interim / Fixed Term

We are working with a well-established cargo and freight forwarding business in West London that is looking to appoint an experienced Interim Finance Director for an initial six-month assignment.

This is a hands‑on senior finance role, ideally suited to an experienced Finance Director, Financial Controller or senior finance leader who has a strong background within freight forwarding, cargo, logistics or international transport.

The Role

Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will take responsibility for the finance function and provide strong commercial and financial leadership during an important period for the business.

You will be expected to quickly understand the operation, provide robust financial control and reporting, and work closely with the wider management team to improve financial visibility and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the finance function for the business
• Provide accurate and timely management accounts and financial reporting
• Take ownership of budgeting, forecasting and cash-flow management
• Drive improvements in financial controls, processes and reporting
• Analyse profitability across customers, routes and areas of the operation
• Partner with the Managing Director and senior management team on commercial decision-making
• Oversee month-end, year-end and statutory reporting processes
• Manage working capital, credit control and cash collection
• Identify opportunities to improve margins and operational profitability
• Support the business with financial analysis and strategic planning
• Lead and develop the existing finance team
• Provide clear, commercially focused insight to senior stakeholders

About You

You will be a qualified or highly experienced finance professional with a strong track record in a freight forwarding, cargo, logistics or related environment.

• Previous experience at Finance Director, Financial Controller or senior finance management level
• Strong experience within freight forwarding and/or cargo
• Hands‑on experience with CargoWise is essential
• Strong understanding of the financial and operational dynamics of a freight forwarding business
• Excellent management accounting, reporting and commercial analysis skills
• Strong cash-flow and working‑capital management experience
• Comfortable operating in a hands‑on interim environment
• Able to quickly assess a business, identify issues and implement practical solutions
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Available to commit to an initial 6-month interim assignment

Why This Role?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced interim finance leader to join a well-established cargo business and make an immediate impact.

The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening financial controls, improving reporting and providing commercial insight across the operation.