Finance Director

We believe airport customers deserve better - we ARE here to delight.  

Join our dynamic family-run airport hospitality business as Financial Controller to support our growth and lead the evolution of our finance team.

We are seeking a commercially minded Financial Controller to play a key leadership role within a fast-paced, multi-site hospitality business operating in airport environments. Reporting directly to the CEO, with a strong dotted-line relationship into the COO, this role sits at the heart of the business and works in close partnership with operations.

This is a visible, influential position for someone who enjoys leading people, collaborating across functions, and using data to drive continuous improvement. It is a strong development opportunity for an ambitious finance leader preparing for their next career step.

What you’ll be doing

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, coach, and develop the finance team, setting clear expectations and high standards
• Create a positive, engaged team culture that balances accuracy, pace, and commercial curiosity
• Ensure the finance function is well-organised, resilient, and continuously improving

Financial Control & Governance

• Take full ownership of financial control, reporting accuracy, and compliance
• Produce timely monthly management accounts with clear narrative and insight
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management, and balance sheet integrity
• Maintain and strengthen internal controls and financial disciplines

Commercial Partnership with Operations

• Work collaboratively with the COO and operational leaders to support performance and decision-making
• Translate complex financial data into clear, practical insight for non-finance stakeholders
• Support operational planning through robust analysis of labour, margin, productivity, and overheads
• Build strong relationships that encourage shared ownership of financial outcomes

Data, Insight & Continuous Improvement

• Lead on data analysis, reporting, and dashboard development across the business
• Identify trends, risks, and opportunities, turning insight into action
• Drive continuous improvement in financial processes, systems, and ways of working
• Champion a forward-looking, solutions-focused finance function

About You

Experience & Capability

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Understanding and experience working with Sage (Sage Intacct is a plus)
• Proven experience managing and developing a finance team
• Strong background in management accounting and commercial analysis
• Hospitality, retail, or multi-site experience is highly desirable
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills; comfortable working with large, complex datasets
• Experience managing relationships with HMRC

This role will suit someone who thrives on collaboration, leads with clarity, and believes finance works best when it’s close to people and the operation.

Remote Working

This is a home-based role, offering flexibility and autonomy. We’re looking for someone who thrives working independently, is confident managing their own workload, and can stay connected with the wider team through regular communication and updates.

Our values, Growth, Respect, Innovation, Togetherness (GRIT) are reflected in the behaviours we demand. ARE you; 

• Curious, passionate and resilient  

• Responsible, hard-working and keen to help others 

• Willing to show up, be positive and have FUN!  

If so, we welcome you to apply. 

Salary & Benefits 

NEST pension.

Free meals while on duty at one of our sites.

Health & wellbeing cash plan, also offering discounts and perks across hundreds of retailers.

Private Medical Insurance.

28 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), increasing by 1 day a year up to a maximum of 32 days.

Please note: 
All successful candidates will be required to: 

Provide proof of their right to work in the UK. 

Secure an Airport Security ID Pass, which we will assist with. The application process requires the production of a valid passport, a criminal record check, and five years of personal and employment references. 

If you have the skill and enthusiasm we’re looking for and would like to be part of our team, please apply today! 

Equal Opportunities 
At ARE Ltd, we recognise the value of diversity and inclusivity in fostering a truly remarkable experience for all our customers. Our commitment extends beyond retail to building a workforce that reflects the wide array of perspectives and experiences found across the UK. We believe that embracing diversity in our teams enables us to provide exceptional service and innovation. 

We are dedicated to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work, with a strong commitment to promoting equity in both physical and mental health for everyone. To achieve this, we encourage applications from individuals of disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, disabled persons, LGBTQ+ community members, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, and those with lived experiences of discrimination. 

Accessibility and Adjustments 
ARE Ltd is committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process. We strive to be as accommodating as possible to ensure all candidates can participate fully. If you have specific requirements or need adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please do not hesitate to get in touch. In your application, feel free to indicate your preferred pronouns (for example - she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc.) to help us better address and respect your identity throughout the process.