Finance Director- Component Services

We are seeking a highly analytical and results-driven Finance Director to lead the financial operations and strategic planning for our global network of facilities performing Component Services. Reporting directly to the Group CFO, this critical leadership role will serve as a strategic partner to operations, driving financial performance through robust forecasting, variance analysis, cost management, and margin improvement initiatives of a $400M business unit. The ideal candidate will bring deep financial acumen, a strong operational mindset, and a proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.

What you will be responsible for: 

• Lead the annual budget, quarterly forecast, and long-range planning processes for the Component Services network.
• Develop and maintain financial models that accurately reflect business dynamics, key drivers, and risks/opportunities.
• Prepare detailed variance analysis (actual vs. forecast/budget) focusing on critical business drivers, identify trends and recommend improvements accordingly with clear, actionable insights for senior leadership. 
• Partner with the Group CFO and operations leadership to identify and drive strategic initiatives aimed at long-term value creation.
• Provide financial leadership on major business decisions, including capital investments, footprint optimization, and pricing strategy.
• Monitor KPIs and develop dashboards to track performance against strategic and financial goals.
• Analyze and improve gross margin performance across facilities through pricing strategies, mix optimization, and cost management.
• Lead initiatives to standardize and improve financial processes across the repair network.
• Oversee cash management processes, ensure accurate and timely cash flow reporting, and drive continuous improvements to optimize liquidity, working capital, and financial efficiency.
• Act as a trusted advisor to facility operations leadership, translating financial insights into business actions.
• Support bid and proposal processes, contract reviews, and customer negotiations with financial analysis and recommendations.
• Collaborate with supply chain, engineering, and production to identify cost savings and working capital improvements.
• Partner with Accounting team to ensure accuracy of financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and financial reporting standards.
• Liaise with corporate finance, audit, and external stakeholders as required.
• 25% travel required

What you need to be successful in the role: 

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field (MBA or CPA preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of progressive finance experience, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership role supporting manufacturing or repair operations.
• Experience in the aviation, aerospace, or MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) industry strongly preferred.
• Initiative, problem-solving skills, strong work ethic, and accountability are critical for success.
• Demonstrated success in driving financial performance, cost optimization, and strategic initiatives.
• Strong command of financial systems, ERP tools (e.g., SAP, Oracle), and advanced Excel modeling.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

The rewards of your career at AAR go far beyond just your salary: 

• Competitive salary and bonus package
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous paid time off program
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Physical Demands/Work Environment:
• The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• •    Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• •    While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to sit, stand, bend, reach and move about the facility.
• •    The environmental characteristic for this position is an office setting.
• •    Candidates should be able to adapt to a traditional business environment.

AAR provides accommodation in accordance with applicable laws through all stages of the hiring process. If you require accommodation for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please advise Human Resources.

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