Senior Business Controller Flight Systems

<p><strong>Imagine this</strong> – you're not just crunching numbers, you're architecting the financial backbone of a company that’s redefining aerospace at hypersonic speed. As the <strong>Financial Controller for our Flight Systems</strong> division, you’re dropped into the cockpit of one of Destinus’ fastest-scaling missions. You’re side by side with senior leaders and engineers pushing boundaries in air and space, making real-time decisions that shape how we build, fly, and scale. This isn’t about maintaining the books – it’s about writing the financial playbook from scratch. From building systems and teams to keeping our production lean and our vision aligned with reality, you’ll be a force of clarity, control, and strategy in a company where the only constant is acceleration.</p><p>At <strong>Destinus</strong>, we are revolutionizing the defense industry with cutting-edge Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Our innovative technologies are designed to meet the unique demands of modern defense operations, delivering unparalleled speed, precision, and cost effectiveness. Destinus partners with government agencies and defense organizations worldwide to provide advanced solutions for mission-critical operations, enabling a new era of efficiency and technological superiority. Join us in shaping the future of defense with groundbreaking aerospace innovations.</p><p> </p><p><strong>What You´ll Do</strong></p><ol> <li><strong>Business Partnering</strong></li> <ul><li>Act as a trusted advisor to leadership of the Flight Systems Business and finance team, providing financial guidance on business decisions such as financial analysis on new products, sales contracts, partnerships, M&amp;A and other investments. There are currently production locations and R&amp;D centers in 8 countries in Europe for the division and it is rapidly expanding. </li></ul> <li><strong>Establishing Financial Processes</strong></li> <ul> <li>Design and implement key financial controls, processes, and reporting systems.</li> <li>Perform monthly financial planning, yearly budgeting, and forecasting models for the Flight Systems Business. </li> <li>Ensure compliance with financial regulations specific to the defense sector in Europe.</li> </ul> <li><strong>Cost Management and Control</strong></li> <ul> <li>Set up mechanisms for tracking and controlling production costs, capital investments, and operating expenses.</li> <li>Work closely with procurement and production teams to establish cost control measures on POs and identify potential savings as business scales.</li> </ul> <li><strong>Financial Reporting and Analysis</strong></li> <ul> <li>Prepare and present accurate and timely financial reports to senior management, including variance analysis and performance insights.</li> <li>Provide financial insights to support business decisions for new product profitability, and growth initiatives.</li> <li>Assist in the development of KPIs that measure financial performance and operational efficiency.</li> </ul> <li><strong>Supporting Production Ramp-Up</strong></li> <ul> <li>Provide financial input into decisions related to production expansion, capital expenditures, and resource allocation.</li> <li>Help manage the financial aspects of contracts with suppliers and clients as the business grows.</li> </ul> <li><strong>Risk Management and Compliance</strong></li> <ul> <li>Establish internal controls on financial flows.</li> <li>Identify and mitigate financial risks associated with scaling production, including supply chain disruptions and operational inefficiencies.</li> </ul> </ol><p><strong>Requirements</strong></p><p><strong>What You´ll Need</strong></p><p> </p><ul> <li>Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field is a must.</li> <li>Professional qualifications (e.g., CA, CPA, CMGA, ACCA) or MBA are preferred.</li> <li>10+ years of experience in financial controlling or business analysis ideally in a fast-growing manufacturing environment.</li> <li>Experience in a scale-up company, preferably in a highly regulated industry such as aerospace &amp; defense, is a strong advantage.</li> <li>Proven ability to build financial systems, processes, and controls from the ground up.</li> <li>Knowledge of European financial regulations and defense industry standards is a strong plus.</li> <li>Strong experience in financial modeling, cost control, and budgeting in environments where financial systems are still evolving.</li> <li>Advanced proficiency in financial software and experience working with ERP system MS Dynamic is a strong pre.</li> <li>Fluency in English is a must.</li> <li>Open to travel 20-30% of time.</li> <li>Hands-on, entrepreneurial mindset with a willingness to dive into day-to-day details.</li> <li>Adaptability and comfort in working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.</li> <li>Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.</li> <li>Strong analytical skills with a focus on