Interim Finance Director – Freight Forwarding / Cargo

This interim Finance Director role is a six-month, hands-on engagement with a well-established cargo and freight forwarding operation based in West London. Reporting directly to senior leadership, the post-holder will take ownership of the finance function, strengthen financial controls and reporting, and provide clear commercial insight across customers, routes and operational areas.

The role suits a qualified Finance Director, Financial Controller or senior finance leader with a solid background in freight forwarding, cargo or related logistics environments. Hands-on experience with CargoWise is essential. The successful candidate will be expected to hit the ground running, quickly assess the business and implement practical improvements to financial performance and visibility.

• Lead and manage the finance function, ensuring accurate and timely management accounts and financial reporting
• Own the budgeting, forecasting and cash-flow management processes
• Drive improvements in financial controls, reporting and month-end and year-end processes
• Analyse profitability across customers, routes and operational areas to support margin improvement
• Partner with the Managing Director and senior management team on commercial decisions and strategic planning
• Manage working capital, credit control, cash collection and statutory reporting requirements

• Prior experience at Finance Director, Financial Controller or senior finance management level
• Demonstrated background in freight forwarding, cargo, logistics or a closely related sector
• Hands-on proficiency with CargoWise is essential
• Strong management accounting, commercial analysis and financial reporting capabilities
• Solid cash-flow and working-capital management experience
• Available to commit to a six-month interim assignment based in West London

Finatal is a specialist recruitment and interim management firm focused on placing senior finance professionals, primarily within freight forwarding, logistics and related industries. The business connects experienced finance leaders with organisations requiring high-impact interim or fixed-term support.