45,000 up to 51,246 per annum dependent upon experience
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time
Security Level: BPSS
Visa Restrictions:
This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.
The Role
We are looking for an Assistant Manager with solid financial skills, strong communication and problem-solving capabilities to join our team of finance experts in aviation and travel.
The Aviation & Travel Finance (ATF) function's activities are diverse and broad in scope in regulating c1,600 ATOL holders. Primarily, this role is concerned with the financial sustainability of the aviation and travel businesses that CAA regulates, in this case the financial supervision and regulatory compliance of the 100 leading tour operators under the ATOL consumer protection scheme. In addition, the team is responsible for the financial oversight of UK-registered airlines and companies operating in the space industry. The CAA also manages the Air Travel Trust ("ATT") fund, set up to repatriate and refund ATOL protected customers in case of failure of an ATOL protected tour operator.
The UK travel and aviation markets are constantly evolving and subject to various short and longer-term challenges and opportunities. This role provides the exciting opportunity to be at the forefront helping shape our regulatory approach as operators seek to deal with the impact of these events.
As an Assistant Manager it will be your role to support managers in the team with the management of the CAA's regulation of a portfolio of licensed tour operators, and potentially airlines as well as companies operating in the space industry. This involves the direct financial supervision of these operators in addition to assisting the delivery of the processes that grant, renew, or vary their ATOLs or Operating Licences. To do this effectively you will need to perform in-depth analysis of the financial and business aspects of a portfolio of companies, ensuring these are carried out with due regard to relevant regulations and CAA policies and procedures. This will require year-round financial monitoring, as well as the building and maintaining of constructive, collaborative relationships with stakeholders in the aviation and travel industry. Furthermore, you may be expected to play a supportive role on behalf of the CAA in situations where one of the portfolio companies undertakes a corporate transaction, is in financial distress, or to the extent applicable, compliance matters to be investigated. The goal is to ensure travel businesses meet the necessary requirements under the respective legislation and regulations for the benefit of the consumers.
Additionally, the role will see you take on a wide range of other activities. These include, ad hoc project work, analysing and interpreting industry data, producing relevant reports for departmental, CAA-wide or external audiences as well as assisting in documenting guidelines and procedures.
About You
If you are looking for a role that will place you at the heart of the aviation industry and that draws on your capabilities as an astute financial professional, passionate problem-solver as well as a keen influencer of stakeholders, then this is an excellent opportunity for you. We are a supportive environment that is driven by our mission to protect the consumer and ensure safety, if this sounds like something you want to be involved in then please apply, we'd love to hear from you.
Essential:
Good numerical and problem-solving skills to conduct high quality, predictive and sound business and financial analyses within the deadlines that have been specified, and that draw on obtained/collected data/information without guidance.
Must hold at least an intermediate accounting or finance qualification (e.g. part-qualified accountant or equivalent) or have equivalent experience.
Solid understanding of financial statements, KPIs and concepts.
Good communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present issues and recommendations clearly and concisely, as well as to carry conviction with stakeholders.
Ability to manage own workload effectively and maintain quality and accuracy.
Good data and modelling skills, including ability to interrogate datasets and draw conclusions, develop financial and data models to apply simple analytical tools.
Keen to work as part of team of aviation and travel finance specialists.
Desirable:
An understanding of policy and regulatory issues affecting UK airlines and travel organisers is helpful but not essential.
Previous credit control / analysis experience would be desirable.
Additional Information
For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.
To be vetted you must have the right to work in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken.
If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.
For more information on BPSS clearance please visit - BPSS clearance
The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.
Relocation & Property
The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years' time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations.
We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers.
We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028
Inclusive Recruitment
We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.
Working With Us
We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.
We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance.
We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!
Our Values
Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone -
Closing Date: 2nd June 2025
Interview Date: w/c 9th June 2025
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.