Interim Finance Director

We are a leading international freight forwarding and logistics company providing comprehensive global transport, customs, and supply chain solutions. With a growing footprint across Europe, our French operations play a strategic role in connecting customers to key trade routes. 

We are seeking a dynamic Financial Director to lead our financial strategy, performance management, and governance in France and contribute to the group's regional growth.

The FD will be a key member of the leadership team, responsible for the financial integrity, performance, and strategic direction of the French business. This includes oversight of accounting, budgeting, forecasting, cash management, compliance, and financial planning — as well as supporting commercial decisions and operational efficiency across all business units.

This role will be the primary partner for the VP Finance & for the VP of Freight Forwarding Division for the region Europe West and will work alongside the CFO for Freight in Cluster West.

The interim role will oversee the transition and shaping of the finance teams, reporting and business analytics for Herport, EAS and LagAero business units as it integrates into DP World.

This is a temporary position with an expected duration of 6 to 9 months.

How you will contribute

Strategic & Financial Leadership

• Develop and implement the financial strategy aligned with corporate goals and market growth in France.

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to VP Freight to drive business performance.

• Drive financial planning, risk management, and performance optimization across all business functions.

Financial Management & Reporting 

• Oversee accounting, consolidation, and statutory reporting in compliance with French GAAP and IFRS. 

• Manage annual budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial models. 

• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to Group Finance and regulatory authorities. 

• Supervise audit processes (internal and external) and maintain strong internal controls. 

Operational Finance 

• Partner with Operations and Commercial teams to enhance profitability by capability, customer, and service offering and drive KPI performance. 

• Oversee cost control, pricing analysis, and margin optimization for freight forwarding, customs, and other value-added services. 

• Support tender processes and contract reviews from a financial perspective.

• Monitor working capital, cash flow, and credit exposure to customers and vendors.

• Support business & IT implementation of necessary tools (TMS, ERP) to enhance standardized automated reporting across all Business Units via the use of planning tools / RPA to eliminate waste and focus of core business support. 

Compliance & Governance 

• Ensure full compliance with fiscal, customs, and transport-related financial regulations.

• Consult with legal, tax, and HR teams on all financial governance issues. 

• Maintain robust balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, and cut-off discipline.

• Establish and maintain effective risk management and internal audit processes.

Leadership & Team Development 

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Finance team across accounting, FP&A, and controlling functions. 

• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. 

• Function as a trusted advisor to leadership on business planning and performance.

What you will bring

• Degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, or Business Administration (MBA or equivalent preferred).

• Minimum 10 years' experience in senior finance roles, with at least 5 years in logistics, freight forwarding, or transport sectors.

• Deep knowledge of French accounting, taxation, and regulatory frameworks; international experience a plus.

• Proven success in managing multi-entity, multi-currency operations.

• Strong ERP and BI system knowledge (e.g., SAP, CargoWise, Navision, or similar).

• Excellent command of French and English (written and spoken).

• Methodical thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Collaborative leader who can influence across all departments and regions.

• Commercially minded, with hands-on operational understanding of freight forwarding, GP & Productivity improvements and pricing disciplines.

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