Aviation Accountant

A Business Aircraft Aviation Accountant is responsible for managing the financial activities related to operating either owned or charter business aircraft/private jets. The role involves specialized knowledge in accounting for the operations, purchasing, charter, maintenance, payback, crew expenses, and salaries related to business aircraft, ensuring compliance with aviation-specific financial regulations, and managing costs associated with high-value assets.

General Responsibilities:

1. Operational Cost Management: Track and review the monthly invoices related to the operation of owned aircraft including but not limited to crew salaries, fuel, crew expenses, maintenance, insurance, catering, etc., processing vendor and services suppliers’ invoices and payments.
2. Verifying and reconciling invoices with flights and operations requirements and receipts, ensuring timely payments and maintaining accurate records of transactions.
3. Flights Payback: Generating and sending internal invoices for approval after the trip is completed, monitoring the registration, and following the accounts.
4. Cash Float Reconciliation: On a monthly basis or as per request, make an adjustment for both driver and aircraft floats.
5. Budgeting and Forecasting: Develop and monitor budgets for aircraft operation, maintenance, and potential upgrades, and create financial forecasts based on expected usage.
6. Aircraft Acquisition & Ownership Accounting: Manage financial records related to the purchase, leasing, and ownership of business aircraft, including depreciation, leasing terms, and financing payments and interest.
7. Audit Preparation: Assist with internal and external audits, ensuring the accuracy of records related to aircraft operations and ownership.
8. Cost Control: Identify opportunities to reduce costs associated with aircraft operations.
9. Financial Reporting: Prepare regular financial reports that provide insight into the cost-efficiency of the aircraft operations.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in aviation accounting and related courses are a plus.

Experience:

• 3-7 years of accounting experience, preferably in the aviation operations sector, with specific experience in commercial airlines operations or business aviation or private aircraft operations.
• Good experience with financial aspects of aircraft operations, charter, acquisition, and maintenance in the business/commercial aviation sector.
• Familiarity with the aviation industry, and a good knowledge of the operations and maintenance of aircraft, related technologies, terminology, and abbreviations.

Skills:

1. Financial Expertise: Deep understanding of accounting practices related to business aircraft operational expenses.
2. Attention to Detail: Ability to manage high-value asset financials and ensure compliance with complex regulations.
3. Analytical Skills: Strong skills in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis for high-value assets like business jets.
4. Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of tax laws related to aircraft ownership and operations, including depreciation, use tax, and potential tax deductions.
5. Software Proficiency: Experience with financial software such as portals, Oracle, Microsoft Office.
6. Communication Skills: Ability to communicate financial matters clearly to business aircraft owners and executives, as well as stakeholders in operations and maintenance.
7. Problem Solving: Capacity to address financial issues related to aircraft operations, such as unexpected costs or regulatory changes.

Other Requirements:

• Knowledge of business aircraft operations, chartering, contracts, and fractional ownership.
• Understanding of aviation tax rules and the financial intricacies of operating high-value aircraft.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.