Business Aircraft Aviation Accountant

Business Aircraft Aviation Accountant

Role Overview

A Business Aircraft Aviation Accountant is responsible for managing and overseeing all financial

activities related to the operation of owned and/or chartered business aircraft (private jets).

This role requires specialized expertise in aviation accounting, operational finance, charter activities,

maintenance cost control, crew expenses, and high-value asset management. The position ensures

compliance with aviation-specific financial regulations and supports cost efficiency for private aircraft

operations.

General Responsibilities

1. Operational Cost Management

• Track, review, and control monthly operational expenses related to owned aircraft, including

but not limited to:

• Crew salaries, expenses and allowances

• Fuel

• Maintenance

• Insurance

• Catering

• Ground services

• Tickets and hotels expenses and costs.

• Process vendor and service supplier invoices and ensure timely payments.

2. Invoice Verification & Reconciliation

• Verify and reconcile invoices against flight operations, requirements, and supporting receipts.

• Ensure accuracy of records and proper allocation of expenses.

3. Flight Payback & Internal Invoicing

• Prepare and issue internal flight payback invoices upon trip completion.

• Submit invoices for internal approval, monitor postings, and follow up with accounts.

4. Cash Float Reconciliation

• Perform monthly or ad-hoc reconciliation and adjustment of:

• Aircraft cash floats

• Driver cash floats

5. Budgeting & Forecasting

• Develop and monitor operating budgets for:

• Aircraft operations

• Maintenance programs

• Upgrades and modifications

• Prepare financial forecasts based on utilization and operational demand.

6. Aircraft Acquisition & Ownership Accounting

• Maintain financial records for aircraft purchase, leasing, and ownership.

• Manage accounting for:

• Depreciation

• Lease terms

• Financing payments and interest

7. Audit Preparation

• Support internal and external audits related to aircraft operations and ownership.

• Ensure accuracy, compliance, and completeness of financial records.

8. Cost Control & Optimization

• Identify opportunities to reduce and optimize operational and ownership costs while

maintaining safety and compliance standards.

9. Financial Reporting

• Prepare regular financial reports providing insight into:

• Operating cost efficiency

• Aircraft utilization

• Expense trends

10. Financial Statements

• Prepare annual financial statements, including:

• Income Statement

• Balance Sheet

• Cash Flow Statement

• Budget and Forecast Reports

Education

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance, or related field

• Professional certifications in aviation accounting or aviation finance are considered a strong

advantage

Experience

• 3–7 years of accounting experience, preferably within:

• Business aviation

• Private jet operations

• Commercial airline operations

• Proven experience managing financial aspects of:

• Aircraft operations

• Charter activities

• Aircraft acquisition and leasing

• Maintenance and overhaul costs

• Strong familiarity with aviation operations and maintenance environments.

• Knowledge of civil aviation authorities, aviation terminology, regulations, technologies, and

abbreviations.

• Comprehensive understanding of aviation accounting practices, including:

• Fuel management and calculations

• Aircraft logbooks

• Maintenance and MRO costs

• Flight and ground operations

• Airport and navigation fees

• Overflight permits and permissions

• Crew-related expenses

• Strong knowledge of MSP programs, including:

• Engine programs

• APU programs

• Other aircraft maintenance programs

• Solid experience reviewing aviation financial and commercial contracts, including:

• Charter agreements

• Aircraft management agreements

• Aircraft purchase agreements

• Maintenance and service contracts

• Crew contracts

Key Skills

1. Financial Expertise

• Strong command of accounting principles related to business aircraft operational expenses

and ownership costs.

2. Attention to Detail

• Ability to manage high-value assets and ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.

3. Analytical Skills

• Strong capabilities in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis for complex aviation

operations.

4. Regulatory & Tax Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of aviation-related tax regulations, including:

• Depreciation

• Use and VAT taxes

• Tax planning and deductions

5. Software Proficiency

• Experience with financial and ERP systems, including:

• Oracle

• Financial portals

• Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

6. Communication Skills

• Ability to clearly communicate financial data and insights to:

• Aircraft owners

• Senior executives

• Operational and maintenance teams

7. Problem-Solving

• Ability to address financial challenges related to:

• Unexpected operational costs

• Regulatory or contract changes

Other Requirements

• Strong understanding of:

• Business aircraft operations

• Chartering models

• Aircraft management and fractional ownership

• Knowledge of aviation tax structures and financial complexities of high-value aircraft

operations.

• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-pressure

environment.