Head of Finance (Financial Controller)
Location: United Kingdom (Hybrid) Salary: £65,000 + £20,000
performance-based bonus
Benefits: 25 days’ holiday, comprehensive healthcare, professional development
About Our Client Magpie Recruitment is partnering with a leading luxury travel company that specialises in highly curated VIP experiences across the UK, Ireland, Paris, and Normandy. They deliver bespoke, once-in-a-lifetime itineraries—from exclusive estate tours to behind-the-scenes cultural access—backed by exceptional service and deep local expertise.
Why This Role Is Exceptional
* Strategic Visibility: Report directly to the Owner, with immediate influence on financial strategy and business growth.
* Immediate Impact:
* First Six Months: Refine core accounting processes, ensure flawless Xero–Salesforce integration, and elevate management reporting.
* Year Two: Lead technology and efficiency initiatives—implement new tools to streamline operations and maximize profitability.
* Career Progression: Shape the finance function from a small, high-performing team to a scalable operation, with potential to evolve into a CFO-style role.
* Competitive Package: Solid base salary plus a consistently paid £20k bonus, plus 25 days’ holiday and healthcare.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Team Management
* Lead and mentor a lean finance team, fostering accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
* Conduct performance reviews, training, and ensure day-to-day financial operations run smoothly.
* Collaborate with the Owner on commercial decisions, providing data-driven insights.
Financial Strategy & Planning
* Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with short- and long-term company objectives.
* Own budgeting and forecasting—partner with senior leaders to set targets and resource allocations.
* Present clear, actionable financial forecasts and risk analyses to the Owner.
Reporting & Analysis
* Prepare accurate monthly management accounts: P&Ls, balance sheets, and cash-flow statements.
* Ensure seamless reconciliation between Xero accounting records and Salesforce sales data.
* Deliver insightful reports on sales performance, commission structures, and cash-flow projections.
Compliance & Governance
* Oversee statutory reporting and corporate governance—ensure all filings (including VAT under the TOMS scheme) are timely and accurate.
* Maintain robust internal controls, data protection, and GDPR compliance.
* Manage interactions with external auditors, HMRC, and banking partners.
Operational Finance & Cash Management
* Lead all banking relationships and daily cash-flow management.
* Identify cost-saving opportunities, resolve general ledger discrepancies, and manage payroll journals.
* Oversee AP/AR processes: reconcile control accounts, monitor debtors, and resolve supplier queries.
What We’re Looking For:
Sector Expertise:
* Experienced in a senior finance/accounting role (e.g., Head of Finance, Finance Director, Financial Controller or Finance Manager) within travel, hospitality, or luxury services.
Professional Qualifications:
* Part-qualified or fully qualified (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent).
Technical Proficiency:
* Deep hands-on experience with Xero (cloud accounting) and strong Excel skills.
* Working knowledge of Salesforce data reconciliation or similar CRM-accounting integration is highly desirable.
Commercial Acumen:
* Proven understanding of profit margins, VAT (including TOMS), tax planning, and cash-flow management in a seasonal environment.
Leadership & Communication:
* Experienced in managing a small finance team, conducting reviews and training.
* Excellent verbal and written communication—able to produce professional reports and present to senior stakeholders.
Personal Attributes:
* Solutions-focused, proactive, and able to operate with high integrity and discretion.
* Collaborative mindset—comfortable liaising with Operations, Sales, Marketing, and external advisors.
Desirable (but not essential):
* Experience working with Virtuoso travel agents or similar high-end networks.
* Hands-on familiarity with Tour Operators Margin Scheme (TOMS) and foreign-exchange risk management.