Head of Finance (Financial Controller) Location: United Kingdom (Office-based) 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 specializes 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:
o First Six Months: Refine core accounting processes, ensure flawless Xero Salesforce integration, and elevate management reporting.
o 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
o Lead and mentor a lean finance team, fostering accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
o Conduct performance reviews, training, and ensure day-to-day financial operations run smoothly.
o Collaborate with the Owner on commercial decisions, providing data-driven insights.
* Financial Strategy & Planning
o Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with short- and long-term company objectives.
o Own budgeting and forecasting partner with senior leaders to set targets and resource allocations.
o Present clear, actionable financial forecasts and risk analyses to the Owner.
* Reporting & Analysis
o Prepare accurate monthly management accounts: P&Ls, balance sheets, and cash-flow statements.
o Ensure seamless reconciliation between Xero accounting records and Salesforce sales data.
o Deliver insightful reports on sales performance, commission structures, and cash-flow projections.
* Compliance & Governance
o Oversee statutory reporting and corporate governance ensure all filings (including VAT under the TOMS scheme) are timely and accurate.
o Maintain robust internal controls, data protection, and GDPR compliance.
o Manage interactions with external auditors, HMRC, and banking partners.
* Operational Finance & Cash Management
o Lead all banking relationships and daily cash-flow management.
o Identify cost-saving opportunities, resolve general ledger discrepancies, and manage payroll journals.
o Oversee AP/AR processes: reconcile control accounts, monitor debtors, and resolve supplier queries.
What We re Looking For
* Sector Expertise:
o Minimum 5 years in a senior finance/accounting role (e.g., Assistant Financial Controller or Finance Manager) within travel, hospitality, or luxury services.
* Professional Qualifications:
o Part-qualified or fully qualified (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent).
* Technical Proficiency:
o Deep hands-on experience with Xero (cloud accounting) and strong Excel skills.
o Working knowledge of Salesforce data reconciliation or similar CRM-accounting integration is highly desirable.
* Commercial Acumen:
o Proven understanding of profit margins, VAT (including TOMS), tax planning, and cash-flow management in a seasonal environment.
* Leadership & Communication:
o Experienced in managing a small finance team, conducting reviews and training.
o Excellent verbal and written communication able to produce professional reports and present to senior stakeholders.
* Personal Attributes:
o Solutions-focused, proactive, and able to operate with high integrity and discretion.
o 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.
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