About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Finance to lead the finance function of a dynamic, fast-growing travel and tour operator business. This is a senior leadership role with full ownership of financial strategy, operational excellence, and team leadership, directly supporting the company's continued growth.
Reporting to the CEO/Managing Director, you will be a trusted commercial partner to the leadership team, combining deep technical accounting expertise with the strategic insight needed to shape business decisions. The successful candidate will bring a strong background in the travel sector and a proven track record of building and developing high-performing teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee all financial operations, including accounting, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
- Develop and execute a financial strategy aligned with the company's business objectives.
- Provide commercial insight and financial analysis to support strategic decision-making.
- Ensure robust financial controls, compliance, and risk management frameworks are in place.
- Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting cycles, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Partner with senior leadership on business planning, pricing strategies, and performance optimisation.
- Manage relationships with auditors, banks, and external stakeholders.
- Drive continuous improvement across financial systems, processes, and reporting capabilities.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a finance team of up to 12 staff.
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role (Head of Finance, Finance Director, or similar).
- Background in the travel industry, tour operator, or a closely related sector.
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with strong technical accounting expertise.
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification.
- Strong leadership experience managing teams of up to 12 people.
- Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Experience operating in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
- Strong knowledge of financial controls, compliance, and risk management.
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills.
Desirable
- Experience scaling businesses or working in private equity (PE)-backed environments.
- Familiarity with travel-specific financial models (e.g. seasonality, deferred revenue, supplier contracts).
- Experience implementing or upgrading finance systems.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Pay: £80,000.00-£100,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
