Head Of Finance

Head Of Finance Role needed for niche tour operator (ACCA or SIMA qualified)

As Head of Finance, you will be responsible for leading the finance and IT functions, ensuring robust financial management, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. The role involves overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls while ensuring the IT infrastructure supports business needs. Additionally, you will manage and develop the finance and IT teams, ensuring high performance and continuous improvement.

This is a technical role requiring good data handling, reporting and presentation skills . The travel industry is very dynamic and internal and external data requirements constantly change.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function, ensuring alignment with the company's commercial and financial objectives.
• Develop and implement financial policies, procedures, and internal controls to maintain financial integrity and improve efficiency.
• Provide financial insight and recommendations to the Managing Director and Board to support business strategy and profitability.
• Oversee the preparation of statutory accounts and financial reports, ensuring compliance with UK regulatory bodies (e.g., CAA, ABTA, HMRC).
• Ensure financial statements comply with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (UK GAAP) and reporting deadlines.
• Manage relationships with external auditors and accountants ( UK, France and Austria ) to ensure compliance with tax regulations and statutory requirements in each country.
• Communicate audit findings and financial risks to the Managing Director and Board, recommending cost-saving measures and operational efficiencies.
• Prepare and present monthly management accounts, including variance analysis, key financial performance indicators (KPIs), and profitability reports.
• Analyse financial performance across all revenue streams, including chalet operations, non-chalet services, and ski pack sales.
• Identify financial trends, risks, and opportunities, providing data-driven recommendations to the Board.
• Develop financial models and forecasts to support strategic decision-making
• Lead, motivate, and develop the finance ( currently 2.5 staff ) and IT ( currently 1 staff ) teams, ensuring high performance and staff engagement.
• Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and expertise.
• Set clear objectives, monitor team performance, and conduct regular appraisals.
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven work environment, ensuring effective

Role requirements

Essential

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Experience of being in a Finance Managerial role covering all areas of the finance function
• Experience of data management and reporting
• Advanced Excel skills, including complex formulae (e.g., VLOOKUP, IFERROR) and the ability to build and analyse pivot tables
• Programming skills, with experience in VBA for automation and process improvement
• A solid understanding of IT network systems
• Team player with strong numeracy and verbal communication skills
• Adaptable, solution-oriented, and able to thrive in fast-changing environments

Desirable

• Experience within the travel industry or a related sector
• Proficiency in French and/or German
• Advanced Programming skills ( eg Python )

Package

• Competitive salary and reviews
• Generous holiday discounts for you and your friends/family
• Company pension contributions
• Annual leave loyalty reward - increases annually up to max of 5 days
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Child Care voucher scheme

Working Environment

• Hybrid remote working at least 2 days in office in West London
• In-office showers and bike parking
• Relaxed dress code
• Regular company socials
• Weekly in-office breakfast