Job Description

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:

+

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:

+ 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:

+ 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.