Financial Controller

Financial Controller - Travel

At Rockpool, we are delighted to be working with a well-established travel company that is part of a global group expanding quickly. They need a qualified Financial Controller who can lead the accounting across their UK entities, as right-hand to the FD.

This is a substantial, senior role. It is not a blank canvas, but there is a huge opportunity to make a difference. The business has expanded quickly, and the department now needs someone who has been there and done it before: someone who can get under the bonnet, bring different methods together and get everything running like a well-oiled machine. The group is expanding, including through acquisitions, so the next 12 to 18 months will be an exciting time to join.

What will I be doing?

• Leading the monthly close and year-end across several UK and European entities, in multiple currencies
• Producing management information for the FD and the group, with clear commentary on performance
• Preparing the statutory year-end accounts and managing the relationship with the external auditors
• Overseeing VAT returns and the corporate tax position with the group's advisers
• Strengthening controls, approvals and reconciliations so that issues are picked up early
• Owning the cash forecast and the liquidity position
• Overseeing the purchase and sales ledgers, including debtor management
• Leading the annual budget and reforecasts, and supporting operational and commercial leaders with insight they can act on
• Managing and mentoring a team of around eight, from a senior manager through to apprentices
• Reshaping the team structure, with clear responsibilities and cover
• Improving processes and making better use of systems to save time

What experience do I need?

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
• Proven experience as a Financial Controller in the UK, or a senior Finance Manager ready for the next step
• Experience of working in the Travel Industry is preferred
• You must be experienced in UK GAAP / IFRS, audit and tax
• Year-end experience, with sound knowledge of UK accounting standards, audit and HMRC compliance
• Experience across multiple entities and currencies
• A track record of improving processes and controls in a fast-paced environment
• A practical leader who is happy to get into the detail, with the credibility to challenge and bring people with them
• Advanced Excel skills

What else do I need to know?

• £65,000 to £75,000 depending on experience
• A significant company-wide bonus paid once a year.
• A mix of office and home working. For the first six to eight months, expect to be in the South London office around two days a week, with some travel to another UK office. A driving licence would be helpful
• They would like someone to start as soon as possible

If you are a qualified Financial Controller who wants to make a genuine difference in a business on the up, please get in touch. Send your CV to Sarah at Rockpool Recruitment, or call for a confidential chat on .