Operational Finance Lead (Accounts Payable) in Folkestone

Operational Finance Lead (Accounts Payable)

Salary from £36,000 – £41,000 depending on experience

Permanent

Folkestone Hybrid

Saga Travel Group are looking to recruit an Operational Finance Lead, to join us, helping to shape the future of our operational finance function.

While you will have day-to-day responsibility for the Accounts Payable teamincluding oversight of outputs, controls, and process improvementsyou will also contribute more broadly across general finance operations.

Youll support month-end close activities, improving transactional processes, and collaborate cross-functionally to drive efficiency and accuracy in financial reporting.

Our travel business is award winning and on a growth trajectory, and as our Operational Finance Lead you will be at the heart of our fast-paced finance operations, working with suppliers across the globe.

It\’s an exciting time to join Sagas Finance community as we work through the implementation of Workday for our general ledger. Reporting into the Head of Operational Finance you will lead your team of 4 through this change as we drive to continually improve.

We work in a hybrid way at Saga both at home and in the office. As our Operational Finance Lead you will be required to attend our Folkestone office 3 days a week to collaborate with the wider holidays finance team.

Package Description

At Saga we recognise that our people make us special. We believe our colleagues deserve rewards for the excellence they demonstrate every single day, that\’s why we have put together an amazing benefits package for all colleagues.

BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO ALL COLLEAGUES:

• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Option to purchase additional leave – 5 extra days
• Pension scheme matched up to 10%
• Company performance related annual bonus – Up to 5%
• Life assurance policy on joining us, 4 x salary
• Wellbeing programme
• Colleague discounts including family discounts on cruises, holidays and insurance
• Range of reductions and offers from leading retailers, travel groups and entertainment companies
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Grandparents leave
• Income protection
• Access to Saga Academy, our bespoke learning platform

Main Responsibilities

In this varied role, you would lead your team in transactional finance and financial review/reconciliations, all while working with a process improvement mindset.

Responsibilities will include:

Producing statistics in invoice processing times and report each week.

Managing a remote team, producing KPIs and tracking against them to ensure SLAs are adhered to.

Working with the Finance Analyst to accurately post suppliers reclaims and engage with suppliers to confirm agreement

Analysis of purchase order compliance and reporting to the Head of Finance where this hasnt been adhered to.

Reviewing aged creditors ensuring there is no duplication of invoices.

Checking the invoices processed against the accrual posted by FR&C and work with the team to raise if the accrual has been exceeded.

ReconcilingPax2Pay statements by extracting and reviewing reports, matching transactions to corresponding bookings, and resolving discrepancies.

Analysing actuals against margin reports, identifying discrepancies, and communicating necessary corrections to the team as needed.

Balance sheet reconciliations of Aged Creditors, BSP debtors

Cancellation cost analysis – ensure costs have been accurately accounted for and accrue where required.

Playing a pivotal role in the Accounts Payable automation project by ensuring data accuracy, validating system outputs, and supporting a smooth implementation of the new tool.

The Ideal Candidate

As our Operational Finance Lead, you will have a strong end to end Accounts Payable background, combined with experience in leading a team.

Experience within the travel sector would be desirable, however we are happy to consider candidates who have an eagerness to learn international payments and reporting regulations.

Other experience required include:

Proven business partnering skills and ability to liaise with internal and external stakeholders

Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Leading automation projects (e.g., AP automation, OCR tools) and streamlining workflows

Supplier management and query resolution

Ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution

Implementing and monitoring internal controls

Ensuring adherence to audit, tax, and regulatory requirements

Risk identification and mitigation

Supplier and statement reconciliations

Accuracy in transactional reporting and accruals and cost recognition

Analysis of variances and margin performance

Liaising with FR&C and FP&A teams

Proficiency in ERP Systems, Excel and reporting tools

Saga Values: Make it Happen, Do the Right Thing, Customer First, Excellence Every Day, Our People Make Us Special

About The Company

Over the past 70years we have become the UK\’s specialist provider of products and services to people aged over 50 in the UK. Were one of the most recognised and trusted brands amongst UK consumers in this demographic, recognised for its high-quality products and exceptional standards of service. Our product portfolio includes cruises, holidays, insurance, personal finance products andour Saga Magazine.

We aim to be the most-trusted brand for older people in the UK. Our focus on delivering exceptional products and service empowers our colleagues to create moments that are personal and special for our customers and for each other. Our values underpin our approach and help guide us to deliver our purpose.

Were committed to making sure that colleagues can be their best, be themselves and make a difference more than anywhere else. We do this by creating a truly inclusive culture, where all colleagues can bring their full and authentic selves to work and be treated with dignityand respect in an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

Thanks to our people, Saga has been ranked 6th in the UKs Best Employers 2025 by the Financial Times and Statista. This recognition, based on the voices of 20,000 employees across the UK, is a testament to the great culture weve built together. This award belongs to all our colleagues who collectively make Saga a fantastic place to work.

We are champions of age inclusivity and signatories of the Age-Friendly Employer Pledge, we are proud of our multigenerational teams we have in place. Were also a committed Disability Confident employer and ensure that our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible.

Your application will have fair consideration, and youll receive personal communication throughout your applicant journey when you apply to join Saga.

For more information on our DEI policies, colleague stories and other opportunities across the business, please visit Jobs and careers with Saga

Saga does not accept agency CVs unless specifically engaged on the role by the Talent Acquisition Team. Please do not forward CVs to our recruiters, employees or any other company location. Saga will not be responsible for any fees related to CVs received in this unsolicited manner.

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