Group Financial Controller in Manchester

Benefits

• Refer a friend for £1000 bonus (unlimited)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Day off for your birthday
• Staff awards
• Hotel and airline discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme

Overview and What We Offer

• Mon – Fri 37.5hrs
• Location: Manchester
• Benefits listed above

Who We Are and What We Do

We’re a global, multi‑award winning Business Travel Company, delivering relaxed, cost‑effective travel solutions through cutting‑edge technology and exceptional customer service. Our 800‑strong team ensures hassle‑free travel management programmes for progressive businesses worldwide.

Role Purpose

As our business expands, we need a Group Financial Controller to bring structure, insight, and strategic oversight to our financial operations. This role is critical in ensuring robust financial systems, accurate reporting, and leadership empowerment for informed decisions.

Operational – Key Tasks

• Financial Reporting & Compliance
• Support the Group CFO with monthly board reporting
• Ensure statutory compliance, tax filings, and regulatory obligations
• Liaise with external auditors and manage audit process from planning to completion
• Lead the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts
• Provide variance analysis and commentary to support business decisions
• Develop financial models to evaluate performance and investment opportunities
• Monitor and manage cash flow to meet obligations
• Oversee banking relationships and optimise working capital
• Implement strategies to manage financial risk
• Design and maintain robust internal controls and procedures
• Streamline processes and improve efficiency through automation and system enhancements
• Ensure financial systems are fit for purpose and scalable with growth
• Support development of the Group finance team alongside the Head of Financial Reporting
• Set clear objectives, conduct performance reviews, and support professional development
• Promote cross‑functional collaboration and act as finance business partner across departments
• Work closely with the CFO and senior leadership to shape strategy and support long‑term planning

People Management

• Consider PDPs and set expectations on appraisals and 1:1s (minimum 2 reviews per year)
• Manage, support and coach individual and team performance
• Maximise productivity and overall performance
• Encourage a customer‑focused environment with clear responsibilities and expectations
• Hold regular team talks to disseminate performance and key business issues

Essential Experience

• Professional qualification: ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent
• Post‑qualification experience: Minimum 5 years in senior finance role, ideally as Financial Controller or Finance Manager
• Industry exposure: Experience in the travel industry is highly desirable
• Audit & compliance: Proven track record managing audits and ensuring compliance with UK GAAP/IFRS and tax regulations
• Team leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and develop finance teams
• Systems & tools: Hands‑on experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills

Key Skills

• Technical accounting expertise: deep understanding of financial reporting, consolidation and statutory compliance
• Analytical thinking: ability to interpret financial data and provide actionable insights
• Commercial acumen: link financial performance with business strategy and operations
• Communication: strong written and verbal communication, able to present complex financial information clearly

Desirable Extras

• Experience with FP&A tools or business intelligence platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau)
• Exposure to M&A, fundraising or investor reporting
• Knowledge of ESG reporting or sustainability finance practices

Clarity Travel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

For more information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button below.