At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and strategy in a dynamic travel business.
- Company: Exciting travel company based in Birmingham with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary (£90K - £100K), and great benefits.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and team development.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of a growing travel company and make an impact.
- Qualifications: Senior finance leadership experience and travel industry background required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
Head of Finance
Essential: Background in the travel industry/tour operator.
Reports to: CEO / Managing Director.
About the Role.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Finance to lead our finance function within a dynamic travel/tour operator business.
This is a senior leadership role responsible for financial strategy, operational excellence, and team leadership, supporting continued growth in a fast-paced industry.
The successful candidate will bring deep accounting expertise, a strong background in the travel sector, and proven experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
Key Responsibilities.
- Lead and oversee all financial operations, including accounting, reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.
- Develop and execute financial strategy aligned with business objectives.
- Provide commercial insight and financial analysis to support strategic decision-making.
- Ensure robust financial controls, compliance, and risk management frameworks are in place.
- Own the monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting cycles, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Partner with senior leadership on business planning, pricing strategies, and performance optimisation.
- Manage relationships with auditors, banks, and external stakeholders.
- Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, processes, and reporting capabilities.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a finance team of up to 12 staff.
- Key Requirements
- Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role (Head of Finance, Finance Director, or similar).
- Essential: Background in the travel industry, tour operator, or closely related sector.
- Familiarity with travel-specific financial models (e. g. seasonality, deferred revenue, supplier contracts).
- Fully qualified accountant with strong technical accounting expertise.
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or close relationships/experience dealing with auditors.
- Strong leadership experience managing teams of up to 12 people.
- Excellent commercial acumen with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Experience operating in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
- Strong knowledge of financial controls, compliance, and risk management
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills
What We Offer
- Flexible working (remote considered for the right candidate)
- Competitive salary and benefits package (£90K -£100K)
- Opportunity to play a key role in shaping the financial strategy of a growing travel business
- Collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Finance in Birmingham employer: Ainsley Reid International Limited
Join a dynamic travel/tour operator in Birmingham as the Head of Finance, where you will lead a talented finance team and shape the financial strategy of a growing business. We offer a collaborative and entrepreneurial work culture, flexible working options, and a competitive salary package, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to thrive in a fast-paced industry while enjoying meaningful employee growth and development.
Contact Details:
Ainsley Reid International Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Birmingham
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Ainsley Reid International Limited. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Ainsley Reid International Limited.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Ainsley Reid International Limited's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ainsley Reid International Limited
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Ainsley Reid International Limited.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Ainsley Reid International Limited will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Ainsley Reid International Limited employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.