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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and strategy in a dynamic travel business.
- Company: Fast-paced travel/tour operator with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and a chance to shape financial strategy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the travel industry while leading a talented finance team.
- Qualifications: Senior finance leadership experience and a background in the travel sector.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and entrepreneurial environment.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 130000 £ per year.
Location: London or Birmingham (UK) – Remote considered for the right candidate.
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
- Fully qualified accountant with strong technical accounting expertise
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) qualification required
- 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
Desirable
- Experience in scaling businesses or working in PE‑backed environments
- Familiarity with travel‑specific financial models (e.g. seasonality, deferred revenue, supplier contracts)
- Experience implementing or upgrading finance systems
What We Offer
- Flexible working (remote considered for the right candidate)
- Competitive salary and benefits package (£90K‑£130K)
- Opportunity to play a key role in shaping the financial strategy of a growing travel business
- Collaborative and entrepreneurial working environment
Head of Finance in London employer: Ainsley Reid International Limited
Contact Detail:
Ainsley Reid International Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the travel industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Finance role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial strategy knowledge and travel sector insights. We recommend practising common interview questions and having examples ready that showcase your leadership skills and commercial acumen.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We’re always looking for talented individuals like you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in the travel industry and your leadership skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Head of Finance role. Share your passion for the travel sector and how your financial expertise can drive our business forward.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for someone who can lead and develop a team. In your application, give us examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your mentoring approach and any successes in building high-performing teams.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ainsley Reid International Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your deep accounting expertise. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the travel industry, such as cash flow management and budgeting techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've used these metrics to drive business decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership experience, so prepare examples that highlight your ability to manage and develop high-performing teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you’ve successfully led your team through them, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Understand the Travel Sector
Familiarise yourself with travel-specific financial models, like seasonality and deferred revenue. Be prepared to discuss how these factors impact financial strategy and decision-making. Showing that you understand the nuances of the travel industry will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since you'll be partnering with senior leadership, think about how you can provide commercial insight and financial analysis. Prepare to discuss past experiences where your financial strategies aligned with business objectives and how you influenced senior stakeholders to make informed decisions.