At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance operations, refine accounting processes, and mentor a small team.
- Company: Join a luxury travel company known for bespoke VIP experiences across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonus, 25 days holiday, and healthcare.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact on financial strategy while shaping your career towards a CFO role.
- Qualifications: Must have senior finance experience and be part-qualified or fully qualified in accounting.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
Location: United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Salary: £65,000 + £20,000 performance-based bonus
Benefits: 25 days’ holiday, comprehensive healthcare, professional development
About Our Client
Magpie Recruitment is partnering with a leading luxury travel company that specialises in highly curated VIP experiences across the UK, Ireland, Paris, and Normandy. They deliver bespoke, once-in-a-lifetime itineraries—from exclusive estate tours to behind-the-scenes cultural access—backed by exceptional service and deep local expertise.
Strategic Visibility: Report directly to the Owner, with immediate influence on financial strategy and business growth.
Immediate Impact:
- First Six Months: Refine core accounting processes, ensure flawless Xero–Salesforce integration, and elevate management reporting.
Career Progression: Shape the finance function from a small, high-performing team to a scalable operation, with potential to evolve into a CFO-style role.
Lead and mentor a lean finance team, fostering accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Conduct performance reviews, training, and ensure day-to-day financial operations run smoothly.
Collaborate with the Owner on commercial decisions, providing data-driven insights.
Financial Strategy & Planning
- Develop and execute financial strategies aligned with short- and long-term company objectives.
- Present clear, actionable financial forecasts and risk analyses to the Owner.
- Prepare accurate monthly management accounts: Ensure seamless reconciliation between Xero accounting records and Salesforce sales data.
- Deliver insightful reports on sales performance, commission structures, and cash-flow projections.
- Maintain robust internal controls, data protection, and GDPR compliance.
- Manage interactions with external auditors, HMRC, and banking partners.
Operational Finance & Cash Management
- Lead all banking relationships and daily cash-flow management.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities, resolve general ledger discrepancies, and manage payroll journals.
- Oversee AP/AR processes: reconcile control accounts, monitor debtors, and resolve supplier queries.
Requirements:
- Experienced in a senior finance/accounting role (e.g., Head of Finance, Finance Director, Financial Controller or Finance Manager) within travel, hospitality, or luxury services.
- Part-qualified or fully qualified (ACCA, ACA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Deep hands-on experience with Xero (cloud accounting) and strong Excel skills.
- Working knowledge of Salesforce data reconciliation or similar CRM-accounting integration is highly desirable.
- Proven understanding of profit margins, VAT (including TOMS), tax planning, and cash-flow management in a seasonal environment.
- Experienced in managing a small finance team, conducting reviews and training.
- Experience working with Virtuoso travel agents or similar high-end networks.
- Hands-on familiarity with Tour Operators Margin Scheme (TOMS) and foreign-exchange risk management.
Financial Controller - Renewable Energy Sector employer: Magpie Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Magpie Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller - Renewable Energy Sector
✨Tip Number 1
Network within the travel and luxury services sector. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with professionals who might have insights or leads on the Financial Controller role. Building relationships can often lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Xero and Salesforce integration. Since this role requires seamless reconciliation between these platforms, demonstrating your knowledge or experience in this area during conversations can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your understanding of the Tour Operators Margin Scheme (TOMS) and seasonal cash-flow management. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated these challenges in previous roles to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent financial performance and strategic goals. Being able to discuss how your skills align with their objectives will demonstrate your genuine interest and readiness to contribute to their financial strategy.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller - Renewable Energy Sector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in finance, particularly in the travel or luxury services sector. Emphasise your hands-on experience with Xero and Salesforce integration, as well as any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the renewable energy sector and how your financial expertise can contribute to the company's growth. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to refine accounting processes and lead a finance team.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as ACCA, ACA, or CIMA, and any relevant training or certifications. This will show that you have the necessary credentials for the role of Financial Controller.
Showcase Commercial Acumen: Provide examples of how you've successfully managed financial strategies, cash flow, and cost-saving initiatives in previous roles. This will demonstrate your understanding of profit margins and financial planning in a seasonal environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Magpie Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial strategies, particularly in the travel or luxury services sector. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed cash flow, conducted risk analyses, or improved financial processes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a finance team, be ready to share your experiences in mentoring and conducting performance reviews. Discuss how you foster accuracy and accountability within your team.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Xero and Salesforce
As the role requires seamless integration between Xero and Salesforce, ensure you can speak confidently about your hands-on experience with these platforms. Prepare to discuss any challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand the Commercial Landscape
Brush up on your knowledge of profit margins, VAT, and tax planning, especially in a seasonal environment. Be ready to provide insights on how these factors impact financial decision-making in the luxury travel industry.