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- Tasks: Manage finance operations and support business decisions in a dynamic travel company.
- Company: Join a passionate team at a leading cultural tour operator.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, health scheme, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for long-term growth.
- Why this job: Take ownership of finance while contributing to exciting historical tours.
- Qualifications: Practical accounting experience and familiarity with QuickBooks preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 46000 £ per year.
About Us
The Cultural Experience is a specialist tour operator creating expert‑led historical, battlefield and cultural tours around the world. Working with leading historians and academics, we design tours that bring history vividly to life in the places where it happened. Founded in 2009, we are an established travel company based in East Hampshire organising specialist tours for clients from the UK and internationally. We are a team of around 8 staff with annual turnover of approximately GBP3m.
The Role
This is a key role within the company, working closely with the owner to ensure the business runs smoothly behind the scenes. The successful candidate will take responsibility for the company's day‑to‑day finance function while also supporting operational and commercial decision‑making.
Responsibilities include:
- Finance
- Maintaining accurate accounting records using QuickBooks
- Managing sales and purchase ledgers
- Processing payments, receipts and bank reconciliations
- Managing supplier payments and customer receipts
- Monitoring cash flow and working capital
- Preparing monthly management accounts
- Supporting budgeting and forecasting
- Analysing financial performance and identifying trends
- Assisting with pricing and commercial analysis
- Supporting year‑end accounts preparation
- Leading the migration from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online
- Integrating accounting systems with the company's booking system and CRM
- Improving financial reporting and internal processes
- Supporting the owner in the day‑to‑day running of the business
- Acting as the internal contact for finance matters
- Assisting with general office coordination where required
About You
You will have solid practical accounting experience, ideally gained within a small or owner‑managed business where you have handled a broad range of financial responsibilities. Previous experience working in a small business environment would be particularly valuable. We are looking for someone comfortable taking ownership of the finance function and maintaining accurate financial records with minimal supervision.
You should:
- Be comfortable managing day‑to‑day company accounts
- Have experience preparing management accounts and supporting year‑end accounts
- Be confident working independently
- Have experience using QuickBooks or similar accounting software
- Be organised, practical and reliable
- Enjoy improving systems and processes
Professional qualifications are not essential; practical experience and a hands‑on approach are more important. An interest in history, travel or culture would be a bonus.
What We Offer
- Salary GBP40,000 - GBP46,000 depending on experience
- Performance‑related bonus
- Company pension
- Company health scheme
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Free on‑site parking
- Travel benefits
- Flexible working hours can be considered for the right candidate
The Opportunity
This role offers the opportunity to take genuine ownership of the finance function within a successful specialist business, working directly with the owner and contributing to the continued success and smooth running of the business. The role is based at our East Hampshire office and would suit someone looking for a long‑term position within a friendly, established company.
Finance & Office Manager (Company Accountant) in Alton employer: The Cultural Experience
Contact Detail:
The Cultural Experience Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance & Office Manager (Company Accountant) in Alton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience with finance and accounting can benefit the company. Highlight your hands-on approach and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to improve systems and processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at The Cultural Experience, where your passion for history and finance can truly shine.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance & Office Manager (Company Accountant) in Alton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your practical accounting experience and any relevant software knowledge, like QuickBooks, to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about finance and how your background aligns with our company’s mission. Don’t forget to mention any interest in history or travel – we love that!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details about the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Cultural Experience
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your accounting knowledge, especially around QuickBooks. Be ready to discuss how you've managed financial records in the past and any specific challenges you've faced. This will show that you're not just familiar with the software but also understand the nuances of financial management.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of examples where you've improved systems or processes in previous roles. The Cultural Experience values efficiency, so be prepared to share how you've streamlined operations or enhanced reporting in your past experiences. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to contribute to their business.
✨Connect with Their Mission
Since the company focuses on historical and cultural tours, it’s a great idea to express your interest in history or travel during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or trips that have inspired you. This personal touch can help you stand out as someone who genuinely aligns with their values.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the role and the company. Ask about their current financial processes or how they envision the migration to QuickBooks Online. This shows that you're engaged and thinking critically about how you can fit into their team and contribute to their success.