Bank Reconciliations Team Leader

About Us

At Travel Counsellors, our customers, communities, and colleagues are at the heart of everything we do. For over 30 years, we've empowered 2,100+ independent travel agents worldwide, helping them build successful businesses while providing deeply personal, human connections with their customers. Supported by a talented team of over 400 people in our Support Offices, we create unique travel experiences that keep customers coming back. Named the Best Place to Work in Travel (2022) and ranked in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work (2023 & 2024), we’re expanding rapidly and looking for exceptional individuals to join our Head Office team.

Role Description

The Bank Reconciliation (Bank Rec) Team Leader is responsible for overseeing the bank reconciliation process, ensuring the accuracy of financial records, and leading a team to perform timely reconciliations. This role involves resolving discrepancies, improving reconciliation processes, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements.

Principle Accountabilities

Team Leadership & Management:
· Lead, mentor, and support the Bank Reconciliation team, ensuring high performance and accuracy.
· Allocate workload and responsibilities to team members efficiently.
· Provide training and development opportunities for team members.
· Conduct regular performance reviews and address any issues proactively. Bank

Reconciliation Process:
· Oversee the daily and monthly bank reconciliation process for multiple accounts.
· Ensure all transactions are accurately recorded and reconciled against bank statements.
· Identify and investigate discrepancies, escalating issues where necessary.
· Ensure all outstanding items are resolved in a timely manner.

Process Improvement & Compliance:
· Review and enhance reconciliation processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
· Implement best practices and automation tools to streamline reconciliation procedures.
· Ensure compliance with financial policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
· Collaborate with Financial Reporting team to maintain strong internal controls.

Stakeholder Engagement:
· Work closely with Management Accounts team, Treasury, AP, AR and Operations teams to resolve reconciliation issues.
· Liaise with banks and financial institutions to resolve discrepancies.
· Provide timely and accurate reports to senior management on reconciliation status.

Reporting & Analysis:
· Prepare reconciliation reports and summaries for management review.
· Analyse trends in reconciliation issues and recommend corrective actions.
· Support month-end and year-end closing activities related to bank reconciliations.

Educational/Professional Standards

Essential Qualifications and Experience:
· AAT Level 2 or higher, or similar accounting qualification (or studying towards one).
· Previous experience in a finance or accounting role, ideally in a similar position.
· Strong understanding of basic accounting principles and financial processes.
· Proficiency in using financial software (e.g., D365) and Microsoft Excel.
· Experience in processing journals and bank reconciliations.

Skills and Competencies:
· Strong leadership and team management skills.
· Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
· High attention to detail and accuracy.
· Proficiency in financial systems and reconciliation software.
· Strong knowledge of accounting principles and bank reconciliation procedures.
· Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
· Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Desirable:
· Experience in the travel industry.
· Experience in working with ERP systems or other accounting software platforms.
· Understanding of financial regulations and compliance in the UK.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary + annual bonus
• Flexible hybrid working
• Career development opportunities
• 25 days holiday (increasing to 28 after 5 years)
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity pay
• 1 paid charity day
• Company events and incentives
• 3x salary death in service benefit
• Pension scheme
• Private Medical Insurance or Healthcare Cash Plan
• Free breakfast and beverages

Inclusive Recruitment Statement

Travel Counsellors is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, or any protected characteristic. We provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our team and encourage all to apply.