Finance Manager

About Us

Here at Travel Counsellors, our customers, communities and colleagues lie at the heart of everything that we do - and that’s what makes us special. For us, relationships come before transactions, and we are there for our customers, connecting with them on a deeply human level through the moments that matter.

We’ve been changing lives for the past 30 years as the leading travel marketplace for self-employed travel entrepreneurs, empowering over 2,100 global independent travel agents to run successful leisure and corporate travel businesses. We pride ourselves in remaining a company that truly cares and one that has never wavered from its purpose; to redefine what personal means for a travel business.

Our Travel Counsellors are supported by a team of over 400 super talented people in our Support Offices to help them create unique, inspiring and exciting experiences for their customers, whilst building lasting personal relationships that bring them back to us, time and time again.

Our unique approach within the workplace – as well as towards customers – has seen us receive numerous awards and accolades, including being named as The Best Place to Work in Travel at the 2022 TTG Travel Industry Awards, placing in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work list 2023 and 2024 (Large Company) as well as being the first travel company to be awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category!

We are currently expanding at a phenomenal rate – on the back of what is our record year in terms of revenue (over £1bn) - and so are looking for outstanding individuals to join our dedicated Head Office team, to help the company continue to flourish.

Role Purpose:

The Finance Manager Netherlands and Belgium is responsible for the accounting and financial control, financial reporting and compliance for the Netherlands and Belgium businesses. This role also provides financial analysis to supportsenior management in the Netherlands. The Finance Manager plays a vital role in driving efficiency and best practise within the finance team and ensuring the company meets its financial objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

Accounting and Financial Control:

-Oversee the production of monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of information presented

-Ensure robust and accurate Balance Sheet reconciliations are performed on a monthly basis

-Management of intercompany balances and transactions, ensuring foreign currency transactions are correctly accounted for

-Adherence to internal financial procedures and recommend improvements where necessary

-Conduct regular reviews of financial processes and systems to identify efficiencies and enhance controls

Financial Reporting& Compliance:

-Perform detailed financial analysis, including profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow reports

-Assist with the preparation of statutory accounts under local GAAP and liaise with external auditors during the annual audit process

-Ensure all taxes payments are made on time, and submissions to tax authorities (including VAT, Corporation Tax and payroll taxes) are on time and accurate

-Ensure the accurate and timely submission of industry-related regulatory submissions (e.g. IATA, SGR and GfG) and statutory filings

-Liaise with external payroll providers to ensure all payroll is processed and paid by the required deadlines, and all filing obligations are met

Team Leadership & Development:

-Manage, mentor, and develop the finance team, providing guidance and support on daily operations and long-term career development

-Foster a collaborative working environment and support cross-departmental collaboration on financial matters

-Lead by example in promoting a culture of accountability, integrity, and continuous improvement within the finance team

Business Partnering & Stakeholder Management:

-Act as a key point of contact for the General Managers, providing financial insights and guidance to support decision-making

-Work closely with other functions (e.g., financial operations, commercial) to provide a single point of contact across Finance for the General Managers

-Involved in the preparation of annual budgets and reforecasts, providing insight and analysis to support financial planning

-Support the International Financial Controller/Director of Finance in preparing board presentations and financial reports for senior management.

Person Specification:

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

-Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)

-Strong experience in financial reporting and management accounting

-Technically strong with good knowledge of IFRS

-Experience of working with international entities and working with external advisors to meet tax and compliance requirements

-Experience working with external auditors

-Proficiency in financial software (D365 preferred) and advanced Excel skills.

Skills and Competencies:

-Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a high level of attention to detail

-Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present financial information to both financial and non-financial stakeholders

-Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure

-Leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop others and set the right example

Desirable:

-Experience in the travel industry

-Familiarity with tax compliance and local regulations for the Netherlands and Belgium

-Experience working in a high-volume, high-growth business environment

-Knowledge of ERP systems and process improvement

Our Benefits

Working here at Travel Counsellors, we value the hard work and effort that our colleagues put in. Because of this, you can expect a wide range of employee benefits including:

• A competitive basic salary + annual company bonus
• Flexible hybrid working model
• Career development and promotional opportunities
• 25 days holidays (increasing to 28 after 5 years of service)
• A Moments That Matter day (annually)
• Enhanced Maternity / Paternity pay
• Holiday buy and sell (up to 5 days per year)
• 3 paid days charity leave
• Company events, socials, and incentives
• 3x annual salary death in service benefit
• Company Pension scheme
• Costco Membership
• Salary sacrifice, company car scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Free breakfast, fruit, and hot/cold beverages
• Referral scheme
• Employee discount
• Private Medical Insurance (taxable benefit) or Healthcare Cash Plan (costs incurred by employees)