Financial Controller - Alderley Park

JOB TITLE: Financial Controller

REPORTS TO: Head of Operations 

LOCATION: Central Office - Glasshouse, Alderley Park (Hybrid – 3 days in office, 2 days WFH)

HOURS: Full time. 37.5 hrs per week.

DIRECT REPORTS: Senior Finance Assistant and Senior Accounts Payable Assistant

the role

The Financial Controller plays a critical role in applying their financial acumen and commercial insight to manage the financial operations of Together Travel (Archibo Ltd) and Natural Assets Investments Limited (NAIL). They will oversee all financial functions, ensuring smooth and efficient accounting practices across all entities.

With outstanding communication skills, the Financial Controller will collaborate closely with the Head of Operations, providing accurate and timely financial data and analysis to support sound commercial decisions and effective forecasting. They will also work alongside the Head of Commercial, site managers, and department heads to deliver strategic financial insights that enable well-informed decision-making across the business.

A primary responsibility will be ensuring robust financial planning and reporting, which the Financial Controller will oversee with the Finance team. Additionally, the Financial Controller will ensure full compliance with financial regulatory requirements, including preparing annual accounts, managing audits, and handling VAT reporting.

Our Head Office team are located in Alderley Park, Cheshire. The Finance team is a team of 4, with three team members based in Alderley Park and one in Cornwall. We are a small business but due to our structure there is a large level of financial reporting and therefore requires the Financial Controller to be hands on. The role demands exceptional attention to detail and an adaptable approach.

our company

We are a luxury hospitality provider, specialising in high-end self-catering holiday accommodation in some of the UK’s most scenic locations. We have a strong reputation within the holiday sector and each of our destinations is complemented by bespoke, tailored services designed for guests seeking a truly exceptional experience. Operating across England, Scotland, and Wales, our central office manages the financial functions supporting all our locations.

The business model consists of selling holiday homes, operating holiday homes and property management services. We are an appointed managing agent and run three individual property management companies for home owners on behalf of the freeholder. This includes delivering a service charge regime for the property management companies and generating full financial reports for the freeholder and monthly reports for each of the individual home owners. 

In the next 12 – 18 months the business is looking to change finance software and the Financial Controller will be heading up this project and will therefore need to have high levels of computer and systems literacy.

Our company culture is entrepreneurial, friendly, and hardworking, with a strong emphasis on delivering outstanding service to both guests and property owners.

responsibilities

Financial Reporting and Analysis

• Prepare timely and accurate management accounts for Together Travel and NAIL
• Provide in-depth financial analysis and collaborate with non-financial managers to implement improvements and measure their effectiveness.
• Monitor the organisation’s financial health, identifying trends, risks, and areas for improvement.
• Maintain rigorous financial controls to ensure first-class processes.
• Lead the year-end audit process.
• Liaise with external parties for tax filings and the submission of Corporation tax returns.
• Produce Profit and Loss reports for all Together Travel locations, in collaboration with the Head of Operations and Managing Director.
• Oversee accruals and prepayments, balance sheet control accounts, and sales invoicing for various Together Travel sites.
• Manage control accounts, including reconciliations, bank, inter-company, and balance sheet accounts.
• Oversee VAT/Sales Tax accounting.
• Keep up to date with all new legislation in relation to VAT reporting.
• Provide KPI financial reports via Microsoft Dynamics GP (Great Plains).
• Ensure accurate financial processing for Together Travel’s multi-entity structure.

Working Collaboratively

• Collaborate with other departments to drive efficiency and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Build strong relationships with non-financial managers and colleagues throughout Together Travel.
• Negotiate with third-party vendors, such as merchant providers, to reduce business costs.
• Commit to delivering exceptional financial support in a fast-paced environment.
• Ensure that all Together Travel locations maintain the necessary insurance coverage.
• Visit sites regularly to review on-site financial operations, ensure efficiency and broaden understanding of complex site operations.
• Work with the Head of Commercial to manage financial aspects for new Together Travel Homeowners or Ark partners.
• Collaborate with the Head of Operations and Managing Director, providing support for additional tasks related to Together Travel and NAIL’s financial management.
• Maintain regular communication with Retreat Managers and General Managers concerning site and staffing costs.

Team Management

• Lead and develop the Finance team to enhance business performance.
• Development of the team
• Ensure that the team meets budget and forecast deadlines with accuracy and efficiency.
• Support the finance team in their roles, ensuring the right resources are in place and deadlines are met.

team Member specifications

Experience

• Proven experience in a similar senior financial role.
• Strong background in management accounting, with hands-on experience using accounting systems (Microsoft Dynamics GP/Great Plains and Sage preferred).
• A minimum of 6 years of practical accounting experience, ideally within a multi-company or group structure.

Personal Attributes

• Ability to build professional relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Proactive, enthusiastic, and adaptable.
• Positive, creative, and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise effectively.
• Friendly, approachable, and committed to “making it happen.”

To apply: Please send your CV, covering letter and salary expectations to careers@togethertravel.co.uk