Senior Finance & Accounting Manager

Role Overview

The Senior Finance & Accounting Manager will lead the company's finance and accounting function during a period of rapid growth, providing strategic financial leadership while ensuring strong financial governance, reporting, and operational excellence.

Reporting directly to the founders, this role will own the end-to-end finance function, delivering timely financial insights, managing accounting operations, and establishing scalable systems, controls, and processes. As the business evolves and transaction volumes increase, the role will be instrumental in building a best-practice finance function that supports commercial growth, operational efficiency, and sound financial decision-making.

Stage 1 – Early Growth Phase (Pre-Booking Engine)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all finance and accounting activities, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial operations.

• Prepare monthly management accounts, financial statements, board reporting, and business performance analysis.

• Lead budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and cash flow planning to support strategic decision-making.

• Monitor operating expenses, payroll, and company performance against budget, identifying risks and opportunities.

• Manage the month-end and year-end close process, ensuring accuracy and timely reporting.

• Oversee the general ledger, reconciliations, and maintenance of accurate financial records.

• Develop and implement robust financial controls, accounting policies, and governance frameworks.

• Establish scalable finance processes, systems, and reporting capabilities to support business growth.

• Partner with the founders to provide commercial insights, scenario analysis, and financial recommendations.

• Manage relationships with external accountants, auditors, tax advisors, banking partners, and other financial stakeholders.

• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, taxation requirements, and regulatory obligations.

Stage 2 – Booking Engine Launch & Scale

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the finance operations function as transaction volumes scale across multiple markets.

• Oversee high-volume transaction processing, payment reconciliations, and settlement activities.

• Manage working capital, cash flow, liquidity, and multi-currency financial operations.

• Establish robust processes for customer funds, travel credits, deferred revenue, commissions, and supplier settlements.

• Drive the implementation and optimisation of finance systems, automation, and reporting tools.

• Develop financial dashboards and KPIs to support operational and executive decision-making.

• Partner with product, operations, and commercial teams to improve financial performance and operational efficiency.

• Identify opportunities to automate finance processes and strengthen internal controls.

• Recruit, mentor, and lead future finance team members as the organisation grows.

Systems

• Xero

• Microsoft Excel (Advanced)

• Financial reporting and planning tools

• Payment, reconciliation, and expense management platforms

Key Skills & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.

• CPA, CA, or equivalent professional qualification preferred.

• 7+ years' experience in finance and accounting, including leadership responsibilities.

• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, management accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management.

• Experience implementing finance systems, controls, and scalable business processes.

• Excellent understanding of accounting standards, taxation, and financial governance.

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate financial data into strategic business insights.

• Experience in high-growth, technology, travel, SaaS, marketplace, or startup environments is highly desirable.

• Exceptional analytical, communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to operate both strategically and hands-on in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

Success Measures

• Accurate and timely financial reporting and month-end close.

• Strong financial controls and regulatory compliance.

• Effective cash flow and working capital management.

• Scalable finance systems and operational processes.

• High-quality financial insights supporting strategic decisions.

• Continuous improvement through automation, efficiency, and process optimisation.

• Successful development of a high-performing finance function as the business grows.