Group Financial Controller

Clarity Business Travel; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A global business travel company in Greater Manchester is seeking a Group Financial Controller to oversee financial operations and ensure compliance. This critical role involves leading budgeting processes, managing audits, and providing strategic insights to support long-term planning. Ideal candidates will have over 5 years of senior finance experience, preferably in the travel industry, along with strong technical accounting skills and the ability to lead finance teams effectively. Join us to help shape our financial future in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Refer a friend for £1000 bonus

Generous holiday entitlement

Day off for your birthday

Employee Assistance Programme

Hotel and airline discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a senior finance role, ideally as a Financial Controller or Finance Manager.
• Experience in the travel industry is highly desirable.
• Proven track record managing audits and ensuring compliance with UK GAAP/IFRS.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance, driving efficiency, and supporting long-term planning.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and provide insightful variance analysis.
• Monitor and manage cash flow to meet financial obligations.

Skills

Technical Accounting Expertise

Analytical Thinking

Commercial Acumen

Communication

Education

Professional Qualification: ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle)

Advanced Excel

Job description

Overview and what we offer

• Mon - Friday 37.5hrs
• Location - Manchester
• Refer a friend for £1000 bonus which is unlimited!
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Day off for your birthday
• Staff Awards
• Hotel and airline discounts
• Employee Assistance Programme
• OUR COMPANY CULTURE IS..... Bright, Energetic, Fast Paced and Rewarding, where we PROVIDE you with the opportunity for that brighter FUTURE!
• Clarity Travel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees
• At Clarity we not only listen, we adapt and we deliver

Who we are and what we do

We're a global, multi award winning Business Travel Company and we make business travel straightforward! By getting our customers where they need to be for work, safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. We do this through a fusion of cutting-edge-technology and exceptional customer service.

Our team comprises of over 800 industry experts, delivering the right service at exactly the right moment, we are the trusted provider of hassle-free travel management programmes for progressive businesses and organisations everywhere.

Our people

Are the heartbeat of our business and we invest heavily in training and development through our dedicated training academy and personal career development growth programmes

Role Purpose

As our business continues to grow and evolve, we are seeking a Group Financial Controller to bring structure, insight, and strategic oversight to our financial operations. This role is critical in ensuring that our financial systems are robust, our reporting is accurate, and our leadership team is empowered with the data they need to make informed decisions.

The Interim Group Financial Controller will ensure compliance, driving efficiency, and supporting long-term planning. This is more than a numbers role — it’s about creating clarity, enabling growth, and safeguarding our future.

Operational – Key Tasks

• Financial Reporting & Compliance
• Support the Group CFO with monthly board reporting
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, tax filings, and regulatory obligations.
• Liaise with external auditors and manage the audit process from planning to completion.
• Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis
• Lead the annual budgeting process and rolling forecasts.
• Provide insightful variance analysis and commentary to support business decisions.
• Develop financial models to evaluate business performance and investment opportunities.
• Monitor and manage cash flow to ensure the business meets its financial obligations.
• Oversee banking relationships and optimise working capital.
• Implement strategies to manage financial risk.
• Design, implement, and maintain robust internal controls and financial procedures.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve efficiency through automation and system enhancements.
• Ensure financial systems are fit for purpose and scalable with business growth.
• Working alongside the Group head of financial reporting to support the development of the Group finance team.
• Set clear objectives, conduct performance reviews, and support professional development.
• Promote cross-functional collaboration and act as a finance business partner across departments.
• Work closely with the CFO and senior leadership to shape financial strategy and support long‑term planning.

People Management

• Consider PDPs and set expectation on appraisals and 121s (All employees should have as a minimum 2 reviews each year, at mid and end of year). 121s should be regular as required based on the individual — weekly, biweekly or monthly as a minimum.
• Manage, support and coach individual and team performance.
• Maximise individual and team results by increasing productivity and improving overall performance.
• Encourage a customer-focused working environment with clear responsibilities and expectations for team members.
• Hold regular team talks with the team to ensure they are kept informed about performance against targets and key business issues.

Essential Experience

• Professional Qualification: ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent.
• Post-Qualification Experience: Minimum 5 years in a senior finance role, ideally including experience as a Financial Controller or Finance Manager.
• Industry Exposure: Experience in the travel industry is highly desirable.
• Audit & Compliance: Proven track record managing audits and ensuring compliance with UK GAAP/IFRS and tax regulations.
• Team Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop finance teams.
• Systems & Tools: Hands‑on experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle) and advanced Excel skills.

Key Skills

• Technical Accounting Expertise: Deep understanding of financial reporting, consolidation, and statutory compliance.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong ability to interpret financial data and provide actionable insights.
• Commercial Acumen: Ability to connect financial performance with business strategy and operations.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.

Desirable Extras

• Experience with financial planning and analysis (FP&A) tools or business intelligence platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Exposure to M&A, fundraising, or investor reporting.
• Knowledge of ESG reporting or sustainability finance practices.

For more information and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button below.