Group Finance Manager

Tour Axis; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic travel company in Cape Town seeks a Group Financial Manager to oversee financial management and reporting across its international operations. This role requires a qualified accountant with over 5 years of experience and strong analytical skills. Hybrid working is available, and travel between the UK and South Africa may be required periodically.

Qualifications

• 5+ years post qualification experience in a financial lead/manager role, preferably in a group or multi-entity environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK and/or South African tax, accounting, and financial reporting standards.
• Experience in the travel, tourism, or services industry is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Drive and manage the annual budgeting process.
• Lead and oversee the month-end close process.
• Ensure VAT and tax compliance across all operating jurisdictions.
• Oversee the Group Accounts team, providing leadership and development.

Skills

Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills

Strong analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Excellent communication skills

Education

Qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or SAICA equivalent)

Tools

ERP/accounting systems (Dynamic Business Central)

Job description

About us

Join the Team That's Revolutionising Group Travel

TourAxis, the dynamic parent company of renowned tour operator Expat Explore and the innovative travel platform Group Tour Shop, is on a mission to reshape the future of group travel. We're not just another travel company-we're a fast-growing force in the global travel industry, creating transformative, tech-forward travel experiences that connect people and cultures in meaningful ways.

As we continue to expand our impact and push the boundaries of innovation, we're looking for passionate, curious, and driven individuals to join us on this exciting journey.

Job Purpose

The Group Financial Manager will be responsible for the financial management, financial controls and reporting function across the group, encompassing UK and South African companies, and any other international operations established. This leadership role will oversee budgeting, forecasting, compliance, audit, internal controls, and systems improvement, while supporting the financial growth and operational efficiency of the business. The role requires close collaboration with senior stakeholders, auditors, commercial analysts, and the broader finance team.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning & Analysis

• Drive and manage the annual budgeting process, including building and maintaining detailed budget models.
• Collaborate with commercial analysts to incorporate sales and cost of sales (COS) information.
• Prepare and maintain the Group's long-term cash flow forecast.
• Provide financial insights and reports to support executive level decisions, support scenario modelling and aid strategic decision-making.

Reporting & Month-End

• Lead and oversee the month-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting across all entities.
• Ensure reasonable allocation of share costs across the group companies.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve group level management reporting, dashboards and KPI reports.
• Analyse variances between actual results, budget, and forecast, and provide insightful commentary to management.
• Review and ensure accuracy of payroll across jurisdictions.

Compliance & Tax

• Ensure VAT and tax compliance across all operating jurisdictions (UK and South Africa and other international entities once established), including reviewing and submitting VAT returns for UK and South Africa.
• Work with tax advisors and auditors to complete provisional and final tax calculations and payments.
• Define transfer pricing policies in line with tax compliance and ensure intercompany transactional compliance.
• Coordinate and manage the annual audit process across group entities.
• Review statutory financial statements and ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards.

Team Management & Development

• Oversee the Group Accounts team, providing leadership, development, and performance management.
• Hold staff accountable for successful performance .

Governance & Risk

• Implement and strengthen internal financial controls across the group to safeguard assets, improve operations and profitability.
• Manage and maintain adequate insurance cover for the group, including regular review of policies.

Projects & Strategic Expansion Support

• Drive efficiency through process improvements, systems optimisation, and team structure enhancement

• Lead or support key financial projects, including systems upgrades, M&A support, and process automation.
• Assist in the financial and accounting set-up for new international entities and market entry initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and implementation of group-wide accounting policies.

Key Requirements

Qualifications:

• Qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or SAICA equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of UK and/or South African tax, accounting, and financial reporting standards.

Experience:

• 5+ years post qualification experience in a financial lead/manager role, preferably in a group or multi-entity environment.
• Experience in the travel, tourism, or services industry is desirable.
• Proven track record of managing budgeting cycles, financial reporting, and team leadership.

Skills:

• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems (Dynamic Business Central desirable but not essential).
• Strong analytical, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced, and international environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial data to non-finance stakeholders.

Working Arrangements

• Hybrid working available.
• Travel between UK and South Africa may be required periodically.