Finance & Office Manager (Company Accountant)

About Us

The Cultural Experience is a specialist tour operator creating expert-led historical, battlefield and cultural tours around the world. Working with leading historians and academics, we design tours that bring history vividly to life in the places where it happened.

Founded in 2009, we are an established travel company based in East Hampshire organising specialist tours for clients from the UK and internationally. We are a team of around 8 staff with annual turnover of approximately £3m.

The Role

This is a key role within the company, working closely with the owner to ensure the business runs smoothly behind the scenes. The successful candidate will take responsibility for the company's day-to-day finance function while also supporting operational and commercial decision‑making.

Responsibilities include:

Finance

• Maintaining accurate accounting records using QuickBooks
• Managing sales and purchase ledgers
• Processing payments, receipts and bank reconciliations
• Managing supplier payments and customer receipts
• Monitoring cash flow and working capital

Management Accounting

• Preparing monthly management accounts
• Supporting budgeting and forecasting
• Analysing financial performance and identifying trends
• Assisting with pricing and commercial analysis
• Supporting year‑end accounts preparation

Systems & Process Improvement

• Leading the migration from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online
• Integrating accounting systems with the company's booking system and CRM
• Improving financial reporting and internal processes

Business Support

• Supporting the owner in the day‑to‑day running of the business
• Acting as the internal contact for finance matters
• Assisting with general office coordination where required

About You

You will have solid practical accounting experience, ideally gained within a small or owner‑managed business where you have handled a broad range of financial responsibilities.

Previous experience working in a small business environment would be particularly valuable.

We are looking for someone comfortable taking ownership of the finance function and maintaining accurate financial records with minimal supervision.

You'll Do

• Be comfortable managing day‑to‑day company accounts
• Have experience preparing management accounts and supporting year‑end accounts
• Be confident working independently
• Have experience using QuickBooks or similar accounting software
• Be organised, practical and reliable
• Enjoy improving systems and processes

Professional qualifications are not essential; practical experience and a hands‑on approach are more important.

An interest in history, travel or culture would be a bonus.

What We Offer

• Salary £40,000 - £46,000 depending on experience
• Performance‑related bonus
• Company pension
• Company health scheme
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Free on‑site parking
• Travel benefits
• Flexible working hours can be considered for the right candidate

The Opportunity

This role offers the opportunity to take genuine ownership of the finance function within a successful specialist business, working directly with the owner and contributing to the continued success and smooth running of the business.

The role is based at our East Hampshire office and would suit someone looking for a long‑term position within a friendly, established company.

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