Finance & Business Development Officer At 1860 Travels Limited
full-time
The Role
The Finance & Business Development Officer will combine financial management, commercial analysis, revenue monitoring and business development.
The successful candidate will help ensure that the company's financial activities are properly controlled while also identifying opportunities to increase revenue, improve profitability, develop partnerships and expand our customer base.
This is an ideal role for someone who is comfortable working with numbers but also enjoys sales, business development, negotiation and commercial strategy.
Key Responsibilities
Finance & Financial Control
Maintain accurate financial records and ensure transactions are properly documented.
Monitor daily income, expenses, receivables and payables.
Prepare regular financial reports and management summaries.
Reconcile bank accounts, payment platforms and company financial records.
Monitor customer payments and outstanding balances.
Track supplier/vendor payments and obligations.
Assist with budgeting, cash-flow forecasting and financial planning.
Monitor profitability across products, services and individual transactions.
Review pricing and costs to identify opportunities for improved margins.
Work with management to strengthen financial controls and reduce unnecessary costs.
Support the preparation of monthly management accounts and other financial reports.
Liaise with accountants, auditors, banks, payment providers and other financial partners when required.
Business Development
Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities within the travel and tourism market.
Develop new corporate, diaspora, agency and strategic partnership opportunities.
Research potential clients, businesses, travel partners and market opportunities.
Develop and maintain relationships with corporate clients and business partners.
Prepare commercial proposals, quotations and partnership presentations.
Support negotiations with suppliers, corporate clients and strategic partners.
Follow up on business leads and convert opportunities into revenue.
Monitor competitor pricing, products and market developments.
Identify opportunities to cross-sell and upsell 1860 Travels services.
Support the development and launch of new travel products, packages and commercial initiatives.
Maintain a pipeline of business development opportunities and provide regular progress reports.
Commercial Performance
Monitor revenue and profitability against company targets.
Analyse sales performance and identify areas requiring improvement.
Track margins on flights, hotels, tours, insurance, transfers and other services.
Provide management with commercially useful financial insights.
Help develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with profitability.
Work closely with Sales, Operations, Marketing and Management to improve overall business performance.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The successful candidate will be measured against agreed targets including:
Accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting.
Effective monitoring of receivables and payables.
Cash-flow and expense management.
Revenue generated from new business opportunities.
Number and value of new corporate/strategic accounts developed.
Business development conversion rate.
Improvement in gross profit and transaction margins.
Cost-control and profitability improvements.
Timely follow-up and management of business leads.
Quality and reliability of financial and commercial information provided to management.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree/HND in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Marketing or a related discipline.
2 - 4 years' relevant experience in finance, business development, commercial operations, travel, hospitality or a related industry.
Strong understanding of basic accounting and financial management principles.
Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets and financial reporting.
Strong numerical and analytical skills.
Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
Ability to analyse financial information and translate it into commercial decisions.
Strong business development and relationship-management skills.
Ability to work independently and take initiative.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Advantageous Experience
Experience in any of the following will be an advantage:
Travel agency, travel management or tourism.
Airline ticketing or travel operations.
Corporate travel sales.
Hotel, tour or travel product contracting.
B2B partnerships and account management.
Payment platforms and online payment reconciliation.
ERP, accounting or business management systems.
Experience working with international clients or suppliers.