Finance & Business Development Officer At 1860 Travels Limited

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.