Finance Operations Manager

African Adventures creates life-changing international volunteering experiences for schools, colleges and charities, enabling groups to make a meaningful difference in communities across Ghana, Kenya, Zanzibar and The Gambia. Working in partnership with more than 50 schools, we deliver educational, cultural and community-focused programmes that have a lasting impact on both participants and the communities we support.

We’re a unique organisation, combining the expertise of a tour operator with the purpose of an international development organisation. We deliver life-changing volunteering experiences for schools, colleges and charities, providing a fully managed travel service that includes everything from flights and accommodation to pre-departure support and fundraising guidance. At the same time, we work closely with our partner schools across Africa to improve school facilities, expand educational opportunities and create lasting, positive impact for the communities we support.

In addition, we deliver impact into our partnered schools through our very own Charity, African Adventures Foundation. Through the foundation we deliver life changing projects seeing the school environment and the learning experience of thousands of African children drive up education inline with our mission to make thousands more global citizens.

We’re looking for an experienced Finance Operations Manager to lead our finance function through the next stage of African Adventures’ growth.

It’s an exciting time to join us. African Adventures continues to grow in the UK and across our destinations in Africa, and we’re looking for an experienced, enthusiastic finance professional who can help ensure our financial operations grow with us.

This is a key role within our UK management team. You’ll lead and support our Finance Officers, work closely with our Directors, and take ownership of the systems, processes and financial insight that help us make confident decisions across the organisation.

With several accounts, currencies and teams operating across different countries, no two days will look quite the same. You’ll oversee our day-to-day financial operations while also looking ahead, identifying opportunities to strengthen the way we work and making sure we have robust policies, procedures and systems in place.

You’ll also play an important role in financial planning and reporting, producing forecasts, analysis and management information for our Executive team and, where required, our Boards of Trustees.

A strong background in financial management is essential. Experience of charity finance, managing funds across different currencies or working within the travel sector would be an advantage, but just as important is a willingness to understand the unique way African Adventures operates and develop your knowledge as we grow.

At its heart, this is an opportunity to make the role your own. You’ll join a supportive, people-focused organisation where your expertise will have a genuine influence on how we operate now and in the future.

The role follows a hybrid working pattern, with Monday to Wednesday based at our Whiteley HQ and Thursday and Friday working remotely.

Candidates should have a strong background in financial management, along with previous experience of leading and supporting others.

Experience in finance within the travel sector, third sector or Africa would be advantageous. Most important, however, is an open mindset, a drive to improve, and the ability to share your financial expertise with those you lead and…