Optimize Complex Cash Flow, AP/AR for Travel Business

Overview We are a growing company in the online travel agent/concierge space looking for a seasoned financial professional or systems architect to design and implement a process for managing our cash flow, Accounts Payable (AP), and Accounts Receivable (AR). Because of the nature of the travel industry, our financials are complex. We manage a volume of transactions involving numerous clients and vendors, all operating on different payment terms, schedules, deposits, and cancellation policies. Currently, we lack the clarity we need to forecast cash flow accurately and manage these moving parts efficiently. We need a system—not just a manual spreadsheet—that gives us visibility without creating a heavy administrative burden. A key requirement for this project is that the final setup must be efficient and not labor-intensive for our team to maintain. Scope of Work Audit & Diagnostic: Review our current financial workflow, tools ,and existing vendor/client contracts to understand the bottlenecks. System & Automation Design: Create a streamlined framework or implement a tool/software to track varied payment schedules (e.g., net terms, upfront deposits, milestones) with minimal manual data entry. Cash Flow Forecasting Model: Build a dynamic, user-friendly cash flow forecasting model that accounts for timing mismatches between client collections and vendor payouts. AP/AR Optimization: Recommend and set up automated workflows (or software integrations) to handle invoicing, tracking, and collections so nothing falls through the cracks. Handoff & Training: Provide a clear, low-maintenance process so our internal team can keep the system running smoothly in just a few hours a week. Required Qualifications Proven experience in financial engineering, corporate finance, or as a Fractional CFO/Controller. Must-have: Direct experience dealing with complex, multi-vendor supply chains, preferably in the travel, tourism, events, or logistics industries. Deep knowledge of modern accounting software, automation tools, and cash-flow management apps that integrate with standard systems to reduce manual work. Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn chaotic data into a clean, simple, and automated dashboard. Project Type & Budget Project Type: One-time project with potential for ongoing monthly advisory/oversight. Hourly or Fixed: Open to proposals (Please specify your preference and estimated timeline in your pitch). Application Questions Have you previously built cash flow systems for companies in the travel industry or businesses with fragmented vendor payment schedules? Please briefly describe your approach. What software, integrations, or tools do you typically recommend to keep AP/AR tracking automated and not labor-intensive for a small team? What is your estimated timeline for auditing a system and delivering a working cash flow model?