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Travel Accountant Job Description

Travel accountant duties & responsibilities.

To write an effective travel accountant job description, begin by listing detailed duties, responsibilities and expectations. We have included travel accountant job description templates that you can modify and use.

Sample responsibilities for this position include:

Travel Accountant Qualifications

Qualifications for a job description may include education, certification, and experience.

Education for Travel Accountant

Typically a job would require a certain level of education.

Employers hiring for the travel accountant job most commonly would prefer for their future employee to have a relevant degree such as Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business/Administration, Education, Economics, Management, Business Studies, Graduate, Business, General Business

Skills for Travel Accountant

Desired skills for travel accountant include:

Desired experience for travel accountant includes:

Travel Accountant Examples

• Microsoft Word (.docx) .DOCX
• PDF Document (.pdf) .PDF
• Image File (.png) .PNG
• Answer questions related to TourPartner bookings for internal and external customers
• Prepare and Posting for Monthly Manual Sales, Bonus, Leave Provision, TR Expatriate, GM and G&A expenses accruals
• Complete and submit NY HFM package for Singapore Branch
• Prepare appropriate journal entries on a weekly basis for upload into Great Plains ERP system
• Identify and implement key performance metrics and processes
• Function as program administrator for company card account
• Establish card programs as necessary in new regions
• Liaise with company card provider to resolve cardholder issues
• Review all expense reports for compliance with Company policy
• Provide customer service, training and support of expense reimbursement system and travel booking service
• Partner with other members of the Group to resolve accounting issues and drive leading practices
• ACA/CPA/ACCA/CIMA Qualified Accountant
• Ideally 2+ years' post qualification experience within a similar role
• Willing to travel to Europe up to 75% of the time
• Ambitious and enthusiastic about the work that you do
• University degree either in Economics/Accountancy/Finance/International relations
• Coordinate reimbursement and reporting of all travel related expenses of Board members and consultants
• Serve as requestor to the ERP system for all contracted travel agencies, assuring proper coding
• Update travel policy as necessary in conjunction with operating and executive committees
• Provide third party international payroll provider with expense report details for inclusion in payroll
• Register arrived Travel and Expense Reports
• Review and prepare necessary compliance check
• Follow up on arrived expense reports
• Communicate and support travelers
• Correct and communicate out of policy items
• Follow up and send out reminder to traveler and manager of unassigned items in buffer and unassigned expense reports
• 0-3 years’ experience in accounting or book keeping capacity
• Preparing timely and accurate financial analysis in area of Payroll, Travel and Compensation accrual accounting in accordance with US GAAP, IFRS, corporate accounting practices and Local Statutory & Tax requirements
• Performing maintenance of assigned general ledger accounts, balance sheet reconciliations and general ledger entries
• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree
• 5+ years in heavy volume travel and expense reporting
• Knowledge of standard expense reporting policies, procedures and regulations
• Drives process improvement by identifying and developing more efficient procedures within the Concur platform while maintaining a high level of accuracy
• Complete system testing and Concur integration testing for new audit rules/changes in configuration
• Archive Travel and Expense Reports where needed
• Support employees with travelers tools such as Corporate Card Program, Travel Policy and T&E application
• Solving of issues occurred while booking travels and expenses
• Initiate payments of T&E claims (not for the same companies that T&E accountant audits)
• Monitor T&E file transfers, solve issues (T&E Specialist)
• Monitor information flow and handle errors
• Handle GORDON orders (T&E Specialist)
• Prepares cost/revenue analysis, overhead analysis, , and related variance analysis
• Preferably finance and accounting degree
• Work experience on Accounts Payable/Travel&Expense field is a plus (preferably SSC)
• Communicative and problem solving personality
• 3+ years of Accounting Experience (mortgage industry a plus)
• Flexibility to changes and deadlines
• Team Player and problem solving personality
• Knowledge of SAP/Concur will be an asset
• Maintain a working knowledge on the end-to-end process of Travel and Expense process in order to efficiently close items and properly address issues as they may arise
• Adherence, performance, and documentation of related Controls (if any) and ensure that these are being done with utmost quality at a prescribed timing
• Perform accrual accounting and other month-end activities (as necessary) ensuring data integrity
• Participate in further improvement and optimization of Travel and Expense processes, procedures in Finance and Accounting
• Handle higher level concerns, complex tasks such as detailed reporting, data presentation and analysis
• Classifying billable vs
• Detailed unbilled analysis
• Oversee the corporate travel card program for over 4,000+ associates based in the US, UK and Canada, oversee 5 central company cards for airfare charges
• Support the global expansion of the corporate travel card program by building partnerships with L Brands’ offices in China, Hong Kong and India
• Bachelor's Degree (position suitable for fresh graduates)
• High levels of personal organization
• A Bachelor’s Degree with a focus on Accounting
• Knowledge of accrual based accounting
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner in a team-based environment and able to interact with all levels of the organization
• Ability to use creative approaches to challenges
• Review and analyze corporate travel card spend to ensure cardholders are in compliance with enterprise policies and identify any trends in expense activity or policy compliance
• Reconcile corporate travel card activity, post journal entries, and ensure all charges are accrued and recorded correctly for month-end close
• Build strong relationships with several team within L Brands
• Continually identify and implement improvements to the corporate travel card program and related processes
• Respond to phone and e-mail inquiries from associates regarding enterprise policies, corporate card questions, payment status and other issues in a timely and accurate manner
• Complete ad-hoc or periodic analysis and reporting projects to summarize various items such as expense activity, trending and/or policy compliance issues, and share with senior finance leaders and controllers across business units as applicable
• Proactively identify areas of opportunity, recommend solutions and implement improvements for achieving optimal efficiency and effectiveness in a controlled environment
• Partner with manager to maintain departmental metrics, service level agreements and benchmarking
• Work closely with the internal reimbursement audit team regarding administration of the total travel card program
• Review and approval of T&E reports per corporate accounting guidelines and local statutory requirements
• Proactive, attentive to details and demonstrated sense of urgency in completing assignments
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility and change in a dynamic environment
• Ability to prioritize workloads and meet tight deadlines
• Personal integrity, high level of respect for all individuals
• Knowledge of or ability to learn Oracle Financials or other related financial software
• BS Accountancy or a graduate of any business course

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Accounting Jobs in the Travel Industry

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How to Be a CPA for the FBI

What is an estimate of how much accountants make a year, what are the duties of a purser on a ship.

• CGA Vs. CPA
• What Are the Duties of a Trainee Accountant?

When you plan a trip, you count on travel agents, hotel managers and other hospitality professionals to ensure your vacation goes smoothly. Behind the scenes, accountants play a crucial role in how the travel industry operates. They see to it that customers are billed accurately and that they receive full refunds when applicable. Skills listed on a travel agency accountant resume should include familiarity with national and international tax and financial laws.

Tax Accountant

Because every country has different tax laws, travel and hospitality-related businesses must understand the regulations specific to every region in which they do business. An international hotel chain, for example, might be required to pay more tax in one country than in another.

A tax accountant keeps track of the varying laws on the company’s behalf and ensures that every aspect of the company’s operations adheres to these regulations. Tax accountants need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, although some employers prefer a graduate degree with an emphasis in accounting and finance.

Trust Accountant

Because payment for trips and accommodations are often made in advance, travel-related companies must track this money and ensure it’s available if a customer requests a refund. For this, they hire trust accountants, who oversee payments and deposit them in trust accounts. A trust accountant typically needs a CPA designation, a bachelor’s degree, and three years of experience in both general accounting and trust accounting, according to Account Crossing .

Cruise Line Accountant

Cruise lines hire accountants both for their corporate offices and to work on board their ships. If you’re interested in a corporate tourism accounting career, you can oversee accounting operations and finance for the company’s fleet. Organizations require some experience and at least a bachelor’s degree for these opportunities. For senior tourism accounting positions, you might need a master’s degree and a CPA certification. As an onboard accountant, you handle either passenger accounting or accounting for the entire ship and need at least a bachelor’s degree.

Hospitality Accounting Adviser

Some accounting firms specialize in the hospitality and travel industries, offering financial services such as auditing, general accounting and tax compliance, as explained by Casey Peterson . In a position such as this, you work with several travel-related companies. You might set up travel agency accounting systems, review employee compensation rates or assist travel companies to adhere to state, federal and international financial laws. Or you might conduct a financial analysis of a travel agency.

You might also assist with legal concerns by providing forensic accounting services or acting as an expert witness in legal proceedings. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that to work for an accounting firm, you typically need an undergraduate degree in accounting, although some employers prefer a graduate degree.

• Accounting Crossing: Become a Trust Accountant in the Travel Industry
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Accountants and Auditors
• Casey Peterson: Tourism and Hospitality Accounting

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Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Russia for foreigners 2024

The Russian labor market is diverse, and foreigners usually receive the best incomes among professionals. The best opportunities are in large cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, especially for persons who speak both Russian and English. Retail, tourism, health care, and education are the major service sectors, employing more than half of all Russians. Mining, manufacturing, and construction are the three most important industrial sectors.

Do you need a work visa sponsorship in Russia as a foreigner? Do you need information and recommendations for foreigners looking for jobs in Russia, including positions available in Russian for English speakers? Do you want to know how to find work in Russia?

This article will present a list of Work visa sponsorship in Russia for foreigners, as well as information about Russian recruiting agencies, the Russian labor market, the Russian compensation structure, and much more.

Russian labor market and Visa Sponsorship jobs:

Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia’s primary economic engines and places with the biggest job opportunities. In July 2020, Russia’s total unemployment rate was 6.3%. This represents an almost 30% increase since the beginning of the year, however, COVID-19’s effects are primarily to blame.

Moscow’s labor force contributes to over a quarter of Russia’s total GDP, and it has the highest employment rate in the country.

Check Also: Visa Sponsorship Farm Labourer Jobs in Finland – Apply Online

Work visa sponsorship in Russia for foreigners:

The following is a list of visa-sponsored job options for foreigners in Russia:

• Housekeeper – Room attendant
• Security alarms technician
• Babysitter/Nanny.
• Food Counter Attendant/Supervisor
• Server and Bartender.
• Front Desk Receptionist
• Warehouse and Production Roles
• Russian Localization Tester
• Spa Receptionist/ Assistant.

Benefits of Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Russia for foreigners:

• Employment Opportunities: Visa sponsorship provides access to job opportunities in Russia that would otherwise be unavailable to foreigners. It enables people to work legally and obtain experience in the Russian labor market.
• Income and Financial Stability : Working in Russia provides foreign employees with a source of income, which can lead to financial security and the ability to sustain themselves and their families.
• Cultural Experience : Living and working in Russia provides a one-of-a-kind cultural experience. Employees can become immersed in Russian culture, learn the language, and interact with individuals from various backgrounds.
• Skill Development : Many visa sponsorship employment may require particular skills or sectors, providing possibilities for professional development and the learning of new talents.
• International Exposure : Working in Russia provides foreign exposure and can improve a person’s resume, making them more competitive in the global employment market.
• Networking: Foreign workers in Russia can establish a network of local and international professional contacts, which can be beneficial to their careers.
• Access to Global Talent: Through visa sponsorship, Russian firms can gain access to a global talent pool. They can hire foreign nationals with specialized skills and competence that the local labor may lack.
• Diversity and Innovation: A varied workforce, including people from various countries and cultural backgrounds, can provide the organization with new insights and inventive ideas. This variety can boost creativity and problem-solving abilities.
• International Expansion: Having a staff that understands diverse markets and cultures through visa-sponsored employees can be a strategic benefit for organizations looking to expand internationally.
• Competitive Advantage: By providing visa sponsorship, an organization can become more appealing to qualified individuals from all over the world, giving them a competitive advantage in the talent market.
• Filling Skill Gaps: Visa-sponsored workers can contribute to the growth and competitiveness of certain industries or professions in Russia.
• Global Networking : Employers can profit from the international networks and connections brought by visa-sponsored staff, which can lead to new chances for partnerships and collaborations.
• Improved Reputation: Being known as an employer who encourages international talent can improve the organization’s reputation and make it an appealing destination for skilled workers.

Why is a work permit required?

Foreign travelers to the Russian Federation are subject to the Russian government’s stringent controls. As a result, if you want to work in Russia, you’ll need a Russian work permit visa. A valid Russian work permit grants you permission to live and work in the world’s largest country.

Recruitment Agencies in Russia:

Russian recruiting agencies are an excellent approach to finding Russian jobs. Most accept online registration and allow you to upload a Russian-specific CV. Some of the best recruitment agencies in Moscow and St. Petersburg are as follows:

• Target Jobs
• Awara Group
• Global Vision

Russian employment language requirements:

Even if you don’t speak Russian, there are chances in Russia for both English and non-English speakers. However, these are frequently lower-level roles. Although top workers in international and global jobs may be non-Russian speakers on occasion, having great language abilities can significantly improve your employment prospects.

What occupation is most prevalent in Russia?

Around 6.6 million Russian men worked as drivers and mobile equipment operators in 2021, making this the most popular employment group for men aged 15 and up.

Work visa categories in Russia:

To be compliant, your employees must have both a visa and a Russian work permit. The following are the two visa options:

• Single-entry: This visa is only valid for one entry and is only valid for 90 days. The Russian Consulate will grant it based on a work visa invitation, which employees will get after obtaining a work permit.
• Multiple-entry: Multiple-entry visas are reissued by the Russian Migration Police local office based on the validity of the work permit.

Employees can also obtain Russian work licenses. Anyone from a non-Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) country may apply for a standard work permit for the duration of the job contract. First, a temporary residency permit must be obtained. Skilled workers earning more than RUB 1 million per year are eligible for a work visa for highly qualified experts. It is processed more rapidly, has a three-year validity period, and allows family members to apply for Russian visas.

Work Visa Requirements for Russia:

As an employer, you are responsible for obtaining all work permits on behalf of your employees. When applying to the GUVM, you must bring the following documentation:

• A color passport photo.
• A valid passport or other form of identification.
• Copies of all qualifying certifications required
• A medical certificate stating that no illnesses exist.
• All fees must be paid in full.

As soon as the workers have their work authorization, the GUVM will issue them an invitation to apply for a work visa. Employees must provide the following information in addition to completing a work visa application:

• It is necessary to have a passport.
• Only one passport photo.
• The letter of invitation.
• A letter from you outlining the job, the work location, and the contract dates.
• It is necessary to have a medical certificate.

 Work visa application process:

The first step in obtaining a Russian work visa is to complete the application and include a photo. You must also guarantee that your employees have passports that are valid for at least six months after they arrive in Russia. A letter of invitation should also be written for your team, describing their reason for visiting Russia as well as your offer to host them while you are there.

Due to the country’s additional restrictions on persons traveling with HIV/AIDS, all workers in the Russian Federation must schedule a doctor’s visit. All patients must be tested for leprosy, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. Employees can apply for visas in person or through a travel agency, along with the results of recent medical exams. They will also have to pay the relevant fees depending on the type of visa they hold.

Important Factors to Consider:

After obtaining a work permit and visa, the employee will be permitted to work for you only. The name of your company should be included on the visa so that the government understands who your employees are. If you terminate an employment contract, the employee must leave the country and start the visa application process for a new employer all over again.

Vacancies for jobs in Russia:

Depending on your history, finding work in Russia may be challenging. English speakers have the choice of teaching English (other native language teaching jobs such as French or German are also accessible), working for a multinational firm in industries such as energy, finance, construction, or translation if multilingual.

The following industries are in high demand in Moscow:

• Business development
• Human Resource Management
• Pharmaceutical and medical

In St. Petersburg, the following are in short supply:

• Professionals in sales
• Technical experts

Salary Structure in Russia:

• The Russian minimum wage is reviewed every six months, however, it does not always rise. It was raised to R12,130 per month in January 2020.
• The average monthly Russian salary is somewhat more than R52,000 per month. In Moscow, however, wages are slightly higher, with many people earning more than R75,000 per month.

How to Get a Job in Russia:

There are numerous recruiting firms and job boards in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Nonetheless, they are best suited for highly qualified individuals who desire to work for larger organizations. Most of these businesses need you to submit your CV in English via email or on their website.

Another successful method for finding a job in Russia is to contact international corporations directly from your own country and check if they do business in Russia. Such companies are more inclined to hire foreigners in Russia.

For More Info:

Email Your CV, and We’ll Find the Best Pathway For you: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I work in Russia as a foreigner?

Foreign citizens can lawfully work in Russia by obtaining a work permit or a patent. Failure to comply with the legislation results in significant fines for the company and the deportation of a foreign worker. A work permit is a document that verifies a foreign citizen’s permission to work in Russia.

How can I get PR in Russia?

With a temporary residence permit, you can get permanent residency in Russia after two years. Six months before the TRP expires, you should apply for a PRP. The Russian permanent residency permit has a five-year validity duration and can be extended indefinitely.

Is it easy to get a job in Russia?

I can assure you that getting a job in Russia is not difficult. Finding a job that pays becomes more challenging. If you are granted a work permit, you will be able to find work, but you will make approximately the same amount per month as you might in a day in London.

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Reach International's dedicated global opportunities team can facilitate your job search wherever in the world you want to work, equipping you with the support and advice you need to ensure your next career transition abroad is as smooth and successful as possible.

• Reach Russia

International Finance & Accountancy Jobs in Russia

Russia is once again flexing its muscles as an international power, after the decade of economic pain and political instability that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. A new political order is in place and the economy has recovered and grown, fuelled by income from Russia's vast natural resources, not least in oil and gas. The state-run gas monopoly Gazprom is the world's largest producer and exporter, and supplies a growing share of Europe's needs.

In the privatisation years of the 1990s Russia provided entrepreneurs with the potential for rich pickings. A small number of them, often referred to as oligarchs, acquired vast interests in the energy and media sectors.

During Vladimir Putin's presidency, Russia recovered from the loss of confidence that had affected the country since the break-up of the Soviet Union and acquired a renewed sense of national pride, bolstered by a booming economy and an assertive foreign policy.

Russia's economic power lies in its key natural resources - oil and gas. At a time of increased concern over energy security, Moscow has more than once reminded the rest of the world of the power it wields as a major energy supplier.

Moscow is home to the largest number of billionaires in the world. It is the largest city in Europe and has the world’s busiest Metro system. It is the economic, cultural and political centre of Russia and has embraced Capitalism with a passionate intensity making it an exciting city to live in.

Moscow is generally popular with the global workforce because of its large expatriate community, wide availability of goods and services, good recreation facilities and high number of international schools.

According to numerous surveys, Moscow is the world’s most expensive city. Yet somehow Muscovites, whose average monthly income is roughly $300, manage to survive. However no matter where you are in Russia, you’ll get value for money on: domestic goods, food and drink, fast food, public transport and taxis, sightseeing tours, travel, entrance fees to museums, books, newspapers and petrol.

Click here for further information on Living & Working in Russia , Facts on Russia , Searching for a Job in Russia  and the  Relocation Process , as well as other international and offshore locations to consider. 

What Reach International can do for you

We have a dedicated, international team specialising in the recruitment of professionals across accountancy, finance, financial services and banking.

We are able to assist English-speaking candidates, from all countries around the world, with their overseas career search. Reach International has helped relocate professionals to overseas destinations from a variety of countries including the UK, Europe, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, India and South Africa, to mention a few..

Our consultants have a detailed knowledge of living and working internationally and have spent time in each of the key locations. As a result, they are always available to offer first hand advice on relocating to a new country. At Reach International we not only help you find international positions, but are also available to offer advice about any aspect of a contract, a career or life overseas and can;

• arrange video conferences advise on work permits/visas
• assist with travel arrangements for on island interviews, if required
• negotiate the best remuneration package for you based on our knowledge of the local market

If you want to consider a career in Russia, our team are ready to give you realistic and detailed advice on your prospects in the international employment market.

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Luxury-travel advisors are in demand as Gen Z and millennials splurge on stress-free, meaningful vacations

• Careers in luxury-travel advising are growing as travelers seek stress-free, high-end experiences.
• Gen Z and millennials are driving the growth, seeing vacation spending as a worthy expense.
• This article is part of " Trends to Bet Your Career On ," a series about trending professional opportunities.

The internet has revolutionized the way people research and book travel. Travelers now have access to hotel- and flight-booking platforms, travel content on social media, travel blogs, and travel publications.

Today's travelers, especially those seeking luxury experiences, don't always want to wade through all that information. Consequently, the travel-advisor industry has experienced significant growth in recent years , especially among Gen Z and millennial travelers . According to Grand View Research, the global luxury-travel market is worth an estimated $1.3 trillion and expected to grow 7.9% from 2024 to 2030 .

Luxury travelers are not necessarily looking for the best deals but the best way to plan a trip without the hassle. This is where a luxury-travel advisor comes in. Agents can provide personalized itineraries, access to upgrades and selective experiences, and support throughout the trip.

Business Insider talked to three luxury-travel advisors about the industry's growth and how to transition into travel advising.

Why the luxury-travel industry is booming

Diana Hechler, the owner of D. Tours Travel , said the luxury-travel industry has grown because travelers have access to more luxury-level properties, and more people are willing to pay luxury prices. Also, a vacation is seen as a necessity for Gen Z travelers .

"People are booking vacations more than ever and want them to be stress-free and restorative. And nothing does that better than luxury travel," Hechler told BI. "Despite the higher prices, the segment of travelers that want luxury and are willing to pay for it has grown as well."

Angela Adto Tepper, the owner of AZA Luxury Travel , said that the shift toward luxury travel had increased since the pandemic, with more Americans prioritizing travel.

"The luxury-travel sector has evolved to prioritize wellness, health, sustainability, and transformative experiences, and people are now prioritizing meaningful travel experiences and pursuing bucket-list trips," Tepper said. "Advisors have adapted by curating journeys tailored to each client."

Why travelers work with advisors

One of the biggest advantages of working with a travel advisor is that it helps travelers cut through the noise and information overload. Traveler agents work on commission, getting a percentage of hotel, cruise, or tour costs, which is paid after a trip is over. Many agents also charge an up-front fee for research and planning.

"The internet was supposed to be the death of advisors, and instead, it's made us more valuable than ever," Hechler said. "While some people love to spend time researching their vacations and doing it themselves, many don't have time to 'waste' on the internet starting from scratch. Saving time is problem-solving for almost everyone; anytime you can solve people's problems, you can have a successful business."

Travel advisors can also offer complimentary upgrades and have access to experiences that might not be available to the public.

"Working with a travel advisor can be summarized by three E's," Tepper said. "We can provide expertise and insider knowledge, extras with personalized service, and emergency assistance."

With the prevalence of Instagram and TikTok, it might seem like everyone is going to the same places. So booking luxury hotels or making reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants is no longer enough; travelers want advisors to curate one-of-a-kind experiences.

"The luxury-travel sector is not just about opulence and indulgence but also about creating meaningful, enriching experiences that leave a lasting impact," Maurice Smith, the founder and CEO of the luxury-travel agency Eugene Toriko , said. "Sustainable and regenerative travel practices are becoming increasingly important, focusing on preserving and enhancing the destinations we visit."

Tips for transitioning into travel advising

If you're ready to move into the industry, it's worth taking stock of your skills first. For example, Tepper said people with event-planning experience might transition well into travel advising since itinerary planning and familiarity with booking platforms are part of the job. She added that soft skills, like interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and adaptability, would also come in handy.

Tepper recommended contacting an advisor before switching over. "If you're considering the career change, one of the best things you can do is secure a reputable mentor," she said. "A mentor can offer invaluable guidance, accelerating professional growth and enhancing skill development, leading to greater success and higher earnings."

It also helps to study travel trends, have a deep knowledge of a destination, and build expertise around types of travel, such as multigenerational trips , cruises, or honeymoons. Tepper said that prospective advisors must also remember that they're not necessarily looking for the "best discounts" for clients but creating tailored trips with impeccable customer service.

"To maintain the quality of our personalized work, we occasionally have to turn away a client," Tepper said. "Not every client is the right fit for our service. This selectivity ensures that we can devote the necessary time and attention to crafting great experiences for everyone while upholding the high standards we have put in place."

The benefits of travel advising

Travel advising provides valuable services to travelers, but agents can also receive perks like complimentary trips sponsored by hotels and tourism boards and travel discounts.

"One of the biggest perks of this job is the opportunity to explore the world and indulge in my passion for travel," Tepper said. "Imagine waking up in a new city, tasting exotic cuisines, and immersing yourself in diverse cultures while doing what you love. For me, it's a career that blends passion and purpose."

The job also comes with a few challenges. Smith said that agents must stay on top of ever-changing travel regulations to ensure the safety of their clients. But ultimately, he said, it's a rewarding career that prioritizes relationships.

"Travel advising offers flexibility and the potential to work remotely, allowing for a good work-life balance," Smith said. "Additionally, the satisfaction of helping clients create unforgettable memories and the joy of turning their travel dreams into reality is incredibly rewarding."

• Main content

UK election latest: New cabinet in place - but 'shock' as PM Keir Starmer snubs senior figure

Sir Keir Starmer has named the bulk of his cabinet, with Rachel Reeves the first female chancellor. Rishi Sunak said "sorry" to voters as he resigned as Tory leader. His party endured a torrid election night, with the Lib Dems (71 seats) and Reform (five seats) making big strides.

Saturday 6 July 2024 01:00, UK

• General Election 2024

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Need to know

• Sir Keir Starmer pledges to 'end era of noisy performance' after winning landslide | Work to bring change starts 'immediately'
• New PM names cabinet | Emily Thornberry snubbed
• Sam Coates: One of the most orderly and stable entrances to power
• Tory wipeout: Sunak says sorry as he resigns as Tory leader | Liz Truss shock loss | 12 cabinet ministers booted out
• Nigel Farage one of five Reform MPs - but speech sabotaged by protesters
• Record 71 seats for Lib Dems | SNP collapse
• Sam Coates analysis : A loveless landslide
• Jon Craig: Who will become next Tory leader?
• Labour vote share down in areas with large Muslim populations
• How Reform vote compares to UKIP in 2015 - is it really a big gain?
• How night unfolded in eight videos - from exit poll to defeated Rees-Mogg's film quote
• Ed Conway : The new political geography
• Results in every constituency

Live reporting by Samuel Osborne, Mark Wyatt, Emily Mee and Bhvishya Patel

Sir Keir Starmer took the keys to Downing Street yesterday after voters handed Labour a landslide victory in the General Election.

While timings might change, here is a look at the new PM's next few days in power...

The new cabinet will meet for the first time this morning.

Appointments of junior ministers are likely to continue, as will calls from world leaders and first ministers of the devolved nations.

Legislative priorities and the timing of any major policy announcements will also need to be worked out.

Sir Keir has signalled that at least three housing announcements could be made in the first two weeks of a Labour government.

The new parliament will be summoned to meet.

The first business will be to choose a Commons Speaker - with Sir Lindsay Hoyle set to be re-elected.

Congratulating the Speaker will be Sir Keir's first opportunity to speak at the despatch box as prime minister and he will likely offer some rhetoric on the future.

Swearing-in could begin on the same day or the next and will continue for several days. 

MPs and peers will take the oath, with the government going first, followed by some other established figures. 

MPs are not allowed to speak in debates, vote or receive their salary until they make an oath or solemn affirmation of allegiance to the Crown.

The King will preside over the pageantry of the state opening of parliament, marking the formal start of the new parliamentary session at the Palace of Westminster.

A key component of the ceremony is the King's Speech, where he sets out the government's legislative programme for the coming session. 

The UK is hosting a gathering of the European Political Community, the body that brings all 27 EU member countries together with 20 others from outside the bloc.

Sir Keir will welcome about 50 heads of government to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, giving him an opportunity to set the tone for his government's approach to the UK's relationship with the EU.

If you didn't manage to stay up, we've collected the key moments from a dramatic election night in the video below.

They include the first result to be declared, the first Tory to lose to a Labour candidate, and the cabinet ministers who lost their seats.

Plus Rishi Sunak's admission of defeat, and Sir Keir Starmer's victory speech.

Watch it all unfold below...

Politics is showbusiness for ugly people - according to the crude and perhaps unfair saying by American political consultant Paul Begala.

However, occasionally famous faces from the world of entertainment and sport do cross over into the ruthless, back-stabbing world of politics.

Sometimes they are hugely successful - just look at the case of the late US actor Ronald Reagan or former Pakistani cricket star Imran Khan, who both ended up running their respective countries.

In the UK, former actress Glenda Jackson, ex-GMTV presenter Esther McVey and Olympic gold medallist Sebastian Coe are among those who have switched careers in the spotlight to become MPs.

However, this time around, the story was mostly one of failure for the celebrities - and sort-of celebrities - who ran in the 2024 UK general election...

Read more from our reporter Daniel Binns below...

US secretary of state Antony Blinken has held a call with the UK's new Foreign Secretary David Lammy this evening.

During the call, the US official congratulated Mr Lammy for his appointment, spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

Mr Miller said: "The pair emphasised the enduring and essential importance of the US-UK special relationship in addressing the most pressing global challenges, including reaching an immediate and enduring ceasefire in Gaza, and supporting Ukraine against Russia's brutal aggression.

"The secretary noted that he looks forward to welcoming the foreign secretary to the NATO summit in Washington next week."

Labour MP Jess Phillips is back with Beth and Ruth to un-pick the election results. 

On this episode they discuss how Jess was heckled when she narrowly held her seat of Birmingham Yardley. 

They also look at the wider Labour results and talk about Rishi Sunak’s resignation speech, as well as discussing why Reform and the Liberal Democrats took seats from the two main parties.

Email Beth, Ruth, and Jess at [email protected] , post on X to @BethRigby, or send a WhatsApp voice note on 07934 200 444.

Sir Keir Starmer and Irish premier Simon Harris have committed to reset and strengthen Anglo-Irish relations "with urgency and ambition".

The taoiseach "warmly congratulated" Sir Keir on his appointment as prime minister and said he looked forward to a "close and constructive" working relationship.

He also accepted an invite to visit Downing Street on 17 July.

"The taoiseach and the prime minister spoke of their shared determination to reset and strengthen the bilateral relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom and to set about that task with urgency and ambition," a statement said.

"They discussed Northern Ireland, welcoming the restoration of the institutions, including the full operation of North-South and East-West Good Friday Agreement institutions, as well as legacy issues."

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly also spoke to Sir Keir by phone and congratulated him.

Some of Sir Keir Starmer's appointments have come as a surprise this evening - not least Timpson's chief executive James Timpson becoming minister for prisons parole and probation. 

The business leader is also chair of the Prison Reform Trust and has a history of employing ex-convicts within his company. 

The prime minister also appointed Sir Patrick Vallance - a household name during the COVID pandemic - as minister for science, and human rights lawyer Richard Hermer KC as attorney general. 

In effect, he appears to be choosing experts in their fields - but how could they be appointed without being elected as MPs? 

Essentially, the prime minister has the power to appoint anyone as a minister if they first make them a peer in the House of Lords. 

A similar tactic was used by Rishi Sunak to bring back former prime minister David Cameron to fill the role of foreign secretary. 

Sir Keir Starmer's declaration a few days ago that he would clock off at 6pm on Fridays to spend time with his family was derided by Conservatives. 

But Labour peer and former home secretary Lord Blunkett - someone who himself has experience in government - tells Sky News that Gordon Brown used to work 18-hour days, seven days a week, and it "didn't work". 

'Let go of the reins'

He says this caused a "massive log jam in decision-making", and that Sir Keir could quickly face problems with "getting momentum and energy back into government". 

Lord Blunkett says it's time for Sir Keir to "let go of the reins a bit", appoint a cabinet and "let them get on with it". 

He argues that without this decentralisation, the government could "ground to a standstill". 

The Labour leader could also face difficulties with the number of new MPs he has, Lord Blunkett says. 

It will be a "substantial challenge" and they must feel "they've got a part to play", he says. 

If you want to find out who your MP is now, you can search for your constituency in our article below. 

Only one constituency - Inverness, Skye and West Ross - is yet to declare. 

Number 10 has released pictures of Sir Keir Starmer with his newly appointed cabinet.

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