Travel and Expense Manager

Travel + Leisure Co.•Orlando, FL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Travel & Expense Manager oversees the corporate and HOA travel and associate expense programs across Travel + Leisure Co., leading a U.S.-based team responsible for policy compliance, expense controls, vendor management, associate support, reporting, and process improvement. This role partners closely with Finance, Accounting, Internal Audit, Human Resources, Operations, and property leadership to strengthen controls, improve the associate experience, and support financial and operational objectives across our domestic and international operations. The Manager builds effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external service providers while managing competing priorities in a fast-paced, globally distributed environment. This leader is responsible for stabilizing and enhancing the AMEX and PCard programs, leveraging audit tools and data-driven insights to identify policy gaps, enforce controls, and recommend sustainable improvements. The role provides oversight and support for travel and expense activities across multiple countries and regions, ensuring programs, policies, processes, and systems appropriately address local business practices, tax requirements, regulatory considerations, currencies, and cultural differences. Beginning in mid-2026 thru Mid-2027, this role will also serve as a key lead in the transition of travel and expense activities to a new platform, including consideration of global requirements and business needs. This role provides leadership for the department’s organizational structure, talent decisions, goal setting, and performance management, with a focus on team development, accountability, customer experience, and continuous improvement. The Manager will also serve as a key global subject matter expert for Travel & Expense, supporting the development and implementation of consistent global standards while allowing for appropriate local requirements and business practices.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related business field is required.
Deep understanding of Travel and Expense systems, policies, procedures, controls, and regulatory requirements.
Demonstrated ability to implement T&E automation, lead a team, solve complex expense issues, and communicate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
Working knowledge of global travel and expense practices, including international currencies, tax considerations, regulatory requirements, and country-specific business practices.
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively across geographic regions and cultures and to build strong relationships with international stakeholders.
Advanced proficiency in major ERP systems (Oracle, Concur, Workday) or specialized T&E software, along with advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
A minimum of 5 years of progressive Travel and Expense experience, including at least 3-5 years in a supervisory or management role, preferably within the hotel or hospitality industry.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with global T&E systems, multi-currency transactions, international reporting, and data analytics is preferred.
Experience managing or supporting global Travel & Expense programs, international stakeholders, or multi-country operations is preferred.

Responsibilities

Oversee corporate travel and expense policies, systems, and controls to support accurate reporting, compliant expense submission, and effective spend management across domestic and international operations.
Monitor travel activity, resolve escalated issues, investigate policy exceptions or potential misuse, and identify opportunities to reduce costs and strengthen program effectiveness.
Partner with regional and international stakeholders to ensure the organizations global travel and expense programs address local requirements, currencies, tax considerations, and business practices.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to simplify, standardize, and automate travel and expense processes globally.
Apply industry best practices, partner with stakeholders to address operational challenges, and implement practical, sustainable solutions that improve efficiency, controls, and user experience.
Identify global standards while accommodating necessary regional and country-specific requirements.
Develop KPIs, dashboards, and management reporting to evaluate travel and expense program performance.
Analyze spend trends across properties and departments, countries and regions, deliver recurring reports, and recommend actions to improve financial efficiency, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
Establish consistent reporting methodologies and performance measures that provide visibility into global travel and expense activity.
Lead and develop the T&E team, promoting accountability, accuracy, service excellence, and continuous professional growth.
Provide leadership and guidance to support global program requirements and collaboration with regional and international stakeholders.
Manage relationships with T&E vendors, associates, and business leaders to support effective program delivery, policy alignment, service performance, and timely issue resolution.
Manage and evaluate global and regional service providers, and other strategic partners, ensuring service levels and contractual commitments support business requirements.
Serve as the primary T&E contact for internal and external audits, ensuring documentation is complete, accurate, and readily available.
Maintain effective controls, policies, and procedures to support regulatory compliance and safeguard company assets.
Coordinate with global stakeholders to identify and address control requirements, audit findings, and compliance considerations.