Travel and Expense Manager

About the role

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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Career Development
• Build 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.

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

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of travel and expense regulations and compliance.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Skills

• Travel and Expense Systems Expertise
• Vendor Management
• Expense Controls and Compliance
• Process Improvement
• Global Travel and Expense Practices
• Financial Analysis and Reporting
• Team Leadership and Development
• Vendor and Associate Relations
• SOX Management

Benefits

We offer a diverse range of comprehensive health and welfare benefits to associates who work 30 or more hours per week to meet your needs and support you throughout your career with us. Certain benefits may be available to associates working fewer hours where required by applicable law.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Accident Coverage
• Disability
• Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave and Holidays
• Wish Day Paid Time to Volunteer at an Approved Organization of Your Choice
• 401(k) with Employer Match (Subject to Eligibility Requirements)
• Legal and Identity Theft Plan
• Voluntary Income Protection Benefits
• Wellness Program (Subject to Provider Availability)
• Employee Assistance Program