Murphy Philips is an architectural practice dedicated to excellence in delivering practical and high-quality design within time and cost constraints. Report to the directors of the company, and effectively manage all financial tasks, including forecasting, budgeting, and accounting.  To improve employee retention and satisfaction, supported the setting up of an ownership trust which facilitated the participation of employees in a reward scheme. Successfully completed the due diligence for a merger with a national practice, enhancing MP’s ability to compete with NHS tenders Improved operational effectiveness by streamlining the HR process, to incorporate the payroll and incentive schemes including the annual bonus scheme. Integrated finance and job management software for timely, accurate and consistent reporting at operational and board level.Achievements Established a process around accurate “charge out rates” for the practice of bidding / tendering. This provided exact profitability of individual projects. Consolidated the results of all associated companies, establishing a real time view of the group, which helped in developing the business strategy. Created a monthly financial reporting pack for senior management to improve day to day operations and decision making.Skills: Financial planning Management accountingLeadership/Critical Thinking Team Building Dividend PlanningMergers and Acquisitions Dispute Resolution Due DiligenceCorporate Restructuring Policies and Procedures FundraisingChange Management Vendor ManagementSoftware ModellingRisk Management Process Improvement Contract NegotiationFinancial Modelling/Planning Business Forecasting Tax PlanningAuditingAudit planning

Blacksheep is a leader in creating a powerful hospitality brand experience through meaningful creative strategy and unique design. Blacksheep is an international, multi-disciplinary creative studio designing complete experiences in the hospitality sector. Transform brands such as Wagamama, Brewdog etc and spaces, to deliver intelligent, multi-sensory design. Expertise includes Brand, Interior Design, Architecture and Digital.Overall responsibility for finance and operational aspects of the company including, HR, Legal, and IT. Introduced the “2020 Vision” to modernise the IT systems, including software upgrades, hardware improvement, server integration and Cloud operation. As a result, the business was in a better position to respond to the pandemic working from home rules with minimum business disruption. Assumed responsibility for HR in 2016, overhauling processes and procedures before outsourcing the day-to-day responsibilities. Led to a 30k p.a saving and improved staff relations and retention.  Introduced a client retainer-based scheme which became a USP and led to an increase in market share. Led on the re-design of the client proposal offering, providing improved client cost transparency. Implemented a new suite of reports which included a commercial trafficking system which increased profitability, productivity and efficiency.Achievements Stabilised and reversed Blacksheep from a loss-making entity to a business which delivered 45% growth with 6 % to the bottom line over a five-year period (excludes the Pandemic impact). Streamlined the design consultation process, resulting in cost efficiencies of c15%.  Instrumental in the overall restructuring of the company to support a new financial and operational strategy.Skills:Financial planningManagement accountingLeadership Change Management Vendor ManagementRisk Management Process Improvement Financial Modelling/Planning Business Forecasting Tax PlanningAuditing

Ferrier Pearce Creative Group (T/O circa £20m) is an independent international group of creative and marketing consultancies. The group specialises in creative design, digital, branding for PLC clients such as Barclays, HSBC, Barratts and Virgin Group.Initial role, Financial Controller, promoted to Finance Director, board member and shareholder on completion of the first year. Overall responsibility for the finances and operation of several operating companies with approx. 150 headcount in the UK and for the opening of new operations in Poland, Ireland and Dubai.Achievements Instrumental in the re-structure of the organisation, creating separate business entities, leading to greater accountability, performance and transparency across the divisions Developed and implemented a 5-year investment strategy in collaboration with the board to ensure business continuity Successfully managed the joint venture acquisition for a PR company, facilitating a new service offering Led the acquisition of an IT business, integrating fully within 3 months and saving £150k p.a Created a new in-house auditing system, releasing £40k p.a to fund external auditor advisory services.SkillsFinancial planning Management accountingLeadership/Critical Thinking Team Building Dividend PlanningMergers and Acquisitions Dispute Resolution Due DiligenceCorporate Restructuring Policies and Procedures FundraisingChange Management Vendor ManagementSoftware ModellingRisk Management Process Improvement Contract NegotiationFinancial Modelling/Planning Business Forecasting Tax PlanningAuditingAudit planning

Managing Independent Chartered Accountancy Practice.SkillsFinancial planning Management accountingLeadership/Critical Thinking Team Building Dividend PlanningMergers and Acquisitions Dispute Resolution Due DiligenceCorporate Restructuring Policies and Procedures FundraisingChange Management Vendor ManagementSoftware ModellingRisk Management Process Improvement Contract NegotiationFinancial Modelling/Planning Business Forecasting Tax PlanningAuditingAudit planning

Managed own client portfolio of 45 clients (30 audit, 15 non-audit) with fee income of circa £400,000 up to £30m t/o and managing clients with turnovers ranging from £5m to £65m – with the largest being a manufacturer with £60m (in assets). Responsible for overseeing the annual audit and taxation as well as input into a range of planning issues. Accounts preparation and auditing work leading to production of year-end accounts. Preparation & review of statutory accounts in-line with UK GAAP. Acted as consultant, providing advice on policies, procedures and controls. Preparation of management accounts for clients on request. Assisted a client with Inland Revenue investigation. Installation of accounting software, training of clients on software and sorting out any problems.Business sectors in which clients operated. • Music business, record producers• Film industry• Retailers• Publishing houses • Project Management consultancies• Marketing and media agencies.• Subsidiaries of overseas plc’s (US/EU)• Solicitors.

Managing all clients with turnovers ranging from £750k to £25m – with the largest being a property developer of £45m (in assets) with a portfolio of 60 clients with a circa £350,000 fee income Preparation and completion of audit assignments for Partner review for a varied client base (from planning through to completion.  Managing the Practice during Partner holidays / absences.Business sectors in which clients operated. Music business, record producersFilm industryRetailersPublishing houses Project Management consultanciesMarketing and media agencies.Subsidiaries of overseas plc’s (US/EU)ConstructionProperty ManagersSkillsFinancial planning Management accountingLeadership/Critical Thinking Team Building Dividend PlanningMergers and Acquisitions Dispute Resolution Due DiligenceCorporate Restructuring Policies and Procedures FundraisingChange Management Vendor ManagementSoftware ModellingRisk Management Process Improvement Contract NegotiationFinancial Modelling/Planning Business Forecasting Tax PlanningAuditingAudit planning