Specialist Cycle Retail, Cycle Training and Sustainability Consultancy.Set up new systems to manage the business finances on a day to day basis, allowing the business owner to make better more informed financial decisions.

Traditional tall ship repair specialist.Managed all aspects of finance including management reporting and processing financial records using Sage Line 100 and Sage Payroll.

Audit South West is an audit consortia which provides an internal audit and consultancy service to clients across the South West health community.Risk, governance and internal control have never been higher on the boardroom agenda as an Internal Auditor I play a critical role in organisations corporate governance by providing independent assurance that protect clients against risk, allow informed strategic decision making and thus improving overall performance (saving the local NHS economy Circa £1m).These and other savings continue to accrue on a daily basis.

I conducted audits across a number of NHS Trusts. One Audit identified a significant (£) misstatement, this error was highlighted outside the scope of the original audit being undertaken showing that sometimes you have to ‘look outside the box’.

As part of the 'Provider Financial Assurance' or 'PFA' team I worked within a group of experienced audit professionals our aim was to protect government funds by ensuring that 'Providers' (Schools, Colleges, Government Agencies and other commercial or charitable organisations) obeyed the rules that govern education funding. Using my in depth understanding of the Education sector from a 'Providers' viewpoint I was always fair and treated Clients with respect; able to provide advice and workable solutions to address any operational, administrative or financial issues that may have arisen ( often as part of the contract management process). This helped clients 'Providers' mitigate the risk of potential future financial loss (as the LSC had a duty on behalf of the Government to claw back funds if certain obligations had not been met by the provider). I was able to gain expert knowledge across many funding streams including ESF (European Social Fund) and 'Work Based Learning' funding 'ETP' and 'Train To Gain'. I was asked to take part in a debate by sitting on a 'National Working Party' with a remit to decide how to regulate and control this area of education; simply achieved, by setting up a logical system and process for both the providers and audit teams to follow.I also contributed significantly to PFA working practices such as setting up an easy to use system that analysed and reported upon the financial health of potential new or existing education providers. This system was initially intended for my own use but was later adopted across the local offices, then LSC regional teams before being adopted 'Nationally'.I helped mentor team members providing support, advice and guidance where needed.

I was recruited by the FD of this College who had been asked by the L.S.C. to complete a report that analysed the prior year’s financial figures for both pay and non pay costs, by ‘Subject Grouping’; not the more conventional ‘Curriculum Area’; I had completed a similar exercise previously during my tenure at ‘East Surrey’ and the report met all the expectations of the L.S.C.

I was recruited by the College on a permanent basis and continued to add value to the organisation through continuous improvements. I worked alongside a corporate recovery specialist in the detailed analysis of the cost structure of the College. Changes were made to the curriculum offer based on this work; results were measured against industry benchmarks.Main Responsibilities• Management of the Purchasing , Payroll (Financial Control) and Finance teams;• Prepare financial year end accounts, budgets / forecast, and management accounts;• Close monthly accounts within 5 days;• Assist with the production of the financial plan;• Support the director of finance in her duties;• Attend cross functional departmental meetings to provide financial guidance when required; • Deputise for the Associate Director of Finance at Corporation Board meetings;• Provide support to 3rd 4th tier managers as required to ensure all financial reports are fully understood;• Ensure the college processes are documented in the Finance Manual and updated when necessary; and,• Adopted a team policy of continuous improvement).AdditionallyI was asked to be fully involved in the selection of the main contractor for the construction of a build project associated with the relocation of the Reigate School Of Art & Design to East Surrey Colleges Gatton Point campus. As part of the planning process worked with VAT Consultants to ensure VAT liabilities were minimised (adopting ‘Partial Exemption’ bespoke schemes). These savings continued to accrue .

I was recruited as an interim manager responsible for controlling all aspects of finance and this required me to carry out some fairly fundamental changes following a recent business re-organisation as many issues had to be be addressed. Large volumes of unprocessed invoice &, corresponding queries and final demands simply resolved by changing the way things were done increasing productivity of existing staff; addressing computer issues with the 'Software House' by simply working with the supplier to address them. The solution included engaging with staff and showing them that the system would help them do their jobs more effectively.This collaborative approach worked well and all the issues were addressed quickly and effectively.Meanwhile I gained an understanding of the college management structure and developed working relationships throughout the campus. I acquired an understanding of both; LSC and HEFC funding: meanwhile continued to shortlist and interview candidates to fill vacant posts.

Responsible for managing a small dedicated finance team whose aim was to provide up to date financial information to the management teams here in the UK and the U.S. (following the takeover by Peterson Consulting; and subsequent merger with Navigant Consulting) (U.K. / U.S GAAP)Providing financial support to the Insurance and Reinsurance departments. Working alongside claims managers dealing with Heath Hazard, Pollution, Asbestos and other long tail claims. Responsible for all aspects of treasury management including daily; weekly or longer term money deposits in £UK and $US and managing payments to insurance companies, their attorneys or intermediaries.

An excellent foundation to my career in finance working within the Management Accounts department provided me with an inside view to how the business operated. I quickly felt at home mastering all the systems and processes. I helped prepare 'Management Accounts' for all stores regional teams and head office functions. I enjoyed the daily contact with managers resolving any queries regarding their P&L or B/S quickly and effectively.The company was growing swiftly by developing new sites and through acquisition (TEXAS).I enjoyed the excitement that such rapid growth generated and being involved in the process meant that my roles and responsibilities quickly changed. I was involved in the acquisition process as far as helping plan the re-branding and subsequent refit of poorly performing TEXAS stores whilst at the same time doing the same for the existing Homebase stores. Providing up-to date financial information to project managers on a daily basis and a monthly financial report (that became a regular main Board agenda item).Other achievement included setting up Intrastat reporting across both Homebase and later Savacentre (as Savacentre was having difficulty setting up their own system and gaining the necessary approval from 'Customss and Excise').

Following a successful completion of a 3 year Cadetship I was promoted to Third Officer; then subsequently Second Officer.I served on a variety of vessels including the SS Opalia the fleets Flag Ship under the command of the Commodore. I was responsible for the safe navigation of vessels owned or managed by Shell Tankers (UK) Ltd, Shell International Marine and other associated Group companies and their Partners. I was also responsible for the safe loading and discharge of cargo (usually crude oil and refined products including Liquefied Natural Gas LNG ).Life at sea could be demanding working long hours for long periods of time; sometimes working in harsh or even extreme conditions. Being able to work well within a team environment was paramount, supporting others to achieve goals.I loved the travel and experiencing so many different cultures and seeing many memorable sights.