No change in role

No change in role

As a member of the International Development Team, I lead specific investigations in to the use of funding from European government departments and charities. Investigations can consist of financial and or administrative activity and involve visitiing project locations. Locations visited in recent months include Afghanistan, Malawi, Tanzania, Ghana, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Kenya.

In June 2002, I decided to set up my own audit consultancy. I have managed to secure long term internal audit contracts with a number of government funded agencies including Business Links, LSCs and Connexions Partnerships. As these agencies were set up in recent years, the process included carrying out initial risk assessments, determining audit requirements and preparing 3-year, annual and quarterly audit plans. I regularly attend Audit Committees to advise them of audit findings and progress against audit plans. As there are only two partners and two additional consultants in the consultancy, it is necessary for me to carry out all levels of the audit process. I have also secured and delivered ESF/ ERDF contracts. These contracts have included internal audit, project certification and project management of a variety of projects.Other projects have included: A 4 month contract as an Interim Finance Manager for Business Link County Durham, responsibilities included meeting all financial and regulatory requirements of European and UK funding providers and supervising 10 members of staff. This role and prior contracts delivered for this client have included the training of the Finance team in the preparation of ESF, ERDF and Single Programme claims. A 6 month contract as Project Manager for the Learning and Skills Council. This role specifically required the setting up of financial and operational claim systems and the subsequent training of staff in the maintenance of these systems due to previous poor delivery by a sub contractor. This appointment was for the delivery of 3 ESF contracts valued over £3m. On-going support of an in house internal team for investigation and advice in relation to the delivery of EU funded projects. This role included investigations in to suspected fraudulent claims, my specific role was to determine if claims were fraudulent and if so, to provide the specific details of fraudulent elements

I was required to deliver the NWDA Business Start Up Project in Lancashire and Cumbria. This role involved the management of 7 business Advisers and the delivery of 2 service level agreements in Lancashire. My role included the confirmation of accuracy of financial and delivery reports, investigation into any anomalies within these reports and regular reporting of progress against targets. As a SFEDI qualified business adviser, I was also able to offer practical advice to clients wishing to start their own business.