Joanne Richardson Email and Phone Number

I was recruited into this role as there had been two failed appointments who did not have the technical knowledge or skills to manage the whole of the accounting function. The Financial Controller role in this SME is very hands-on which is where I thrive.My focus is on slight edge continuous improvement in controls and processes to drive both efficiency and accuracy. Taking this approach has enabled me to pick up other commercial projects in support of the Directors.My… Show more I was recruited into this role as there had been two failed appointments who did not have the technical knowledge or skills to manage the whole of the accounting function. The Financial Controller role in this SME is very hands-on which is where I thrive.My focus is on slight edge continuous improvement in controls and processes to drive both efficiency and accuracy. Taking this approach has enabled me to pick up other commercial projects in support of the Directors.My responsibilities include the usual FC responsibilities, managing stakeholder relationships, and general support of the team and Directors. Show less

Achievements:Responsible for the Accounts and Finance team as the Company went through a period of growth and changeReviewed debt collection process with legal requirements and noted the first arrears letter was being despatched 28 days too late. Changed the system reducing debtor days by 23 days and improving company cash flow.Identified KPIs in line with company strategy and developed relevant reports to present to key stakeholdersReplaced the manual cash posting process with… Show more Achievements:Responsible for the Accounts and Finance team as the Company went through a period of growth and changeReviewed debt collection process with legal requirements and noted the first arrears letter was being despatched 28 days too late. Changed the system reducing debtor days by 23 days and improving company cash flow.Identified KPIs in line with company strategy and developed relevant reports to present to key stakeholdersReplaced the manual cash posting process with an automated upload system reducing errors and saving 20 administration hours each week at the time of the automationImplemented an automated bank reconciliation process for the client accounts saving 7 hours each weekResponsibilities:Full management responsibilities for the Accounts and Operations team (3 FTE members of staff in total)All FC responsibilities as would be expected in a Company of this size Show less

Managed Audits on time and within budget often managing and developing a small team of traineesWorked openly and honestly with clients within the following sectors; financial, property, manufacturing, service, charity, not for profit, retailPrepared year-end accounts and completed ad-hoc projects for smaller clients with no accounts function

Qualified as a Chartered Accountant with first time passesWorked as part of the Audit Team. I was commended for my ability to deal with complex areas of the audit.Prepared detailed financial forecasts based on accurate assumptions as part of the Corporate Finance teamWorked on sizeable Internal Audit projects for not for profit organisations. Used business process mapping techniques to document processes and propose improvements.

Working on a small web team developing the functionality and brand of the PC World Business web team at a time when real time stock levels were leading edge.

Responsible for sales and marketing of various technical products including Mathcad (a Mathematical modelling tool used widely in Universities and Engineering companies.

First position after University. Designing and analysing user trials, gardening trial and laboratory trials of all products for the basis of the star ratings in Which? magazine.