Les North Email & Phone Number

Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Claire’s is a worldwide US owned retailer of jewellery and fashion accessories for girls and young women, and provided a fast-paced environment for working, dealing with regular developments in processes and procedures, for example changes to import/export as a result of Brexit, the introduction of loyalty schemes and changes in till software regulations in various European jurisdictions. Based at the European Shared Services Centre in Birmingham, which provides head office functions for… Show more Claire’s is a worldwide US owned retailer of jewellery and fashion accessories for girls and young women, and provided a fast-paced environment for working, dealing with regular developments in processes and procedures, for example changes to import/export as a result of Brexit, the introduction of loyalty schemes and changes in till software regulations in various European jurisdictions. Based at the European Shared Services Centre in Birmingham, which provides head office functions for Claire’s companies in 15 European countries. As Senior European Accounting Manager I led various teams delivering monthly and annual accounts, tax and other returns for various European companies, predominantly France and Belgium. Also responsible for accounting for leased property costs for all European entities (a portfolio of around 1,000 properties), including the transition to the new US lease accounting standard ASC842. Additionally I was responsible for the procurement of gas and electricity supply contracts for Europe in close consultation with our energy procurement advisers.Another key part of my work involved the reporting and analysis of store labour costs and was able to identify issues in the planning and management of store staffing in France leading to annual savings of over $300k.Having left Claire’s in Aug 2022 to pursue work on my property in France, I returned on an interim basis from Nov 2022 to April 2023. Show less

Harsco is a top 500 US quoted company, providing access services to major UK construction companies such as Balfour Beatty and Barratt Construction, with a turnover of around £120 million p.a. As Finance Manager I am responsible for providing financial support to branch and regional managers, providing detailed management accounts and other supporting information. I also have responsibility to ensure their compliance with our internal procedures and controls. In addition I prepare investment… Show more Harsco is a top 500 US quoted company, providing access services to major UK construction companies such as Balfour Beatty and Barratt Construction, with a turnover of around £120 million p.a. As Finance Manager I am responsible for providing financial support to branch and regional managers, providing detailed management accounts and other supporting information. I also have responsibility to ensure their compliance with our internal procedures and controls. In addition I prepare investment appraisals for business development.Key AchievementsDeveloped the reporting suite to highlight key trends, for example to changes in sales mix and margin.Successfully took on reporting requirements for another division following previous re-organisation and redundancies in the business.Appointed as accountant to the company's Kaizen (Continuous Improvement) team, to provide financial rigour to the process.Made significant contribution to the development of the company's sales commission scheme, to align more closely performance and reward.Significantly increased the availability and use of customer trend data.Improved compliance with company procedures to protect assets and reduce credit risk. Show less

a UK top 50 advertising agency, providing marketing services to high profile companies such as Sony UK, Habitat, B & Q and House of Fraser.

Axair Climate, a UK subsidiary of Swiss based WMH Group, provides air conditioning and related equipment and services, with a turnover of around £10m p.a. As Financial Controller I had full responsibility for the UK Finance Function, including management accounts, statutory reporting, supplier management, credit control, tax and pay roll.

SGB Services is a leading supplier of access solutions to the construction industry. Its parent company, Harsco, is a top 500 US quoted company. SGB Central Region provides services via a branch network to major UK construction companies such as Balfour Beatty and Barratt Construction, turning over around £35 million p.a. As Regional Finance Manager, I managed a team of 7 staff with responsibility for providing financial management and information to the region.

ATS Euromaster, a subsidiary of Michelin Tyres PLC, provides a wide range of automotive services to business and private customers. The group has a turnover of nearly £400 million. As an interim accountant I assisted with year end accounts and procedural improvements.AchievementsCompletion of tax computations for 14 group companies, including complex issues with regard to FRS19 and group set-offs.Liaison with software supplier to improve systems for accounting for fixed assets.

is the world-wide market leader in packaging machinery. Bobst Group Ltd is its UK subsidiary, acting as distributor of machines and spare parts, and provider of after sales service and training, with an annual turnover of £30m. As Financial Controller, I reported directly to the company Chief Executive and Finance Director.I was responsible for the day to day financial control and reporting of the company's affairs. I managed a team of four permanent and up to two temporary staff. Key… Show more is the world-wide market leader in packaging machinery. Bobst Group Ltd is its UK subsidiary, acting as distributor of machines and spare parts, and provider of after sales service and training, with an annual turnover of £30m. As Financial Controller, I reported directly to the company Chief Executive and Finance Director.I was responsible for the day to day financial control and reporting of the company's affairs. I managed a team of four permanent and up to two temporary staff. Key duties included all aspects of financial control, preparation of management accounts and budgets, and managing foreign currency purchase. Other duties included pay roll, preparation of VAT returns, and oversight of our duty deferment account. Show less

Symphony Hall and the National Indoor Arena. With a turnover of over £100 million p.a., it is Europe's busiest exhibition company. Responsible for the financial performance of the Security and Services Divisions (consisting of Security, Traffic Management, Cleaning and Estates Maintenance) with a combined annual turnover of £10 million.

B.A. (Honours), German

D.O.B

Education record

BPP Training Ltd/:-ATC Ltd: Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Stages 1-4 completed in 34 months. First time passes at Stage 4.

Diploma, Careers Guidance