Jul 2023- Oct 2023

VIBRANT FOODS Ltd

T/O 197m across 5 brands comprising TRS,Cofresh, East End, Cashew and Everest Dairy in the wholesale and retail markets, covering both UK and Europe.

Interim Statutory Accountant

Assisting with producing the final accounts to support further growth under private equity owners Exponent.

My role: produce the 2022 UK Statutory Accounts for the whole group, across 18 entities including consolidated, audited and unaudited accounts.  Key milestones include: using final December 2022 Trial balances as a starting point and creating an ETB; agreeing the rolled over Reserves to the 2021 UK accounts, working out and inserting any differences; creating the consolidation ETB for Vibrant foods Ltd, along with other companies in the “Tower” culminating in the TopCo consolidation; incorporating any audit adjustments; submitting draft accounts to the Auditors using IRIS software; incorporating final adjustments in post audit review plus others from senior management; producing Final accounts, signed by the Directors and awaiting Auditors for submission to HMRC.

Aug 2021- Oct 2022

MUNDIPHARMA Ltd

Sales $2bn over 120 countries.  Global network of Independent Associated Companies involved in the Research, Development and Manufacture of Pharma medicines plus consumer healthcare products from 3rd party suppliers.

Interim Consultant

This broad role included: overseeing change in the P2P cost centre hierarchy for inclusion on Oracle so that the “No Purchase order No Pay” policy could be brought into effect.  Covering for the Pricing Accountant during a period of leave.  Transferring pricing from BARD in Bermuda and loading on to the system.  Making changes to prices for a specific product and loading on to Oracle.  Completing Variable pricing for the MEA region.  Updating Supplier Prices.  Providing expert assistance and support wherever necessary as instructed by the Head of the FSSC.

Drilling into, understanding and creating solutions for the entire pricing approach which had created an increase in GRNI and Inter-company balance mismatches; assisted colleagues to formulate an end-to-end workflow for pricing which highlighted pinch points and specific reasons for increased GRNI.  This also required liaison with Swiss, German and South East Asia entities to clean up the account along with upstream IACs.

Assisting the AR and their Counter Party AP teams with reconciliations to address significant mismatches which had become prevalent.

Took on the month end reporting for Norway and Finland following the incumbent becoming seriously unwell and latterly leaving the company.  Key elements included: Year End for Group and local entity; Local Audit; Assisting with the Deloitte project; supporting the SWAT Project team; Intercompany Mismatch project; Audit work; MDC, MBL, MLG, MMCL and Denmark; Shadowing for Benelux whilst incumbent was married; returning for two-week handover for a  Norway and Finland employee and establishing new, permanent replacement.

May 2021 to Jun 2021

PROTIVITI Ltd

Wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Half International Inc.  (NYSE symbol: RHI).  2018, parent reported revenues of over $5.8 billion and now has staffing and consulting operations in more than 400 locations globally.

Interim Consultant

The main thrust of the role is to identify invoices that have been settled but are part of current accruals and help design a process which avoids settled invoices being included in future accruals.  This required identifying invoices and open POs that should have been included in accrued expenses, classifying trade payables and accruals, and reclassifying all identified invoices received before the month close as “Expenses payable”.

In addition, I investigated the current accruals processes, and analysed root cause of any anomalies; reviewed the Month End close process in respect of accruals, identifying issues and providing recommendations; fix classification issues between Trade Payables and Expense Accruals; and re-designed and recommend improvements to Balance Sheet reconciliation templates.

Nov 2019 to Apr 2020

MANHATTAN ASSOCIATES Ltd

T/O £78m; part of Manhattan Associates Inc T/O $618m quoted on NASDAQ. Provides customers with Supply chain, Inventory and Omnichannel solutions

Interim Senior Finance Manager EMEA

Brought in during a period of high instability, and with little available support, following a leave of absence which culminated in the resignation of a key employee.

Managing and mentoring a team of four, responsible for the day to day running of the EMEA finance function (UK, France, Germany and Netherlands).  This includes posting and payment of all Purchase invoices, ensuring bank details are correct, approval of all journals, creation of all accruals.  Liaising with the FP&A team and FD regarding any variances in the monthly management accounts.  Reviewing, substantiating and approving all Balance Sheet reconciliations and that all accounts are reconciled analytically.  Ensuring all taxes (VAT and Corporate) throughout EMEA are paid according to their timetable.  Managing the planning, preparation and completion of the annual statutory audits for the requisite EMEA entities, working with external accountants and auditors as required.  Documenting the accounting processes for any changes or updates.  Liaising with Finance staff in the US, as required, and preparing the quarterly Flux analysis with requisite explanations to variances highlighted by the US.  Liaising with the Payroll department on foreign payrolls.  Liaising with the FD on ad hoc issues.  Using Great Plains ERP software.  Overseeing company adherence to proper segregation of duties and internal controls along with SOX compliance.

Mar 2019 to Jun 2019

L3 Communications UK Ltd

T/O £75m; part of US company L3 Technologies Inc. Provides Security and Detection systems to Airports, Ships, Prisons etc. n

Interim Finance Manager

Reporting to the Financial Director EMEA.

Responsible for the approval of all sales invoices.  Responsible for the Service revenue to be included in the monthly management accounts along with the ensuing deferred revenue calculations.  Approval of all Journals and Balance Sheet reconciliations and signing off as complete.  Ensuring all relevant tasks for the monthly management accounts along with all relevant tasks under SOX regulations are complete.  Preparation of the Tax packs for the tax accountants.  Preparation and submission of the monthly EC Sales List and intrastat to HMRC.  Liaising with the software consultant concerning Making Tax Digital for the VAT returns.

Jul 2017 to Nov 2018

WICK HILL Ltd

T/O £140m; now Nuvias UK & Ireland Ltd and part of The Nuvias Group P/E backed by The Rigby Group Plc.  Provides Cyber Security via distributors; Group’s presence in EMEA includes Cyber Security and Advanced Networking.

Interim Finance Manager

Reporting to the CFO covering for the FD on extended sick leave.

Responsible for the production of Monthly Management Accounts.  Producing and reviewing the monthly balance sheet and related reconciliations.  Preparing the UK Statutory accounts for three Group companies in addition to all supporting schedules for the Auditors and for tax computations.  Liaising with auditors.  Preparing monthly Recharges to Wick Hill Gmbh in Germany.  Producing and reviewing monthly Intrastat for HMRC.  Producing and reviewing quarterly VAT returns for two companies.  Mentoring a team comprising four technical staff.  Assisting with the smooth transition to a new ERP system (Microsoft Dynamics 365).

Oct 2015 to Jun 2016

JOHN NIKE GROUP OF COMPANIES

T/O £31m; The Nike Group is a privately owned limited company comprising  businesses from luxury hotel, dry ski slopes, ice rinks, manufacturing, petrol forecourts, property development and builders merchandising

Group Financial Controller

Reporting to the Group Finance Director and Chairman.

Reviewing weekly Cash Flows liaising with the Chairman.  Reviewing, updating and signing off on behalf of finance all CAPEX and non-trading forms.  Responsible for BACS payroll and transfers.  Approving all payroll items including directors and senior management.  Reviewing monthly trading figures and discussing with business heads as required; producing monthly management pack.  Overseeing pension, life assurance and private medical schemes.  Managing quarterly rental and invoices and expediting as required.  Reviewing credit control for all companies and stock takes.  Managing VAT returns liaising with HMRC and updating cash flow.  Managing company insurances with brokers and annual energy contracts.  Preparing schedules for tax and audit.  Managing company vehicle fleet.

May 2014 to Sept 2015

MRBL Ltd

T/O £616m, acquired by Kier Group Plc in June 2015

Interim Group Finance Accountant covering Maternity Leave

Reporting to the Head of Financial Accounting and Group Reporting

Preparation of MRBL’s half-year and full-year statutory accounts under IFRS and its subsidiaries under UK GAAP, including specific notes for both the Group and Subsidiaries (Provisions, Debtors, WIP interest) working with financial and management team.  Preparation and review of the group’s provisions schedule, Interest and Pensions for inclusion in the monthly management pack; completely restyling the former with relevant information for senior management.  Running the monthly FX revaluation program in SAP and completing ONS forms.  Completed a range of harmonisation tasks following the company’s take over by the Kier Group Plc on 8th June 2015 (T/O £2985m) including shortening of year end to 30th June 2015 and preparing the schedules and notes as dictated by the Kier Group for both their Group accounts and the MRBL subsidiaries

Oct 2013 to Mar 2014

BONDED SERVICES GROUP Ltd

Part of Bonded Services Group LLC, a Private Equity backed company incorporated in Delaware

Interim European Financial Controller

Reporting to the Corporate Controller and the President for Europe and Asia.

Responsible for the Statutory Accounts, Budgets and Monthly Reporting packs for all UK operations.  Managing five staff, with emphasis on Credit control and cash management.

Preparation of analytical Balance Sheet reconciliations and submission to the USA.  Liaising with UK Auditors and Tax Accountants.  Recruited a replacement accountant for the French subsidiary, and mentored them into the role, emphasising Client’s Monthly Revenue analysis.

Nov 2012 to Apr 2013

UNITED HEALTHCARE GROUP Ltd

Life Sciences division

Part of The United Healthcare Group In., a global company involved in the Medicare section in the USA and Pharma/Lifesciences and R&D.

Interim Finance Manager

Reporting to the Interim Group Financial Controller, Life Sciences EMEA.

Responsible for all financial transition issues in China, Hong Kong and Australia post-acquisition of 3 strategically key companies.  Identified anomalies in all accounts and both analysed and quantified information ensuring accurate data is subsequently incorporated into the central accounting system (PeopleSoft, part of Oracle).  In addition, prepared balance sheet reconciliations and submitted these centrally via Blackline software (all accounting in PeopleSoft has been completed in US GAAP).

Mar 2010 to Aug 2012

THE GLOBAL DRAW Ltd

Part of Scientific Games Inc of Atlanta USA; gaming industry t/o £53.5m; gaming machines into Betting shops (66% of UK total) 2^nd largest in world.

Interim Financial Controller

Reporting to the FD.

Brought into the company to provide stability following the sudden departure of the Financial Controller.  Requested to stay by the Global Head of HR, following appointment of the new FC, to address a range of ‘people cost’ issues.  In addition, I completed the following: UK Statutory Accounts and UK Tax pack for the auditors, along with the Year-End file and all associated schedules and working papers; the Tax pack under US GAAP rules for the Global head of Tax; analysis of P&L accounts on a monthly basis that assist the budget and Year End process; preparation of monthly reporting packs prior to submission to SG Corp, along with associated variance analysis; analysis of salaries against budget, by cost centre, and on a person-by-person basis for inclusion in the monthly management accounts pack, plus KPIs for Operations, used as a budget tool; drafted procedures for work and processes, where necessary, especially in the light of the Finance Department’s relocation to Manchester.

Dec 2009 to Jan 2010

CAXTONfx

Group of companies engaged primarily in corporate and personal FX comprising CAXTONfx, Caxton Voyager and Knowledgewire; t/o c. £300m.

Interim Financial Controller

Reporting to the FD, introducing a range of detailed measures to increase the effectiveness and stability of the Back Office – these included:

CAXTONfx

Reconciling management accounts with the UK Statutory accounts for Feb 2009 and posting any journals required as a result.  Posting opening balances, as per the UK Statutory accounts, onto Sage Line 50.  Introducing Accrual accounting and implementing standard procedures.  Implementing inter-company reconciliation procedures.  Verifying current internal controls and improving and/or implementing as required.  Introducing a Petty Cash Imprest system.  Accounting for Global traveller cards to aid marketing.  Implementing a monthly posting routine.  Implementing monthly Balance Sheet accounts reconciliation procedures.  Identifying and implementing P&L accounts that require analysis on a monthly basis.  Designing management accounts in Sage to supersede the existing spread sheets.  Determining the 2010 Budget and posting this to Sage.  Mentoring a newly qualified Chartered Accountant in post as Financial Accountant for all three companies.

KNOWLEDGEWIRE Ltd ( IT Company )

Posting opening balances for Feb 2009 onto Sage.  Writing up books of account to date.  Designing Management accounts statements into Sage.  Regularising VAT.  Beginning monthly reporting.  Designing and implementing a monthly billing system.

CAXTON VOYAGER (Prepaid currency (FX) Cards)

Completing reconciliations to August 2009.  Updating reconciliations.  Posting opening balances as at Feb 2009.  Writing up books of account.  Designing management accounts.  Beginning regular monthly reporting.  Consolidating accounts.

2008 to 2009

ZENITH HYGIENE GROUP Plc

Manufacturer and supplier of cleaning and hygiene products in the UK and Eire.  Turnover £38 m.

Head of General Ledger Accounting

Reporting to the Group FC and leading a small team and covering Payroll.

Completing Monthly Intrastat forms and EC Sales for the UK Company.  Ensuring all Accruals and Prepayments are properly accounted for in the Monthly Management Accounts.  Completing Balance Sheet Reconciliations.  Providing Daily Cash flow, actual and forecast.  Completing and consolidating Monthly Management Accounts for two companies.  Supporting production of the UK Statutory Accounts for all group companies and published accounts in accordance with a company listed on the AIM.

2008 Jan to July

BAY RESTAURANT GROUP

Formed to acquire selected assets from within the former Laurel business.  Bay Restaurants comprises casual dining brands such as 84 Slug and Lettuce, 24 Ha Ha Bar & Grill, together with 85 La Tasca Restaurants.

Interim Financial Accountant

Reporting to the Head of Finance.

Managing Quarterly VAT returns for 4 groups of companies.  Finalising accounting entries to reflect the take-over of La Tasca Restaurant chain by the Laurel Pub Co in May 2007, recording clear books from a previously vague situation.  Managing Quarterly and Annual National Statistics forms.  Providing Fixed asset schedules for the year end accounts that agree with the General Ledger to the Fixed Assets Register.  Completing Statement of Affairs for the companies that went into Administration.  Preparing UK Statutory Accounts and Year End file for the La Tasca Group prior to audit.  Liaising with HMRC regarding Tax penalties.

Nov 2007

QUADRIGA Ltd

Provider of digital-IP based entertainment and internet services to the hotel industry.  Turnover £70m.

Interim Financial Controller

Reading and digesting the monthly management commentaries, and completing KPMG tax packs for the March 2007 UK Statutory Accounts.

2007 May to Oct

AMEY GROUP Plc

Part of the Ferrovial Group; turnover £1,300m; FM, Construction and PFI.

Group Accountant

Reporting to the Group Financial Controller, Planning & Analysis.

Ensuring monthly Divisional reporting packs are submitted in line with timetable; reviewing packs and requesting clarification and/or re-submission as required.  Producing Consolidated pack for the Board.  Supporting the Group Financial Controller as required.  Re-designing the Monthly pack and ease of roll out.  Creating additional “Comshare” reports in Excel to aid review of the divisional packs.  Developing further sourcing for the Forecasting program.  Aiding in the creation of a competitor benchmarking report for the Managing Director.

2007 Feb to Mar

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS

Providing assurance, tax and advisory services.  Turnover $22b

Interim Accountant

Investigating forecast variances in an operational hub for EDS Ltd

2006 Nov to Dec

PRODRIVE HOLDINGS LTD.

Motorsport and Automotive Engineering.  Turnover £110m

Interim Accountant (3 week contract)

Assisting the Group Financial Controller with future strategy projects.

2006 Mar to Oct

THE WILKY GROUP

Supplier, high end of the luxury bathroom sector including Villeroy and Boch, Roca and Hansgrohe.  Turnover £8m

Interim Financial Controller (6 month contract)

Supporting the MD to implement improved control, reporting formats and a range of reports.

2005

Cadenza Group plc

Business land development.  Turnover £10m

Interim Financial Controller (extended 3 month contract)

Supporting the FD maintaining the books of account, payroll (Sage), VAT returns and producing full monthly accounts with commentary for the Board.

2005

BUSINESS POST GROUP Plc

A £200m turnover quoted company specialising in the delivery of letters, parcels and packages.  The UK FedEx agent.

Interim Group Financial Accountant (3 month contract)

Reporting to the Group Finance Manager completing all balance sheet reconciliations, fixed asset register and VAT returns, and maintaining the Group’s Fixed Assets register.

Pre 2002

A series of progressive, permanent roles, including: Financial Accountant within a subsidiary of the Phoenix Timber Group which led to promotion to Group Accountant, reporting to the Group Financial Director assisting on a range of items including production of half yearly draft statutory accounts.  Took on additional projects such as installing a CRBFL reporting format for the Holding Company, and was selected to take over and manage the Group fleet management department.  This led to a role with Accord Jarvis Ltd as Financial Controller & Company Secretary reporting to the Chairman of the Board and attending Board meetings.  This demanding role encompassed management accounts, salaries, pensions, P11ds, assessing credit ratings, invoicing, credit control, managing the balance sheet, producing financial accounts for auditors, audits, IT security, insurance and parallel projects to reduce costs.  Following this, provided a Financial Controller function for Juvo Ltd a career management, HR and recruitment company and advised on new contract start up during first to third party transition.

Continuous Professional Development

In addition to keeping up with professional finance standards, I have invested in my personal professional development using an executive coach, Kim Wain of Isca Europe Limited.

Systems Experience

A range of standard and custom built packages including: Sage 50, Sage200, Navision, SAP, PeopleSoft, Oracle, CODA, Cognos, HFM, LN, JD Edwards, Multisoft, Microsoft Dynamics 365 and most recently Great Plains.