Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
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Amanda Conway

Newcastle-under-Lyme,Staffordshire

Summary

Accomplished finance professional with expertise in cash management, financial planning, and management accounting. Demonstrates proficiency in Sage software and payroll processing, alongside a strong ability to implement cost-reduction strategies. Skilled in HR contract management and financial control, with a comprehensive understanding of VAT regulations. Committed to driving organisational efficiency and optimising financial operations. Adaptable to new industries. Can do attitude.

Overview

34
34
years of professional experience
16
16
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Finance Director

Jaymar Packaging Limited
Crewe, Cheshire
05.2021 - Current
  • Built strong relationships with external auditors, facilitated smooth auditing process. Including financial audit, ISO and FSC certification's.
  • Provided guidance on complex financial matters to the board, informed strategic decisions.
  • Facilitated the sale of the business from Privately owned to Employee Ownership Trust.
  • Streamlined financial operations by implementing efficient budgeting systems.
  • Enhanced financial performance with strategic planning and forecasting.
  • Coordinated annual budget preparation for controlled expenditure and profitability.
  • Delivered accurate monthly reporting, enhanced decision-making process.
  • Directed all aspects of company's accounting functions, ensured regulatory compliance.
  • Improved cash flow management to ensure operational stability.
  • Maintained integrity of financial data through rigorous checks and verification methods, upheld trust in the organisation's finances.
  • Reviewed and updated existing finance-related procedures, promoted operational excellence.
  • Took lead in crucial negotiations with lenders to secure favourable terms of borrowing.
  • Managed comprehensive budgeting processes, improved overall organisational efficiency.
  • Optimised use of financial software to expedite accounting tasks and improve accuracy.
  • Ensured consistent profitability with diligent cost control measures.
  • Ensured the financial health and sustainability of the company by maintaining best practice controls, policies and assurance.
  • Established financial policies and procedures, ensuring consistent efficiency, robustness and UK GAAP compliance.
  • Identified areas for improvement and enhancements in financial processes and reporting mechanisms.
  • Managed cash flow and liquidity, mitigating financial risks and ensuring stability.
  • Conducted variance analysis to identify discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
  • Delivered regular management reporting.
  • Contributed to hiring process by interviewing applicants and making recommendations for best-suited candidates.
  • Implemented cost-control measures, optimising expenditure within budgetary constraints.
  • Managed timely and accurate reporting of various financial transactions and information for detailed analysis.
  • Worked to scale and enhance finance function, implementing new processes and refining existing ones.
  • Administered payroll processes for accurate, timely salary disbursements.
  • Maintained KPI reporting tools for accurate, up-to-date financial data for decision-making.
  • Managed daily finance services for smooth business operations.
  • Reduced annual business expenditure through careful expense monitoring.
  • Coached and mentored junior staff to maximise finance department capabilities.
  • Finalised VAT returns with rigorous transaction checks.
  • Oversaw audits to collate accurate data and recommend constructive improvements.
  • Represented business in negotiations with external partners.

Finance controller

Hallmark Sheet Metal Ltd
Longton, Stoke-on-Trent
03.2020 - 05.2021
  • Managed tax filings, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
  • Coordinated budget preparation, resulting in timely and accurate forecasts.
  • Monitored key performance indicators to drive business decision making.
  • Liaised with external auditors to ensure full regulatory compliance.
  • Streamlined accounting procedures for increased operational efficiency.
  • Produced management information and KPI measurement through conducting variance analysis.
  • Oversaw accounting, payroll and financial reports to support daily functions.

Finance director

Retherm Ltd
Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent
09.2010 - 03.2020
  • Directed accounting functions to ensure regulatory compliance and operational stability.
  • Handled delicate insolvency cases, safeguarding company interests and maintaining stakeholder goodwill.
  • Optimised financial software usage to expedite tasks and enhance accuracy.
  • Finalised VAT returns with thorough transaction checks for compliance.
  • Built strong relationships with external auditors to facilitate smooth audit processes.
  • Reviewed bookkeeping and management accounts to produce accurate reports.
  • Managed daily finance services to support seamless business operations.
  • Administered payroll processes for timely and accurate salary disbursements.

Finance Manager & Company Secretary

Shelton Care Ltd & Regent College
Shelton Stoke om Trent, Staffordshire
04.2000 - 09.2007
  • Streamlined financial procedures to improve efficiency and accuracy.
  • Managed daily finance services for smooth business operations.
  • Finalised VAT returns with rigorous transaction checks.
  • Led contract negotiations to secure favourable terms for the firm.
  • Ensured accurate tax filings, avoiding penalties and interest charges.
  • Streamlined invoice processing reducing errors and delays.
  • Managed a team of junior finance professionals, promoting professional development.
  • Implemented new financial systems enhancing data accessibility and reliability.
  • Oversaw financial reporting processes, maintaining accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Managed timely and accurate reporting of various financial transactions and information for detailed analysis.
  • Delivered regular management reporting and supervised quarterly tax calendar.
  • Administered payroll processes for accurate, timely salary disbursements for 250 staff.

Audit Senior

Moore Stephens Chartered Accountants
Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent
01.1995 - 09.2000

Oversaw portfolio of clients for annual audit, ensuring timely execution in accordance with current UK policies.

Accounts Semi Senior

Bentley Jennison Chartered Accountants
Stafford, Staffordshire
09.1991 - 09.1995
  • Executed day-to-day duties with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Acquired new skills rapidly, enhancing overall productivity.
  • Delivered tasks consistently within tight deadlines.
  • Exhibited respect and willingness to assist colleagues and clients as needed.
  • Provided comprehensive support for accounts preparation for sole trader clients.
  • Prepared VAT, PAYE, and tax computations to ensure compliance.

Education

National General Certificate Health & Safety - Health & Safety

Nebosh
Birmingham
01.2018 - 05.2018

Bachelor of Arts - Finance

ACCA
Birmingham
06.1994 - 06.2000

NVQ Level 4 - Finance

AAT
Nationwide
09.1992 - 12.1993

BTEC National Certificate - Business and Finance

Stafford College
Stafford
09.1990 - 06.1992

A-Levels - English Literature, English Law, British Government & Politics

South Cheshire College
Crewe, Cheshire East
09.1988 - 06.1990

GCSEs - English Literature, Language, Mathematics, History, German, Biology, R.E, Art, Accountancy

Ruskin County High School
Crewe, Cheshire East
09.1983 - 09.1988

Skills

  • Cash management
  • Financial planning
  • Management accounting
  • Sage adept
  • Payroll processing
  • Cost-reduction strategies
  • HR contract management
  • Financial control
  • VAT


Affiliations

  • I have a keen interest in History and attend a local history group based in Nantwich and their functions. I read mostly historical non fiction and novels. At home I have several pets including chickens, which take some care and we enjoy their daily fresh eggs. I swim a couple of times a week and enjoy walking around Trentham gardens and socialising with friends.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Finance Director

Jaymar Packaging Limited
05.2021 - Current

Finance controller

Hallmark Sheet Metal Ltd
03.2020 - 05.2021

National General Certificate Health & Safety - Health & Safety

Nebosh
01.2018 - 05.2018

Finance director

Retherm Ltd
09.2010 - 03.2020

Finance Manager & Company Secretary

Shelton Care Ltd & Regent College
04.2000 - 09.2007

Audit Senior

Moore Stephens Chartered Accountants
01.1995 - 09.2000

Bachelor of Arts - Finance

ACCA
06.1994 - 06.2000

NVQ Level 4 - Finance

AAT
09.1992 - 12.1993

Accounts Semi Senior

Bentley Jennison Chartered Accountants
09.1991 - 09.1995

BTEC National Certificate - Business and Finance

Stafford College
09.1990 - 06.1992

A-Levels - English Literature, English Law, British Government & Politics

South Cheshire College
09.1988 - 06.1990

GCSEs - English Literature, Language, Mathematics, History, German, Biology, R.E, Art, Accountancy

Ruskin County High School
09.1983 - 09.1988
Amanda Conway