Cathy Swift
Fishponds,Bristol
Summary
Experienced finance professional focused on delivering accurate financial reporting and budget management. Skilled in streamlining financial processes and maintaining adherence to regulatory standards. Energetic employee well-versed in strong communication and organisation skills. Adept at multi-tasking, leading group discussions and managing projects.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Finance Officer
Quartet Community Foundation
Bristol
2022.09 - Current
- Execute weekly preparation and submission of grants and supplier payment runs to AccessPay
- Reconcile four bank accounts on weekly and monthly basis, ensuring accurate financial tracking and compliance
- Employ Salesforce to download financial data, followed by uploading into Sage Line 50 for comprehensive financial management
- Process monthly gift aid claims and upload to HMRC, ensuring compliance with regulations and maximising funding opportunities
- Actively contribute as key member of Quartet EDI working group, driving inclusive initiatives
Office Manager
Network Counselling & Training
Bristol
2022.03 - 2022.06
- Managed payroll system for staff team of 20, utilising software tools to process salaries, deductions, and benefits efficiently
- Oversaw daily activities of small team of administrators, allowing effective task management
- Processed supplier payments and invoiced customers with precision
- Utilised QuickBooks accounting software to manage financial records, facilitating efficient tracking of expenses and income
Senior Administrator - Voice & Influence Team
Barnardo’s
Remote
2019.11 - 2021.09
- Coordinated scheduling, resource allocation, and financial management processes to support national team
- Organised training events for team members, and recorded minutes for team meetings
- Coordinated schedule for Director of Voice & Influence by arranging meetings, booking travel, and managing itineraries
- Facilitated recruitment of new team members to enhance team performance
Project Administrator
Creative Youth Network
Bristol
2018.01 - 2019.01
- Facilitated successful heritage lottery funding bid of £4.2 million aimed at creating a vibrant creative youth hub within the historic magistrates’ court in central Bristol.
- Compiled and submitted quarterly reports to Heritage Lottery, ensuring compliance with reporting standards
Family Group Conference Coordinator
Barnardo’s
Bristol
2014.01 - 2016.01
- Arranged and facilitated family group conferences to promote understanding and resolution of family issues
Advocate for young people
Barnardo’s
Wiltshire
2012.01 - 2014.01
- Supported children and young people in care and with disabilities at their child protection meetings and reviews
- Facilitated effective communication between stakeholders to ensure children's voices were heard
Finance Officer
Barnardo’s
Bristol
2007.01 - 2012.01
- Supported children's services managers in managing budgets to ensure optimal allocation of resources for service delivery
- Developed training programmes for service administrators to improve proficiency in finance processes
Payroll Manager
WECIL
Bristol
2005.01 - 2007.01
- Managed payroll team to deliver efficient payroll services for Disabled clients who employed their own personal assistants via Direct Payments
- Oversaw my own caseload of payroll clients to ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll
Lending Support Officer
Lloyds TSB (via Reed)
Bristol
2004.01 - 2005.01
- Processed annual and quarterly accounts to ensure financial accuracy and compliance
- Develop projections of future business performance to inform decision-making
Finance Manager and Partner
Greenleaf Bookshop
Bristol
1999.01 - 2003.01
- One of three partners in cooperatively run social enterprise
- Directed financial operations within the company to maintain accuracy and ensure compliance with internal policies
- Oversaw the migration of accounts onto Sage for efficient management of financial records
Temporary Accountancy Positions
Reed Accountancy
1997.01 - 1999.01
Education
Family Group Conference Coordinator Training -
Barnardo’s
Bristol 2010.07 - 2010.07
BTEC - Dance Movement Therapy
Dance Voice/South Bristol College
Bristol 1995.09 - 1996.06
BSc 2:1 (Hons) Degree - Psychology
University of Nottingham
Nottingham 1986.10 - 1989.06
A’ levels - Maths A; Further Maths C; Biology A; Chemistry C
Wymondham College
Wymondham, Norfolk 2001.04 - 1985.06
Skills
Bookkeeping and payroll management
Budgeting and forecasting
Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks proficiency
Microsoft Office 365 expertise
Self-motivated and independent
References
References available on request
Timeline
Finance Officer
Quartet Community Foundation
2022.09 - Current
Office Manager
Network Counselling & Training
2022.03 - 2022.06
Senior Administrator - Voice & Influence Team
Barnardo’s
2019.11 - 2021.09
Project Administrator
Creative Youth Network
2018.01 - 2019.01
Family Group Conference Coordinator
Barnardo’s
2014.01 - 2016.01
Advocate for young people
Barnardo’s
2012.01 - 2014.01
Family Group Conference Coordinator Training -
Barnardo’s
2010.07 - 2010.07
Finance Officer
Barnardo’s
2007.01 - 2012.01
Payroll Manager
WECIL
2005.01 - 2007.01
Lending Support Officer
Lloyds TSB (via Reed)
2004.01 - 2005.01
A’ levels - Maths A; Further Maths C; Biology A; Chemistry C
Wymondham College
2001.04 - 1985.06
Finance Manager and Partner
Greenleaf Bookshop
1999.01 - 2003.01
Temporary Accountancy Positions
Reed Accountancy
1997.01 - 1999.01
BTEC - Dance Movement Therapy
Dance Voice/South Bristol College
1995.09 - 1996.06
BSc 2:1 (Hons) Degree - Psychology
University of Nottingham
1986.10 - 1989.06