Danielle Wherton
Wickford,Essex
Summary
Finance Operations Manager and Accounts Payable leader with over 10 years' experience delivering high-performing finance functions across retail, technology, education and professional services environments. Proven track record of leading teams, transforming processes and strengthening financial controls within complex, multi-entity organisations.
Recognised for driving operational improvement through automation, cross-functional collaboration and process redesign. At Cognita, successfully transformed a siloed Accounts Payable function by cross-training the team, introducing shared ownership of inboxes and supplier queries, implementing new AP schedules and corporate card processes, and building stronger relationships with Finance, Procurement and operational stakeholders.
Experienced across end-to-end Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Credit Control, cash management, reconciliations, Management Accounts support and financial reporting. Strong understanding of double-entry bookkeeping, financial controls and month-end processes, with experience producing KPIs, analysing financial data and supporting business decision-making.
A proactive and commercially minded leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys solving complex problems and takes ownership of change initiatives from concept through to implementation. Passionate about developing teams, improving efficiency and building collaborative relationships that deliver measurable business results.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work history
Accounts Payable Manager
Cognita Schools Limited
2023.03 - 2026.06
- I lead the Accounts Payable function across Group and UK operations within a fast-paced multi-entity environment, managing and developing a team of four while driving operational efficiency, process improvements, and strong financial controls.
- Manage end-to-end Accounts Payable processes including invoice processing, supplier reconciliations, purchase ledger debt and risk management, purchase order management, payment runs, cash flow, along with month-end reporting and risk analysis.
- Monitor and track business rates and rent invoices across a portfolio of over 40 properties, maintaining accurate records, managing timely payments, and providing supplier support, query resolution, and relationship management.
- Prepare and present KPI reporting to senior management, working closely with stakeholders through regular operational review meetings to assess performance, identify priorities, resolve challenges, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate weekly with Management Accounts, FP&A, and Commercial Finance teams to support reporting, improve processes, and strengthen collaboration.
- Provide key support for audit, finance transformation, and system improvement initiatives, collaborating with internal and external auditors and partnering with the Global Finance Change Manager to deliver NetSuite enhancements that strengthen financial controls and drive operational efficiency.
- Support operational transitions during significant organisational change, including VAT implementation in private education sector and sale of part of UK school portfolio, maintaining strong financial processes and business continuity.
- I am recognised for my strong work ethic, positive approach, and ability to adapt within changing environments, while consistently delivering accurate work and driving continuous improvement across the finance function.
- System: NetSuite
- Reporting to: Financial Controller
Finance Assistant / Assistant Management Accountant
Depop Ltd (Etsy Plc)
2021.05 - 2022.11
- Supported Management Accounts with key month-end responsibilities, including balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, prepayments, and journal postings, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
- Managed end-to-end Accounts Payable operations within a fast-paced, high-volume, multi-currency environment, working as part of a lean finance team to maintain accuracy, compliance, and robust financial controls across the business.
- Oversaw supplier payments, employee expenses, corporate credit cards, and Purchase Order compliance; collaborated with Management Accountants to enhance processes and strengthen controls.
- Served as a reliable point of support within finance team, onboarding and guiding two Finance Assistants to ensure smooth integration and team cohesion.
- Assisted with workload prioritisation and day-to-day problem solving to maintain smooth team operations without formal line management responsibility.
- Also supported external audits, ad-hoc reporting requirements, and played a key role in the successful integration from NetSuite to Workday following the acquisition of Depop by Etsy, collaborating across teams to support a smooth transition.
- System: NetSuite and Workday
- System Integration: NetSuite to Workday
- Reported to: Head of Finance
Accounts Payable Manager
Elite Model Management London Limited
2019.03 - 2021.05
- Managed full accounts payable function within fast-paced international business, serving as primary finance contact for clients, suppliers, models, and agents across UK.
- Took ownership of supplier payments, expenses, bank reconciliations, account set-ups, and day-to-day finance operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strong stakeholder relationships.
- Worked closely with the CFO to support intercompany reporting, audit queries, cash flow visibility, and weekly payment reviews, contributing to the smooth running of financial operations across multiple business areas.
- Improved operational efficiency and strengthened financial controls in high-volume environment.
- Developed onboarding processes and finance training documentation to support new starters and enhance consistency, fostering strong relationships across business through proactive collaboration.
- System: NetSuite & Booker
- Reported to: CFO
Accounts Receivable Clerk
Wilhelmina London Models Limited
2018.05 - 2019.03
- Managed billing preparation, bank reconciliations, customer account reconciliations, and bad debt management in a fast-paced environment, focusing on resolving complex historical balances and ensuring accurate financial records.
- Prepared and reconciled monthly bank statements, monitored unallocated payments, and ensured issues were resolved efficiently to keep accounts accurate and up to date.
- Maintained accuracy across high volumes of financial data and documentation in a manual, paper-based finance environment, demonstrating exceptional attention to detail, organisation, and time management.
- Established strong relationships with clients, agents, and internal stakeholders through clear communication, identifying process improvements to enhance efficiency and support effective credit control.
- Systems: FileMaker & Sage
- Reported to: Managing Director
Credit Controller to Senior Accounts Assistant
Milk Model Management Limited
2017.07 - 2018.05
- Progressed from Credit Controller to Senior Accounts Assistant, taking ownership of key finance operations and overseeing the day-to-day running of the in-house finance team of three during the Head of Finance's absence.
- Supported finance function remotely during critical period of Head of Finance's maternity leave, ensuring continuity of operations.
- Processed high-volume invoices, employee expenses, supplier travel costs, client recharges, and weekly BACS payments, consistently meeting tight deadlines with accuracy.
- Cultivated strong relationships with agents, models, suppliers, and stakeholders, resolving finance queries efficiently and enhancing cross-functional communication.
- Trained contractors, created process documentation, and implemented procedures, leading to improved consistency and onboarding within the finance function.
- Secured permanent position after initial 3-month contract due to strong performance and quick adaptability to significant responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
- Systems: FileMaker & Sage
- Reported to: Managing Director
Accounts Payable Manager
Chubb / ACE
2015.02 - 2017.07
- Tracked at-risk debt and performed daily cash flow analysis, identifying financial risks to address issues promptly.
- Established finance career in fast-paced corporate environment, demonstrating ability to manage major broker accounts and support wider credit control operations.
- Worked closely with multinational teams, underwriting departments, and outsourced partners to maintain strong stakeholder relationships and support effective account management across the business.
- Contributed to process improvement initiatives by identifying inefficiencies and supporting implementation of streamlined procedures, enhancing operational efficiency and financial controls.
Skills
- Financial Reporting & Management Accounts Support
- Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable & Credit Control
- Balance Sheet Reconciliations & Journal Processing
- Financial Controls, Compliance & Audit Support
- Cash Flow Monitoring & Financial Analysis
- Process Improvement & Finance Transformation
- Systems Integration & Change Management
- Multi-Entity Finance Operations
- KPI Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement
- Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement
- Adaptability, Resilience & High-Volume Workload Management
Prior
- My strong work ethic developed from a young age through my first paid job at a local riding stable, where I worked weekends and school holidays from the age of 10, often starting at 6am and helping with the day-to-day running of the yard. I later worked throughout my teenage years in retail alongside my education before progressing into a full-time role and eventually building a career in finance.
- These experiences taught me reliability, adaptability, and the importance of teamwork. From an early age, I learned how to communicate effectively, build positive working relationships, and contribute to a team environment where people work together to achieve the best results. These qualities continue to underpin my approach to work today.
Timeline
Accounts Payable Manager
Cognita Schools Limited
2023.03 - 2026.06
Finance Assistant / Assistant Management Accountant
Depop Ltd (Etsy Plc)
2021.05 - 2022.11
Accounts Payable Manager
Elite Model Management London Limited
2019.03 - 2021.05
Accounts Receivable Clerk
Wilhelmina London Models Limited
2018.05 - 2019.03
Credit Controller to Senior Accounts Assistant
Milk Model Management Limited
2017.07 - 2018.05
Accounts Payable Manager
Chubb / ACE
2015.02 - 2017.07