Emma Bruce
Petts Wood
Summary
Results-driven accounting professional with nearly 30 years of expertise in corporate, service charge, and client accounting. Demonstrates strong commercial acumen and adaptability, ensuring efficient operations. Committed to best practices and collaboration, consistently meeting and exceeding stakeholder expectations through effective communication and relationship building.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim Head of Finance
bandstand UK Limited
London
11.2025 - Current
- Directed the day-to-day finance function, overseeing accounts receivable, credit control, cash flow management, payroll, and financial reporting.
- Monitored and managed daily company cash flow, providing regular analysis and recommendations to support strategic business decisions.
- Produced annual cash flow forecasts and financial projections to support budgeting, business planning, and enhance long-term financial sustainability.
- Developed and enhanced financial controls and accounting processes, improving operational efficiency and reporting accuracy.
- Prepared management accounts and financial reports, providing senior leadership with timely insights into business performance.
- Managed the end-to-end invoicing process, ensuring timely billing, effective debt collection, and strong credit control to optimise cash flow.
- Led migration of finance system from Sage to Xero, managing data transfer and implementation to improve processes with minimal business disruption.
- Identified and implemented opportunities to streamline finance operations, enhancing efficiency and strengthening financial governance.
- Ensured compliance with financial policies, accounting standards, and relevant regulatory requirements.
- Oversaw payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payment of employees.
- Managed relationships with customers, suppliers, and banking partners, ensuring effective financial operations and stakeholder communication.
Finance Manager (self employed 1 day a week)
Fennkat Brokerage Limited & Dẞ Castle Limited
05.2024 - Current
- Managed comprehensive financial and management accounting functions, reporting directly to the CEO.
- Produced monthly management account packs with detailed P&L and balance sheet analysis, providing critical insights for board review.
- Created and presented accurate, detailed financial forecasts to support strategic decision-making.
- Participated actively in quarterly board meetings, presenting financial findings and strategic recommendations.
- Led the statutory reporting process, meeting all regulatory requirements and deadlines.
- Developed annual statutory packs to ensure compliance with regulations and accuracy in financial reporting, facilitating informed decision-making.
- Coordinated with external auditors to facilitate efficient year-end audit processes.
- Maintained full balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and integrity of financial statements.
- Spearheaded the implementation of Xero accounting software, enhancing financial reporting capabilities.
- Reviewed and updated all relevant procedural documentation to reflect best practices and procedural changes.
- Oversaw the payroll process for all staff, including compliance with HMRC and pension regulations.
- Managed monthly client money calculations for Fennkat Brokerage Limited, in strict adherence to FCA regulations, using Acturis platform.
- Provided timely financial data submissions to the FCA on a quarterly basis for Fennkat Brokerage Limited.
- Directed credit control and accounts payable functions, achieving timely settlement of insurance policies and maintaining strong vendor relationships.
- Played a key role in the orderly wind-down of Fennkat Brokerage Limited following a company merger.
Finance Manager
LB Navana Ltd
London
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Transitioned to LB Navana Ltd under TUPE regulations following merger of Navana Property Group Ltd and Lee Baron Group Ltd.
- Navigated redundancy in May 2024 due to organisational restructuring.
- Managed accounts payable and receivables, raising invoices, reconciling accounts and processing cash transactions.
- Managed financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting, to support business objectives.
- Managed cash flow to optimise liquidity and ensure availability of funds for operational needs.
Finance Manager
Navana Property Group Ltd
London
06.2020 - 09.2023
- Implemented Xero accounting software across all Navana entities, enhancing financial data accuracy and accessibility.
- Managed comprehensive financial and management accounting functions for Navana Group, reporting directly to the CFO and CEO.
- Produced monthly management account packs, providing P&L and balance sheet analysis with insights for board members and stakeholders.
- Developed annual statutory packs and ensured timely delivery of statutory reporting requirements.
- Coordinated with external auditors to facilitate smooth year-end audit processes.
- Maintained rigorous accuracy in journal postings and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Prepared and filed VAT returns with HMRC, ensuring compliance with tax regulations.
- Handled all Companies House filings, safeguarding corporate compliance.
- Led annual budgeting and monthly forecasting processes, delivering financial outlooks to CEO and CFO.
- Proactively identified financial opportunities and risks, advising management to support strategic decision-making.
- Implemented and monitored spend control measures to maintain fiscal discipline within the organization.
- Conducted ad hoc financial analyses to support the Senior Management Team's strategic initiatives.
- Oversaw contract renewals for overhead costs, optimizing expenditure.
- Managed end-to-end payroll processes, including HMRC and Nest filings, payslip generation, and bank processing.
- Reviewed and approved accounts payable invoice batches, managing payment transactions.
- Represented Navana in negotiations with external partners, securing new property management contracts.
- Acted as finance lead on cross-functional projects, influencing key business decisions through financial insights.
- Maintained and reviewed procedural documentation to ensure financial operations adhered to best practices.
- Created and presented detailed financial forecasts to support business planning.
- Managed daily financial operations to ensure seamless business functionality.
- Orchestrated the decommissioning of a Navana entity post-liquidation, transferring contracts as required.
- Played a pivotal role in the due diligence process during the merger between Navana Property Group Ltd and The Lee Baron Group Ltd.
- Managed a team member, fostering professional development and operational efficiency.
Finance Manager (Interim Role)
Ashville Aggregates Ltd
West Drayton
03.2021 - 09.2021
- Took full responsibility for the annual budgeting and monthly forecasting processes, including the development and delivery of presentations to the CEO.
- Partnered with company founder to optimise processes and improve financial oversight of underperforming P&L, contributing to better financial performance.
- Established financial controls and management systems for West Drayton-based aggregate and construction company, enhancing operational integrity.
- Reconciled multiple bank accounts with manual ledgers, introducing monthly management accounts reports to enhance financial transparency.
- Managed and developed a team of two finance staff, promoting professional growth and improving operational effectiveness.
- Facilitated a smooth transition of financial operations to the incoming Finance Manager, ensuring continuity and stability during business growth.
Portfolio Accountant
Navana Property Group Ltd
09.2019 - 06.2020
- Developed comprehensive budget and year-end service charge apportionment schedules, including complex multi-schedule scenarios, with clear explanations for calculations and cost allocations.
- Collaborated with Development Managers and teams to produce accurate annual service charge budgets.
- Presented budget and year-end financial reconciliations to the CFO and COO, ensuring transparency and executive oversight.
- Oversaw service charge external audits to ensure financial integrity and adherence to regulatory standards.
- Performed meticulous reconciliation of the general ledger with service charge accounts to maintain accurate financial records.
- Coordinated stakeholder engagement to meet reporting deadlines and deliver key financial outcomes.
- Liaised with residents, agents, suppliers, authorities, and investment partners to uphold financial compliance across all levels.
- Conducted regular meetings with residents to discuss budgetary concerns, current spend, and forecasted year-end financials, fostering trust and financial accountability.
- Oversaw the entire payroll process for site staff, including the accurate calculation of Furlough payments during the global pandemic.
Property Accountant
Land Securities Properties
09.2014 - 09.2019
- Developed annual service charge budget circa £20m in collaboration with Centre Management teams, aligning financial planning with organizational goals.
- Produced year-end service charge apportionment schedules, facilitating accurate financial allocations.
- Partnered with Centre and Asset Management teams to forecast service charge and marketing expenditures, providing critical financial insights.
- Reconciled general ledger with service charge and marketing budgets, ensuring financial integrity and transparency.
- Coordinated internal sign-off meetings for service charge budget and year-end, ensuring organizational alignment and approval.
- Presented budgets and year-end reconciliations to Senior Management, demonstrating accountability and financial stewardship.
- Managed external audits of service charges, upholding rigorous financial standards and practices.
- Updated monthly cost monitoring schedules, delivering variance analysis to stakeholders for strategic oversight.
- Proactively identified opportunities and risks, advising management to facilitate informed decision-making.
- Coordinated with stakeholders to meet reporting deadlines, improving compliance and operational efficiency.
- Addressed tenant and agent service charge inquiries promptly, maintaining positive stakeholder relationships.
- Liaised with Property and Marketing Managers, General Managers, Asset Managers, and Head of Retail Operations to streamline communication.
- Produced ad hoc financial analysis to support the Retail Management team's strategic decision-making processes.
- Prepared analysis for external presentations, supporting Senior Management's professional image and stakeholder engagement.
Retail Finance Manager
Lend Lease Europe Limited
11.2010 - 08.2014
- Conducted in-depth forecasting of retail cash flows over a five-year horizon to support long-term financial planning.
- Developed and reviewed a five-year asset plan in collaboration with Retail Centre Management and Asset Management teams, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Partnered with Asset Managers to challenge and refine forecasts for rental income, turnover rents, commercialization, car park revenue, and service charge recoveries.
- Assessed non-recoverable costs and capital expenditure projections to optimize financial performance.
- Calculated and reviewed quarterly doubtful debt provisions to manage credit risk effectively.
- Prepared quarterly operating cash flow statements, complete with comprehensive supporting documentation.
- Coordinated cross-functional stakeholders to ensure timely reporting and adherence to financial standards.
- Reconciled general ledger entries with asset plans to maintain financial accuracy and integrity.
- Utilised Dyna Financial Modelling tool to enhance financial models and produce analytical reports in Excel.
- Identified financial opportunities and risks, communicating insights to management to support informed decision-making.
- Collaborated with the Asset Manager to present quarterly financials to Senior Management, ensuring transparency and accountability.
- Provided ad hoc financial analysis to assist the Retail Management team in strategic decision-making processes.
Client Accountant
Colliers International
01.2003 - 01.2010
- Managed a full portfolio of client accounting responsibilities, ensuring accurate and timely financial operations.
- Produced monthly and quarterly accounts, delivering clear financial reports to clients for informed decision-making.
- Facilitated client meetings to discuss financial statements, resolving queries and strengthening client relationships.
- Executed service charge reconciliations for properties, ensuring compliance with financial regulations and accuracy in client billing.
- Collaborated with management surveyors, effectively responding to and resolving their financial inquiries.
- Calculated and instructed the raising of management fees, aligning with contractual agreements and service expectations.
- Conducted cash transfers and performed cash reconciliations to maintain financial integrity.
- Performed VAT reconciliations, maintaining accuracy in tax reporting and adherence to fiscal policies.
- Completed bank reconciliations, verifying all transactions matched bank statements to prevent discrepancies.
- Prepared completion statement calculations, delivering precise financial summaries for property transactions.
- Conducted rent review calculations and relevant interest calculations, ensuring fair and accurate billing.
- Utilized the property accounting system TRAMPS to streamline accounting processes and enhance data accuracy.
Client Accountant
Cushman and Wakefield International
01.1996 - 01.2003
- Ensured accuracy of financial reporting and compliance with accounting standards for client assets, enhancing trust and transparency.
- Facilitated client financial reviews, communicating property performance clearly and concisely to inform strategic decisions.
- Managed daily accounting operations for a diverse portfolio of properties, including shopping centers and prestigious office buildings in London.
- Streamlined accounting processes, enhancing the overall financial management of client portfolios.
- Coordinated with property managers to maintain financial integrity and operational efficiency.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to support strategic financial planning and analysis, aligning financial goals with operational strategies.
Education
A-Levels - Media Studies, Sociology, English Literature
North Kent College
Dartford01-1993
GCSES - Art, Biology, Computer Studies, English Language, English Literature, French, Geography, Mathematics
Wilmington Grammar School for Girls
Dartford01-1991
Skills
- Financial analysis
- Financial projections
- Cash flow forecasting
- Budget forecasting
- Balance sheet reconciliations
- Management accounting
- Financial governance
- Payroll compliance
- Effective communicator
Timeline
Interim Head of Finance
bandstand UK Limited
11.2025 - Current
Finance Manager (self employed 1 day a week)
Fennkat Brokerage Limited & Dẞ Castle Limited
05.2024 - Current
Finance Manager
LB Navana Ltd
09.2023 - 05.2024
Finance Manager (Interim Role)
Ashville Aggregates Ltd
03.2021 - 09.2021
Finance Manager
Navana Property Group Ltd
06.2020 - 09.2023
Portfolio Accountant
Navana Property Group Ltd
09.2019 - 06.2020
Property Accountant
Land Securities Properties
09.2014 - 09.2019
Retail Finance Manager
Lend Lease Europe Limited
11.2010 - 08.2014
Client Accountant
Colliers International
01.2003 - 01.2010
Client Accountant
Cushman and Wakefield International
01.1996 - 01.2003
A-Levels - Media Studies, Sociology, English Literature
North Kent College
GCSES - Art, Biology, Computer Studies, English Language, English Literature, French, Geography, Mathematics
Wilmington Grammar School for Girls