Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Gary Walker

Glasgow

Summary

Experienced qualified finance professional with deep expertise in financial management and strategy. Specialise in optimising budgets, reducing costs, and enhancing profitability.

Offering strong financial acumen and strategic thinking, combined with excellent leadership and communication skills. Knowledgeable about budgeting, financial planning, and analysis, with focus on driving business growth. Ready to use and develop analytical thinking, problem-solving, and team collaboration in management role.

Adaptable and motivated communicator committed to improving financial controls, processes and procedures. Builds positive working relationships organisation-wide to communicate financial requirements. Mentors department managers in budget forecasting and cost-reduction measures.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience

Work history

Finance director

Key employment group
Glasgow
2011.04 - Current
  • Maintained integrity of financial data through rigorous checks and verification methods, upheld trust in the organisation's finances. Turnover currently £55m per annum. Managed comprehensive budgeting processes daily, improved overall organisational efficiency.
  • Facilitated corporate growth through effective risk management strategies.
  • Improved cash flow management to ensure operational stability. The nature of the business can sometimes mean that there can be up to £10m in bank at any one time. I am in charge of operating banking functions.
  • Worked closely with business units for understanding key financial issues, enabled targeted problem-solving. In this respect i became finance director of 12 smaller, related companies.
  • Enhanced financial performance with strategic planning and forecasting.
  • Provided guidance on complex financial matters to senior management, informed strategic decisions.
  • Coordinated annual budget preparation for controlled expenditure and profitability.
  • Directed all aspects of company's accounting functions, ensured regulatory compliance.
  • Built strong relationships with external auditors, facilitated smooth auditing process.
  • Oversaw payroll functions of up to £50k per month with zero error. Use Sage payroll for internal staff.
  • Led, trained and mentored a team of 4 accountants to exceed financial profitability targets by on average 5% per annum.
  • Consolidated comprehensive management accounts, integrating income statements, cashflow and balance sheets.
  • Managed cash flow and liquidity, mitigating financial risks and ensuring stability. This is a daily function due to the nature of the business.
  • Reviewed bookkeeping and management accounts to achieve clear and correct reports. I introduced computer packages to improve the bookkeeping/ accounts system - IRIS and Sage 50
  • Reduced annual business expenditure through careful expense monitoring.
  • Coached and mentored junior staff to maximise finance department capabilities.
  • Finalised VAT returns (annual vat based on £55m turnover) with rigorous transaction checks including leading team during vat return visits by hmrc

Management accountant

Wj clow and co
Glasgow
2009.04 - 2011.04
  • Streamlined invoice processing by implementing automated tools.
  • Aligned operational objectives with financial goals to drive growth.
  • Developed comprehensive performance reports for senior management review.
  • Ensured accurate financial records through meticulous account reconciliation. Regularly performing in house stock checks to ensure accuracy for year end audit.
  • Liaised with auditors whilst maintaining transparent documentation practices.
  • Coordinated month-end close procedures for timely reporting.
  • Conducted regular variance analyses to identify potential areas of concern.
  • Reviewed and approved balance sheet reconciliations to ensure compliance with regulations.
  • Prepared and developed monthly management packs, accounts and [Type] KPIs.
  • Calculated and posted month end journals in full compliance with GAAP regulations.
  • Reconciled all opening balances, performing and reviewing all balance sheet reconciliations.
  • Organised and carried out month-end, quarterly and year-end processes.
  • Analysed budgets and financial projections for accurate reporting of company performance.
  • Resolved invoice coding and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.

Audit senior

Alexander Sloan
Glasgow
2004.01 - 2009.04

Prep

  • Developed robust audit plans for successful execution of audits.
  • Ensured financial accuracy by carrying out detailed audits.
  • Provided training to junior auditors, fostered a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous learning. In addition i was seconded to new company office in Edinburgh for first 6 months to assist employees in adopting company policies.
  • Reviewed company financial statements, detected inaccuracies and inconsistencies.
  • Offered practical solutions by identifying weaknesses in control systems.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality, ensured data protection at all times.
  • Produced comprehensive reports to communicate audit findings effectively.
  • Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
  • Organised and carried out month-end, quarterly and year-end processes.
  • Reviewed and certified official financial statements for presentation to shareholders and governing bodies.

Accountant

FL Walker & co
Glasgow
1998.04 - 2004.01
  • Prepared monthly and yearly balance sheets for a number of clients ensuring accuracy. I was also seconded to a company in Edinburgh to peform management account function.
  • Generated accurate financial reports using advanced software tools.
  • Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.
  • Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and clear communications.

Accountant

Alexander Sloan
Glasgow
1994.01 - 1998.04
  • Generated accurate financial reports using advanced software tools.
  • Reviewed and reconciled ledgers to maintain integrity of financial data.
  • Handled complex account reconciliations; ensured consistency in records.
  • Prepared monthly and yearly balance sheets, ensuring accuracy.
  • Compiled general ledger entries on short schedule with 100% accuracy.
  • Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
  • Conducted regular reviews and official audits to validate recordkeeping and controls.
  • Produced accurate tax returns complying with official requirements and serving client needs for minimising liabilities.

Trainee accountant

Campbell & co
Glasgow
1989.08 - 1994.01
  • Prepared accounts from client's incomplete records in turn enabling preparation and submission of individual tax returns.
  • Assisted in Audit process for clients including preparation of CT600 forms.
  • Performed stocktakes including jewellers, steel fabricators, shops.
  • Quickly learned and applied new skills to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
  • Successfully delivered on tasks within tight deadlines.

Education

FCCA - Accountancy

Home study
Glasgow
2009-04

Skills

  • Cash flow management
  • Financial control
  • Commercial acumen
  • Revenue reporting
  • Sage 50 accounts
  • Balance sheet management
  • Business and strategic planning
  • Treasury management
  • Profit and loss accountability
  • Financial management reporting
  • Accounting staff coordinating
  • Budget control and monitoring
  • Cashflow forecasting
  • Sage 50 Payroll
  • Payroll processing
  • Exceptional communicator
  • Budget oversight
  • VAT returns
  • Performance reviews
  • Financial statement preparation
  • Financial governance

Accomplishments

Qualified ACCA 2009

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Finance director

Key employment group
2011.04 - Current

Management accountant

Wj clow and co
2009.04 - 2011.04

Audit senior

Alexander Sloan
2004.01 - 2009.04

Accountant

FL Walker & co
1998.04 - 2004.01

Accountant

Alexander Sloan
1994.01 - 1998.04

Trainee accountant

Campbell & co
1989.08 - 1994.01

FCCA - Accountancy

Home study
Gary Walker