Graham Paul Seery
Lowestoft, Suffolk, England, United Kingdom,Suffolk
Summary
Strategic Consultant and Business Leader with extensive experience in Public and Private sectors. Drives operational efficiency and customer satisfaction through targeted financial and operational improvements. Leads teams in implementing innovative systems, fostering high-performing, customer-focused services.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
SME Senior Consultant
Rockford Associates
09.2023 - Current
- Working with SLT, I am required to review all aspects of business, including developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with all stakeholders, preparing a Service Improvement Plan (SIP).
- Review systems and processes to ensure that the business can continually assess whether the contracts represent value for money and ensure that all legal requirements are met.
- This included establishing; Asset processes to ensure that all maintenance works are recorded on formal databases, rather than spreadsheets, including using reactive data, to influence investment works.
- A new Complaints procedure/processes to include current and latest legislation.
- Compliance reviews.
- Effective contract management process for external and internal contractor organisations, delivering multi discipline projects to achieve value for money, quality and customer satisfaction.
- Recovery of erroneous payments.
- Confirmation that all aspects of contract (KPI’s, SLA’s etc.) are being adhered and being reported on.
- Provided expert advice on subject-specific issues to enhance organisational efficiency.
- Facilitated training sessions for junior staff, improving their understanding and skills.
- Trained, coached and mentored consultants to increase team productivity.
- Evaluated team performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and coaching for continuous improvement.
- Handled complex problems and issues by understanding root causes and implementing solutions.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions to upskill team members and improve service delivery.
Interim Transformation Consultant
Alpine Resourcing Limited
11.2022 - 08.2023
- Review systems, processes and contracts, as part of the transformation team, to confirm contract compliance and VFM.
- Working with Finance Director to review current information in finance, operations and procurement, for the implementation of new software systems to manage multi-million £ business.
- Working with DoE
Interim Asset Consultant
Connexus Group
05.2022 - 11.2022
- Responsible for the management of the maintenance contractor partnership, with local contractors/DLO, to deliver compliance, voids, planned, reactive, legal disrepair works, resolving insurance cases and formal complaints.
- Lead on contract performance, ensuring accurate, timely reporting.
- Responsible for the set-up of new processes with partnering contractors and internal stakeholders, to ensure transparency and timely delivery, in a cost-efficient manner.
- Review existing subcontractor contracts to ensure that applications were submitted in accordance with agreed terms.
Interim Asset Manager
Milton Keynes Council
04.2021 - 04.2022
- Leading a team of 6 surveyors and 5 support staff.
- In line with corporate strategy, I was for responsible for the change management in the maintenance contractor partnership, with Mears.
- The works included voids, planned, reactive, legal disrepair works, resolving insurance cases and formal complaints.
- I was responsible for setting up new processes with partnering contractors and internal stakeholders, to ensure transparency and timely delivery, in a cost-efficient manner.
- These included: Resolving existing legal maintenance issues (250 cases).
- Regular Health and Safety Audits: Work closely with certified safety professionals to ensure audits are comprehensive and cover potential problem areas.
- Implementation of a Maintenance Schedule: To facilitate managing multiple properties, creating a centralised system to track and manage the maintenance needs of each building.
- Training and Education for stakeholders, to ensure health and safety laws which can change rapidly, to ensure staying compliant and setting a high standard of service which can improve tenant satisfaction.
- Future-Proofing Properties with Safety Upgrades: Upgrading safety features in properties is an essential part of preparing for future health and safety regulations.
- Using Technology to Improve Safety and Compliance: The role of technology in property management is ever-growing and it can be valuable tool in managing health and safety requirements.
- Preparing for the Future – Working with Legal Advisors as health and safety regulations continue to evolve.
- To report into Strategic Property Board and to provide reports briefing and strategic property advice to Cabinet, portfolio holders, members and other Council Stakeholders as required.
Business Consultant
Rockford Associates Ltd
03.2018 - 03.2021
- Review all aspects of business support, including developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with all stakeholders.
- Review systems and processes to ensure that the business can continually assess whether the contracts represent value for money, ensure that all legal requirements are met, including contractual compliance, costing discounts are applied and that processes are correctly followed.
Head of Property Services – Interim
Genesis Housing Association (GHA)
10.2014 - 03.2018
- Appointed to manage the complex multi stakeholder delivery of maintenance operations and commercial elements of the partnership.
- GHA Finance/Commercial/Operational lead, to deliver the complex £140m (4 year) Kier maintenance partnership which included, planned, Compliance, Investment work programmes, legal disrepair, Responsive Repairs and Void works.
- Manage monthly performance reporting and take action where nascency.
- GHA Finance/Commercial lead for the Direct Labour Organisation (DLO), review all existing specialist contractor contracts and negotiate contracts based on current requirements.
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation and regulations is managed and monitored within day-to-day operations, whilst establishing a holistic culture of safety across the service.
Mobilisation/Commercial (Kier/GHA Partnership) Lead
Genesis Housing Association (GHA)
06.2014 - 10.2014
- The role was pivotal in establishing the financial/operational processes underpinning the contract.
- These processes were fundamental to making the partnering arrangements successful and ensuring that GHA are in a position to continually assess whether the contract represents value for money.
Financial & Business Commercial/Process Analyst - Interim
Circle Housing Group
02.2011 - 05.2014
- Finance Lead on the Business Transformation team, for the procurement of repairs and maintenance works, in the region of £1.6B over 10 years.
Finance Director/Owner – Manufacturing
Macklow Limited
Norwich
10.2007 - 01.2011
- Monitored expenses, income, budgets and petty cash records and acted upon errors.
- Enhanced revenue recognition processes, improving accuracy and timeliness of income reporting.
- Engaged with key stakeholders to align financial strategy with overall corporate objectives and vision.
- Monitored compliance with statutory obligations and financial regulations, avoiding penalties and fines.
- Developed and mentored a high-performing finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Oversaw treasury functions, including cash flow management, to optimise financial resources and liquidity.
- Coordinated with department heads to streamline operations, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
- Liaised with banks and financial institutions to secure funding and manage corporate finance activities.
- Managed compliance with all financial regulatory and legal obligations.
- Trained and supervised finance team members, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
- Reviewed and approved all financial transactions, maintaining strict control over expenditures.
- Coordinated with external auditors to facilitate annual audits, achieving clean audit reports.
- Managed accounts payable and receivables, raising invoices, reconciling accounts and processing cash transactions.
- Represented organisation with regulatory bodies and key stakeholders.
- Prepared detailed financial reports for senior management, highlighting performance against key financial indicators.
- Implemented a new financial management software, enhancing data accuracy and reporting capabilities.
- Managed end of year accounts reconciliation process overseeing [Number] direct reports.
- Oversaw month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of financial statements.
- Monitored industry trends and competitor activities, adjusting financial strategies to maintain competitive edge.
- Identified opportunities for cost-reduction and conducted reviews and evaluations to assess impact and feasibility.
- Trained and mentored junior finance team members in accounting processes to enhance overall team performance.
- Arranged and processed accurate and on-time VAT returns to HMRC.
- Conducted thorough risk analysis and reviews before conducting financial transactions.
- Kept up-to-date with changes in financial regulations and legislation that may impact company or future financial decision-making.
- Ensured company stayed in line with financial laws and guidelines throughout all processes and transactions.
- Directed financial planning and strategy analysis, significantly enhancing company profitability and growth.
- Oversaw investments, operating cash, credit cards and all treasury functions.
- Directed financial planning and strategy, managing matters including structuring, planning, developing, implementing and monitoring.
- Developed and implemented financial policies and procedures to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Collaborated with external auditors to complete annual audits, maintaining high standards of financial integrity.
- Prepared management accounts and budget-holder reports, identifying significant trends and variances.
- Led all tax activities, including computations, governance and HMRC correspondence.
- Played a key role in corporate restructuring, leading to improved operational performance and profitability.
- Helped managers set budgets based on forecasts and available resources.
- Reported on financial situation to guide decision-making and budget formulation.
- Trained accounting staff regularly in updated finance policies, procedures and best practices.
- Led annual budgeting process, collaborating with department heads to align financial plans with organisational goals.
- Managed cash flow to optimise liquidity and ensure availability of funds for operational needs.
- Spearheaded negotiations with banks and financial institutions, securing favourable terms for financing.
- Improved organisation's financial health and operation viability.
- Prepared accurate and timely financial reports, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Managed comprehensive budgeting process, including forecasting, monitoring, and reporting to stakeholders.
- Collated, prepared and interpreted reports, budgets, accounts and financial statements to assist senior management decision-making.
- Implemented internal audit programme, safeguarding company from violations during external audits.
- Led the development and implementation of robust financial controls and governance frameworks.
- Supported audit assessments and requirements, ensuring audits met regulations and government requirements.
- Coordinated smooth operation of monthly payroll, facilitating timely employee payments.
- Developed and oversaw implementation of all financial policy and procedures.
- Negotiated complex contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing advantageous terms for the company.
- Designed, planned and implemented new or updated financial policies, structuring based on inefficiencies or cost cuts required.
- Consulted with managers and chief executive to understand financial situation.
- Established and maintained productive client relationships.
- Produced management accounts and reports on month-end with details including expenses and budgets.
- Advised executive committee on financial strategy to align spending with business objectives.
- Implemented innovative cost-reduction initiatives, achieving substantial savings across the organisation.
- Established daily priorities and organised workloads to maximise productivity.
- Oversaw all financial business affairs, verifying they are conducted legally and professionally with full regulatory compliance.
- Conducted comprehensive variance analysis to explain deviations from budget and forecast.
Interim Finance Director
AFM Limited
02.2006 - 10.2007
Finance Director/Share Holder
FWA West Limited
03.1999 - 01.2006
- Turned £3m into £8m business delivering all aspects of property maintenance.
Deputy Director Finance & Information
Barnet Primary Health Care Services
01.1991 - 02.1999
- Managed team of 50 staff, overseeing operations across 26 GP sites to ensure effective service delivery.
- Oversaw Barnet’s £35m p.a. General Practitioner Fund Holding Scheme (GPFH), ensuring financial compliance and strategic allocation of resources.
Education
Masters -
Management Practice
Finalist -
ACCA
O/A Level - English Lit & Lang, Math’s, Statistics, Social & Economical Geography, Biology
Skills
- Project management
- Contract management
- Financial oversight
- Compliance auditing
- Value for money assessment
- Data analysis
- Performance monitoring
- Process improvement
- Stakeholder engagement
- Change management
- Team leadership
- Customer focus
Timeline
SME Senior Consultant
Rockford Associates
09.2023 - Current
Interim Transformation Consultant
Alpine Resourcing Limited
11.2022 - 08.2023
Interim Asset Consultant
Connexus Group
05.2022 - 11.2022
Interim Asset Manager
Milton Keynes Council
04.2021 - 04.2022
Business Consultant
Rockford Associates Ltd
03.2018 - 03.2021
Head of Property Services – Interim
Genesis Housing Association (GHA)
10.2014 - 03.2018
Mobilisation/Commercial (Kier/GHA Partnership) Lead
Genesis Housing Association (GHA)
06.2014 - 10.2014
Financial & Business Commercial/Process Analyst - Interim
Circle Housing Group
02.2011 - 05.2014
Finance Director/Owner – Manufacturing
Macklow Limited
10.2007 - 01.2011
Interim Finance Director
AFM Limited
02.2006 - 10.2007
Finance Director/Share Holder
FWA West Limited
03.1999 - 01.2006
Deputy Director Finance & Information
Barnet Primary Health Care Services
01.1991 - 02.1999
Masters -
Management Practice
Finalist -
ACCA