Helen Turner
Trentham,Staffordshire
Summary
Driven individual with keen analytical mind and strategic foresight, combining strong financial acumen and leadership skills. Demonstrates proficiency in financial planning and risk management, coupled with excellent communication and team collaboration abilities.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Chief Finance Officer
Shaw Education Trust
Kidsgrove, Staffordshire
06.2015 - Current
- Responsible for a budget of around £100m
- Lead a direct team of 16 staff, with indirect leadership responsibilities for a further 40 based in schools locations.
- Streamlined company's financial operations for enhanced efficiency.
- Maintained financial compliance by implementing stringent audit procedures.
- Oversaw annual budgeting, improved financial planning.
- Implemented risk management strategies to protect company assets.
- Executed cost-reduction initiatives; increased profitability.
- Led team of finance professionals for better financial control.
- Improved accuracy in financial forecasting by developing robust models.
- Managed cash flow efficiently to ensure operational continuity.
- Liaised with external auditors to facilitate seamless audits.
- Drove process improvements, achieved higher productivity levels in the finance department.
- Fostered positive relationships with stakeholders through transparent communication practices.
- Ensured timely statutory filings by adhering to strict deadlines.
- Spearheaded digitisation initiatives in the finance department for improved operational agility.
- Maintained organisational compliance with applicable legislation and regulations.
- Worked with board of directors to establish objectives and decisively lead operations.
- Directed administration and optimisation of financial operations, payroll and accounting processes.
- Established budgets based on historical, current and forecasted business data.
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.
- Leadership of the Payroll function.
School Business Manager
The Blackfriars and Coppice Federation
Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
04.2009 - 06.2015
- Managed school finances, ensuring proper allocation of resources.
- Improved pupil services by implementing efficient administrative procedures.
- Developed a strategic plan to improve overall school performance.
- Conducted regular budget reviews to ensure financial stability.
- Streamlined office processes, improving operational efficiency.
- Led procurement processes, ensuring cost-effective purchasing of supplies and equipment.
- Adhered strictly to legal requirements in all aspects of school management for compliance assurance.
- Negotiated contracts effectively with vendors and service providers, ensuring value for money.
- Created and led successful business culture focused on performance.
- Established strong rapport with stakeholders to enhance business credibility.
Schools Finance Support Officer
Staffordshire County Council
Stafford, Staffordshire
01.2005 - 04.2009
- Responsible for financial oversight and management reporting for 29 local authority schools
- Enhanced office efficiency by streamlining administrative procedures.
- Delivered training sessions on new software tools, boosting staff competency levels.
- Supported continuous improvement initiatives, collecting customer feedback to inform future business processes.
Production Co-Ordinator
Datel Electronics
Stone, Staffordshire
07.2000 - 01.2005
- Coordinated production schedules, ensuring timely delivery of projects.
- Managed communication between departments for efficient workflow.
- Streamlined project workflows, enhancing overall productivity.
- Supervised team members to ensure adherence to quality standards.
- Facilitated daily production meetings, improving team coordination.
- Resolved production issues promptly, minimising downtime.
- Collaborated with suppliers and vendors for materials procurement needs.
Commercial Manager
Nachtmann UK Limited
Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
07.1997 - 07.2000
- Streamlined procurement processes to enhance efficiency.
- Negotiated favourable contracts with suppliers, improving cost-effectiveness.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders for business growth.
- Managed commercial risks by implementing strategic plans.
- Improved profit margins with effective pricing strategies.
Sales coordinator
Calp UK Limited
Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
01.1995 - 07.1997
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by managing sales enquiries effectively.
- Developed strong client relationships through frequent follow-ups for improved business prospects.
- Assisted in planning trade shows to increase brand visibility.
- Managed the preparation of sales reports to ensure up-to-date information availability.
HR Assistant
BTR Fatati Limited
Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire
06.1993 - 12.1995
- Compiled data for detailed personnel records, ensuring legal compliance
- Maintained close relationships with department managers, promoting smoother operations throughout the company.
- Assisted in payroll administration for accurate and timely salary disbursement.
- Upheld confidentiality of sensitive information, adhering to strict data protection laws and regulations.
- Oversaw HR-related documentation, ensuring correct storage and accessibility when required.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Educational Leadership
University of Buckingham
Buckingham 09.2020 - 07.2023
Level 7 - Leadership and Management
Chartered Management Institute
England 09.2020 - 07.2023
Bachelor of Arts - School Business Management
Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester 09.2012 - 07.2014
A-Levels - Business Studies, Law and Psychology
Stoke on Trent College
Stoke on Trent 09.1991 - 06.1993
GCSEs -
Trentham High School
Stoke on Trent 09.1986 - 06.1991
Skills
- Financial management
- Budgeting expertise
- Regulatory compliance
- Financial reporting
- Strategic financial planning
- Board-Level communication
- Leading change initiatives
- Developing high-performing finance teams
- Stakeholder engagement
- Resilience under pressure
- Strategic decision-making
- Operational efficiency
- Strategic partnerships building
- Collaborating with executive team
- Project forecasting and budgeting
Timeline
Master of Business Administration - Educational Leadership
University of Buckingham
09.2020 - 07.2023
Level 7 - Leadership and Management
Chartered Management Institute
09.2020 - 07.2023
Chief Finance Officer
Shaw Education Trust
06.2015 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - School Business Management
Manchester Metropolitan University
09.2012 - 07.2014
School Business Manager
The Blackfriars and Coppice Federation
04.2009 - 06.2015
Schools Finance Support Officer
Staffordshire County Council
01.2005 - 04.2009
Production Co-Ordinator
Datel Electronics
07.2000 - 01.2005
Commercial Manager
Nachtmann UK Limited
07.1997 - 07.2000
Sales coordinator
Calp UK Limited
01.1995 - 07.1997
HR Assistant
BTR Fatati Limited
06.1993 - 12.1995
A-Levels - Business Studies, Law and Psychology
Stoke on Trent College
09.1991 - 06.1993
GCSEs -
Trentham High School
09.1986 - 06.1991
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