Karen Harper-Bourne
Ickford,United Kingdom
Summary
Detail-oriented accounting professional with extensive expertise in Xero accounting software, invoicing, and bank reconciliation. Demonstrates strong communication skills and composure under pressure, ensuring accurate financial reporting and efficient payment processing. Proficient in bookkeeping, VAT understanding, and tax preparation, with a proven track record of submitting quarterly returns on time. Adept at managing accounts payable and receivable while maintaining financial literacy to support organisational goals.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Catering/cook
Ashfold School
Dorton, Buckinghamshire
2015.09 - Current
- Prepared specialised dietary options to accommodate specific needs of children.
- Collaborated with catering team for effective service delivery.
- Managed food preparation, ensuring high quality of meals.
- Ensured timely food preparation for seamless event execution.
- Developed new recipes, adding variety to menu offerings.
- Mastered skills across various kitchen roles, providing support in alternative positions during staff absences.
- Created special menus for events with unique ingredients and recipes.
- Coordinated with suppliers for timely delivery of fresh produce and kitchen supplies.
- Upheld strict adherence to health and safety regulations during food handling process.
- Mitigated risk of cross-contamination with careful handling techniques.
- Managed food delivery processes, maintaining efficient storage solutions and meticulous stock rotation to reduce waste.
Finance administrator
Wakelins Electrical
Ickford, Buckinghamshire
2005.07 - Current
- Ensured timely invoicing with acute attention to detail.
- Handled invoicing tasks for prompt payment collection.
- Prepared tax returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance with HM Revenue and Customs' legislation.
- Managed preparation of VAT returns and other statutory documents within deadlines.
- Overhauled existing health and safety protocols based on inspection results.
- Ensured accuracy in financial records by meticulously performing daily reconciliation tasks.
- Managed PAYE deductions and transmitted payroll details to HMRC efficiently.
- Reconciled monthly bank statements, improving overall financial transparency.
- Prepared client quotes and invoicing to create stable cash flow.
Education
O-Levels - Sociology/Art/History/Geography
Tudor Senior School
Kingston upon Thames 1979.09 - 1984.06
CSE - Maths/ English
Tudor School
Kingston upon Thames 1979.09 - 1984.06
Skills
- Xero accounting software proficiency
- Communication skills
- Composure under pressure
- Problem-solving
- Invoicing and bank reconciliation
- Financial literacy
- Quarterly returns submission
- Bookkeeping proficiency
- VAT understanding
- Payment Processing
- Accounts payable / accounts receivable
- Tax preparation
Timeline
Catering/cook
Ashfold School
2015.09 - Current
Finance administrator
Wakelins Electrical
2005.07 - Current
O-Levels - Sociology/Art/History/Geography
Tudor Senior School
1979.09 - 1984.06
CSE - Maths/ English
Tudor School
1979.09 - 1984.06