Karin Smale
Shoreham-by-Sea
Summary
Hands-on finance professional with strong SME and group experience within service-based organisations. Proven ability to own the end-to-end finance function, deliver accurate management reporting, improve financial controls, and support senior stakeholders with commercial insight. Detail-oriented, proactive, and trusted with sensitive financial information.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
2027
2027
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Senior Finance Executive
Priavo Group
Lancing
2023.03 - 2026.02
- Full ownership of the finance function for a four-company group, acting as the primary finance lead to senior management.
- Produce monthly and quarterly management accounts, analysing P&L performance, cashflow forecasts, and intercompany transactions to support strategic decision-making.
- Manage group payroll, commission structures, and pension administration, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Lead the implementation and ongoing management of Xero, including system setups, weekly bank and control account reconciliations and month-end journals.
- Oversee credit control, client invoicing, and supplier payments, improving reconciliation efficiency and billing accuracy.
- Prepare annual budgets and forecasts, monitor overheads, and provide variance analysis to management.
- Enforce strong financial governance, internal controls, and data confidentiality across the Group.
- Established new corporate banking facilities and implementing robust financial workflows and controls.
- Train and supervise a junior bookkeeper, embedding consistent accounting practices and supporting their development.
Accounts Manager/Management Accountant
The Agora Clinic
Brighton
2022.10 - 2023.03
- Managed full bookkeeping to trial balance, including reconciliations, journals, and management accounts.
- Supported senior management with budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Extensive management of purchase ledger and cashflow.
- Ensured accurate patient billing and NHS invoicing; liaised with CCGs on funding and guidelines.
- Handled credit control and resolved patient billing queries efficiently.
- Oversaw the work of finance assistant and a bookkeeper, delivering structured training and maintaining quality control across finance tasks.
Bookkeeper/Accounts Assistant
Shearers Accountants Ltd
Hove
2019.02 - 2022.10
- Delivered end-to-end bookkeeping and management reports for multiple local and global SMEs.
- Assisted with limited company and personal tax preparation, CAs, and fixed asset registers.
- Processed monthly payrolls for a diverse client base, ensuring compliance.
- Maintained purchase/sales ledgers, reconciliations, and general accounting duties.
- Managed credit control and supported administrative functions during peak periods.
FC & Office Manager
Time to Talk Befriending
Hove
2016.09 - 2018.08
- Served as Trustee, contributing to governance and financial oversight.
- Set up and managed all finance, payroll, and pension systems from inception.
- Produced management reports and balance sheets for the Board.
- Oversaw payroll, PAYE/NIC, HR administration, and liaison with HMRC.
- Implemented Health & Safety and GDPR compliance measures.
- Organised large-scale charity events involving 100+ volunteers and 200 elderly attendees.
- Part-time
Education
CIMA Certificate - Business Accounting
Diploma of Higher Education - Business Management (Accountancy)
The Open University
Skills
- Group finance management (multi-entity)
- Budgeting, forecasting & P&L analysis
- Cashflow forecasting & variance analysis
- Management accounts & month-end close
- Payroll, pensions & commission schemes
- Xero implementation & financial systems
- Corporate banking & payment controls
- Credit control & supplier management
- VAT compliance & audit support
- Process improvement & internal controls
- Team supervision & training
Certification
AATQB Member – Association of Accounting Technicians, Member since June 2021
References
Available upon request.
Hobbies and Interest
Arts & crafts, gardening and hiking.
Timeline
Senior Finance Executive
Priavo Group
2023.03 - 2026.02
Accounts Manager/Management Accountant
The Agora Clinic
2022.10 - 2023.03
Bookkeeper/Accounts Assistant
Shearers Accountants Ltd
2019.02 - 2022.10
FC & Office Manager
Time to Talk Befriending
2016.09 - 2018.08
Diploma of Higher Education - Business Management (Accountancy)
The Open University