Liz Colley
Maldon,,Essex
Summary
A seasoned professional with expertise in executive and senior stakeholder support, client and relationship management, and digital enablement, including Microsoft Copilot. Demonstrates proficiency in event, project, and process coordination alongside change advocacy and continuous improvement. Skilled in strategic diary, inbox, and priority management as well as UK and international travel coordination. Adept at CRM, data accuracy, and MI reporting with a strong ability to influence using judgement and discretion. Committed to collaboration, mentoring, and knowledge sharing to drive organisational success.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work history
Performance Leader Assistant – Deal Advisory
KPMG LLP
2021.04 - 2026.06
- Provide high-level, strategic executive and operational support to Performance Leaders within Deal Advisory, acting as trusted point of coordination, challenge and escalation.
- Demonstrate deep understanding of business strategy, workforce priorities and firm objectives to ensure administrative activity is aligned to areas of greatest impact.
- Manage complex operational and workforce activity, including resourcing requests, workforce risks and people issues, escalating insight-led recommendations to Performance Leaders and Head of People Office.
- Lead end-to-end onboarding and leaver processes, ensuring seamless, positive employee experience through proactive coordination, issue resolution and stakeholder engagement.
- Maintain accurate oversight of vacancies, headcount and future joiners, movers and leavers to support effective workforce planning and decision-making.
- Produce and analyse headcount reporting, MI and workforce projections, proactively identifying risks, trends and areas of concern and presenting concise, actionable insights to senior leaders.
- Coordinate talent reviews, year-end processes and upward feedback, including preparation of materials, tracking actions and ensuring delivery against deadlines.
- Draft and distribute high-quality communications on behalf of Performance Leaders, leveraging Microsoft Copilot and AI-enabled tools to enhance clarity, consistency and efficiency.
- Use digital tools and technology to support data analysis, reporting, document creation and continuous process improvement, acting as an advocate for new ways of working.
- Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships across Deal Advisory and the wider firm, influencing stakeholders to improve collaboration, productivity and outcomes.
- Create and own the Deal Advisory New Business Panel system, leading and managing a team of client-facing staff to ensure an effective, timely and compliant process.
- Provide trusted senior-level cover during Performance Leader absence, stepping into enhanced responsibilities and demonstrating sustained confidence in leadership and decision-making capability.
- Trusted advisor with a proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and provide confident, appropriate challenge.
EA to Strategy Partners and Directors
KPMG LLP
2015.04 - 2021.04
- Delivered proactive, high-quality executive support to senior Partners and Directors within Strategy, managing complex diaries, inboxes and competing priorities with confidence and discretion.
- Coordinated complex UK and international travel, accommodation and itineraries in line with firm policy, maintaining operational continuity during periods of significant disruption, including the pandemic.
- Acted as key liaison between stakeholders, clients and peer Executive Assistants, building strong professional relationships to support seamless collaboration and delivery.
- Managed multi-currency expenses and corporate Amex accounts, ensuring accurate reconciliation, compliance and timely settlement.
- Supported governance processes through accurate timesheet management, distribution list maintenance and adherence to firmwide controls.
- Mentored and supported new Executive Assistants, enabling effective onboarding and sharing best practice to strengthen overall team capability.
- Contributed to a supportive, high-trust team culture, offering practical and emotional support to colleagues using sound judgement and discretion.
P/T Office Manager assisting the Principal
DANCEWORLD STAGE SCHOOL
2010.09 - 2015.04
- Appointed to a newly created role based on strong capability and performance.
- Implemented digital invoicing and improved data and contact management processes.
EA to The CEO
MOFFAT COMMUNICATIONS, Subsidiary of Grant Thornton LLP
2008.06 - 2011.07
- Acted as the main HR contact, handling sensitive employee matters with confidentiality, professionalism and pragmatism.
KPMG LLP
1997.05 - 2008.06
- Progressed internally across multiple Partner support roles, including two years as ING Barings Client Administrator, building breadth and depth of executive support experience.
PA to Head of Radiology and Business Manager
UCLH NHS Trust
1992.08 - 1997.05
Examinations Secretary
The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
1989.05 - 1992.08
Grade 2 Bank Clerk
National Westminster Bank Plc
1987.06 - 1989.05
Education
Laindon High Road School
Skills
- Communication mastery — Clear written and verbal communication, professional tone, and the ability to interpret instructions precisely
- Time management — Prioritising critical tasks, managing strict deadlines, and delegating when necessary
- Organisation — Diary control, inbox management, travel planning, document handling, and maintaining structured systems
- Discretion & confidentiality — Handling sensitive information with absolute trust
- Problem‑solving — Quickly resolving issues, removing obstacles, and anticipating problems before they arise
- Judgment & anticipation — Reading situations, spotting risks, and preparing what leaders need before they ask
- Stakeholder management — Building strong relationships across teams, clients, and senior leadership
- Gatekeeping — Protecting the executive’s time and filtering information effectively
Hobbies and Interests
Sailing, cooking, wellbeing and mindfulness practices
Timeline
Performance Leader Assistant – Deal Advisory
KPMG LLP
2021.04 - 2026.06
EA to Strategy Partners and Directors
KPMG LLP
2015.04 - 2021.04
P/T Office Manager assisting the Principal
DANCEWORLD STAGE SCHOOL
2010.09 - 2015.04
EA to The CEO
MOFFAT COMMUNICATIONS, Subsidiary of Grant Thornton LLP
2008.06 - 2011.07
KPMG LLP
1997.05 - 2008.06
PA to Head of Radiology and Business Manager
UCLH NHS Trust
1992.08 - 1997.05
Examinations Secretary
The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing
1989.05 - 1992.08
Grade 2 Bank Clerk
National Westminster Bank Plc
1987.06 - 1989.05
Laindon High Road School