Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sheetal Masand

Grange Farm, Milton Keynes,Buckinghamshire

Summary

Strategic and commercially astute Head of Finance with over 15 years' PQE across professional services, technology, infrastructure, and education sectors. Demonstrated success in leading financial operations, reporting, statutory compliance (UK and Ireland), and driving performance improvements. Adept in UK and Irish VAT, ERP systems, financial controls, and team leadership. Trusted partner to executive teams and experienced in aligning local processes with global standards.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
4048
4048
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Head of Finance

NAK Consulting Services Ltd
Northampton, Northamptonshire
12.2023 - 04.2025
  • Led month-end and year-end close, prepared consolidated P&L and balance sheet, and ensured compliance with UK GAAP & IFRS.
  • Managed accounting functions: AP, AR, payroll, insurance, fixed assets, cost allocation, and GL reconciliations.
  • Developed internal controls and ensured readiness for external audit and HMRC inspections.
  • Led the Finance team, set objectives, reviewed performance, and promoted upskilling and process improvement.

Key Achievements:

  • Cut month-end close by 3 days through system automation
  • Structured pricing models boosting overhead recovery by 60%
  • Enhanced VAT audit readiness and reduced compliance risks
  • Increased investment yields to 4.15% through treasury management

Finance Manager

Ricoh
Northampton, Northamptonshire
09.2022 - 12.2024
  • Delivered divisional reporting and statutory accounts across five entities, including UK and Ireland, ensuring IFRS compliance.
  • Prepared and submitted Irish VAT returns in coordination with local advisors, including support for Intrastat and cross-border compliance.
  • Partnered with stakeholders to improve cost control, enhance forecasting, and deliver timely financial insights.
  • Led ERP integration and developed Power BI dashboards for automated reporting and variance analysis.
  • Mentored a team of four finance professionals and promoted cross-border collaboration.

Key Achievements:

  • Reduced divisional overspend by 10% through improved cost visibility
  • Streamlined Irish VAT compliance process and enhanced audit preparedness
  • Halved monthly reporting cycle through automation

Senior Finance Business Partner

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
London, City of Westminster
02.2014 - 09.2022
  • Delivered ORR-compliant audit packs and financial reconciliations
  • Acted as finance lead on investment approvals, capital allocations, and strategic reviews
  • Developed and monitored internal control processes and risk mitigations


Key Achievements:

  • Passed all financial audits with zero non-conformances
  • Boosted reporting quality and automated board packs

Finance Manager

Aetna UK Ltd
Bedford, Bedford
03.2012 - 11.2013
  • Delivered monthly management and statutory reporting in line with IFRS for both UK and Italian entities.
  • Led IFRS integration and reporting alignment during a group-level transformation initiative.
  • Ensured compliance with local tax laws and corporate accounting standards across both jurisdictions.
  • Supported internal audit processes and the implementation of group-wide internal controls.

Key Achievements:

  • Delivered IFRS-compliant reporting for M&A integration across UK and Italy
  • Improved audit readiness and accelerated monthly close

Finance Manager

Aylesbury College
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
03.2009 - 02.2012
  • Produced monthly accounts, cash forecasts, and liaised with department heads
  • Delivered annual accounts and achieved Ofsted Outstanding in finance

Education

CIMA

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
London
10.2008 - 09.2010

MBA

Suffolk University
Boston, Massachusetts, USA
09.2001 - 05.2003

Oxford Women’s Leadership Development Programme

University of Oxford

Associate in Project Management

Associate Project Management (APM)

Licensed Coach

European Mentoring and Coaching Council

Skills

  • UK & Irish VAT Returns PVA Intrastat Reporting
  • Financial & Statutory Reporting (IFRS, UK GAAP)
  • Liquidity Management & Cash Flow Forecasting
  • Budgeting, Forecasting & Cost Control
  • Year-End Audit & Compliance (HMRC, Revenue, ORR)
  • General Ledger, Fixed Assets, AR/AP, Payroll, Depreciation
  • ERP Systems (Oracle, Dynamics, Sage, Xero, Power BI)
  • Team Leadership Mentoring Continuous Improvement
  • Risk Mitigation Internal Controls Process Automation

Timeline

Head of Finance

NAK Consulting Services Ltd
12.2023 - 04.2025

Finance Manager

Ricoh
09.2022 - 12.2024

Senior Finance Business Partner

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited
02.2014 - 09.2022

Finance Manager

Aetna UK Ltd
03.2012 - 11.2013

Finance Manager

Aylesbury College
03.2009 - 02.2012

CIMA

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
10.2008 - 09.2010

MBA

Suffolk University
09.2001 - 05.2003

Oxford Women’s Leadership Development Programme

University of Oxford

Associate in Project Management

Associate Project Management (APM)

Licensed Coach

European Mentoring and Coaching Council
Sheetal Masand