Stephen Bowes
Yeadon
Summary
Accomplished professional with extensive expertise in implementing and managing financial software systems, including Sage 50 and 200, Pegasus Opera, and SAP software. Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, Excel, and Word, with a strong command of Sage Payroll and File Creator. Demonstrates exceptional analytical skills through the use of Crystal Reports V9 and Win Man Business System to drive business efficiency. Committed to leveraging technical proficiency to optimise organisational processes and support strategic objectives.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Financial advisor
Local Business
08.2025 - 11.2025
- Collaborate with local business to prepare year-end accounts and conduct business forecasting.
Management Accountant
Charity
Leeds
09.2024 - 07.2025
- Processed month-end journals and prepared monthly accruals and prepayments.
- Validated financial system journals to ensure accurate management accounts.
- Investigated significant cost variances against budgets for uncaptured cost lines.
- Reconciled people costs, maintaining accuracy in intercompany transfers.
- Produced monthly management accounts pack within agreed deadlines.
- Led digitisation initiatives, including Power BI, to optimise expense processes.
- Managed Fixed Assets Register, updating for additions, disposals, and depreciation postings.
- Collaborated with external auditors by providing necessary documentation for audits.
Accounting analyst
Private Contracts
Leeds
04.2024 - 08.2024
- Completed year-end accounts for local business, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Developed business forecasts and cash flow statements to support financial planning.
- Managed VAT and corporation tax queries and submissions to meet regulatory requirements.
Head Of finance and Business
Charity
Leeds
08.2023 - 03.2024
- Forecasted monthly financial results for CEO, providing strategic insights.
- Supervised a team of 4 finance staff to enhance departmental efficiency.
- Conducted comprehensive risk management to safeguard organisational assets.
- Evaluated investments to optimise portfolio performance and maximise returns.
- Allocated resources effectively while managing sustainable cash flows.
- Developed secure procedures to protect confidential information from breaches.
- Ensured compliance with financial regulations through rigorous internal audits.
- Recommended cost-reduction strategies to improve overall profitability.
Accountant
Private Contracts
Leeds
01.2022 - 08.2023
- Supervise property renovation and project management of recently obtained property while liaising with local small businesses and sole traders to prepare quarter and year-end accounts.
Group Management Accountant
DS Emotion Ltd
Leeds
03.2018 - 01.2022
- Managed corporate month-end accounting processes for three companies.
- Prepared monthly management reports and consolidated financial statements for Group.
- Consolidated Group budget for management reporting pack.
- Developed Board reporting pack to summarise financial performance.
- Conducted monthly variance analysis and provided insights on financial outcomes.
- Liaised with external auditors to ensure compliance.
- Processed monthly payroll, maintained data, and determined payroll requirements.
- Reviewed budgets, expenses, invoices, and other accounting documents for accuracy.
Finance Manager
Lilly Telecoms
Leeds
07.2017 - 03.2018
- Interpreted and provided financial information to support business decisions.
- Managed a team of 3 staff members to enhance departmental efficiency.
- Oversaw payroll processing for 64 employees, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
- Processed and authorised expenses claims in compliance with company policies.
- Researched and reported factors influencing business performance metrics.
- Arranged new financing sources for company debt facilities to optimise cash flow.
- Monitored changes in financial regulations and legislation to ensure compliance.
- Assisted Finance Director with daily finance operations and administrative tasks.
Property renovation
Self employed
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
07.2016 - 05.2017
- Purchased property in 2015, allocating time from work to execute renovations and manage project tasks.
Finance Manager
Posh Flooring UK
Leeds
07.2013 - 07.2016
- Streamlined online and paper filing systems for improved efficiency.
- Developed and implemented new administrative systems, enhancing record management.
- Managed office expenditure and monitored budget compliance.
- Organised office layout while maintaining adequate supplies of stationery and equipment.
- Ensured office upkeep through timely repairs and maintenance arrangements.
- Chaired staff meetings to facilitate communication and collaboration.
- Oversaw recruitment processes, including training and induction of new staff.
- Conducted staff appraisals, managing performance and addressing disciplinary issues.
Reconciliation Manager
Leeds University
Leeds
09.2011 - 06.2013
- Reconciled funding grants from sponsors to ensure accurate financial tracking.
- Allocated underspend effectively to maximise available funding resources.
- Reported and logged overspend, identifying root causes for financial discrepancies.
- Collaborated with the Bursar to compile reports on overspend for review.
- Finalised grant closures and prepared comprehensive reports for sponsors.
Senior Financial Accountant & IT Manager
Royal Agricultural Society & Great Yorkshire Show
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
03.2009 - 07.2011
- Executed full financial management for 'The Great Yorkshire Show', processing all exhibitor invoices and accounts.
- Produced invoices for 3,500 stands, receiving payments in two instalments prior to event.
- Managed temporary staff responsible for purchase ledger, ensuring accurate record-keeping.
- Processed up to 500 invoices weekly, matching, batching, and coding each entry.
- Handled all supplier queries while performing statement reconciliations monthly.
- Conducted payment runs via BACS twice monthly, ensuring timely transactions.
- Monitored cash flows, providing insights on trends and future forecasts.
- Formulated strategic business plans through research and analysis of performance factors.
Purchase Ledger and Finance Manager
Bullet Point Presentations
Leeds
01.2005 - 02.2009
- Liaised between finance department and other departments fostering inter-departmental collaboration.
- Implemented new financial systems enhancing data accessibility and reliability.
- Facilitated capital-raising initiatives supporting business expansion efforts.
- Trained staff on finance-related matters improving overall understanding and performance.
Credit Controller/Sales ledger Manager
Leeds United Football Club
Leeds
10.2003 - 01.2005
- Maintained professional client interactions whilst managing overdue payments.
- Streamlined debt collection processes resulting in improved financial health of the company.
- Managed debtor ledger meticulously, minimising any potential errors or discrepancies.
- Liaised with sales department for achieving better client communication.
- Negotiated repayment arrangements, improving cash flow in the process.
- Monitored client's credit situation closely, mitigating risks associated with late payments.
- Provided support during audits, ensuring compliance with regulations at all times.
- Improved financial efficiency by implementing new credit control procedures.
Credit Controller Supervisor
Leeds Direct Distribution
Leeds
10.1999 - 01.2003
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving billing disputes amicably yet promptly.
- Provided support during audits, ensuring compliance with regulations at all times.
- Coordinated legal actions against defaulters to safeguard company interests.
- Developed strong relations with clients, fostering loyalty and trust on both ends.
- Streamlined debt collection processes resulting in improved financial health of the company.
Accounts and Book Work Trainer
Whitbread PLC
London
11.1996 - 09.1999
- Stayed abreast of latest industry trends; incorporated these into relevant courses.
- Streamlined onboarding process for new hires by designing a robust orientation programme.
- Fostered an environment conducive to learning through engaging and supportive coaching methods.
- Coordinated regular team-building activities, boosted overall morale and teamwork.
- Tailored training modules for improved staff productivity.
- Conducted needs analysis to identify skill gaps in workforce.
- Collaborated with management to create personalised development plans for employees.
- Developed employee skills by delivering comprehensive training programmes.
Manager
Family Business
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
09.1983 - 10.1996
Education
Math's, English, and Rural studies
King James School
Knaresborough, North Yorkshire 01.1978 - 01.1983
Skills
- Sage 50 and 200 implementation
- Microsoft Office 365
- Microsoft Excel and Word
- Sage Payroll and File Creator
- Sage Line 50 Cloud and 200
- Pegasus Opera
- Dream software
- Magenis system
- Microsoft Great Plains
- SAP software
- Crystal Reports V9
- Win Man Business System
Affiliations
- Cricket
- Football
- Walking
- Cooking
Timeline
Financial advisor
Local Business
08.2025 - 11.2025
Management Accountant
Charity
09.2024 - 07.2025
Accounting analyst
Private Contracts
04.2024 - 08.2024
Head Of finance and Business
Charity
08.2023 - 03.2024
Accountant
Private Contracts
01.2022 - 08.2023
Group Management Accountant
DS Emotion Ltd
03.2018 - 01.2022
Finance Manager
Lilly Telecoms
07.2017 - 03.2018
Property renovation
Self employed
07.2016 - 05.2017
Finance Manager
Posh Flooring UK
07.2013 - 07.2016
Reconciliation Manager
Leeds University
09.2011 - 06.2013
Senior Financial Accountant & IT Manager
Royal Agricultural Society & Great Yorkshire Show
03.2009 - 07.2011
Purchase Ledger and Finance Manager
Bullet Point Presentations
01.2005 - 02.2009
Credit Controller/Sales ledger Manager
Leeds United Football Club
10.2003 - 01.2005
Credit Controller Supervisor
Leeds Direct Distribution
10.1999 - 01.2003
Accounts and Book Work Trainer
Whitbread PLC
11.1996 - 09.1999
Manager
Family Business
09.1983 - 10.1996
Math's, English, and Rural studies
King James School
01.1978 - 01.1983