Wayne Ellison
Colne,Lancashire
Summary
Accomplished finance professional with over 20 years extensive expertise in the UK Self Catering Industry specialising in financial analysis, budgeting, and strategic planning. Internally promoted throughout that time period reflecting the positive , hard working self drive and ability to lead teams through change and innovation. Demonstrates a strong understanding of profit and loss, cash flow management, and commercial acumen. Proven track record in revenue generation strategies and cost reduction techniques, coupled with the ability to implement change effectively. Adept at conducting financial data analysis and performance reviews to drive business success.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Commercial Finance Director
Awaze Vacation Rentals
Hybrid Home Based / Manchester, Lancashire
04.2024 - Current
- Supported company profitability by implementing medium term financial strategies as the company gears itself up for sale in the next few years.
- Achieved cost reductions and reallocations with careful budget management and effective data analytics and communication methods.
- Drove process improvements within my team, enhancing operational effectiveness to improve automation and reduce month end time.
- Maximised cash flow with careful understanding of inflows and ways to create opportunities on outflows.
- Building budgets and reforecasts, identifying R&O trends using run rate analysis co-ordinating between departments and other key stakeholders.
- Developing and mentoring an FPA team combining robust performance management with strong leadership to deliver best in class FPA team servicing the business needs and requirements effectively.
- Conducted variance analysis to identify discrepancies and implement corrective actions vs FC and prior years and reported variances to the European Group Finance team.
Finance director
Awaze Vacation Rentals
Hybrid - Home based / Manchester, Lancashire
11.2014 - 04.2024
- After an internal promotion, I was responsible for managing the FPA manager, Financial Controller and Head of Accounting senior manager roles along with their teams indirectly to ensure the financial health of the company, it's performance and best practice controls was optimised.
- Until 2018 the Company was owned by a US listed company and we were subject to tight controls under Sarbanes Oxley.
- Maintained integrity of financial data through rigorous checks and verification methods, upheld trust in the organisation's finances whilst we went through a sales process in 2017 and early 2018 when sold to a US Private Equity firm.
- Conducted variance analysis to identify & report discrepancies and implement corrective actions to SLT & Group Finance every month.
- Created and presented accurate, detailed monthly financial forecasts and reforecasts.
- Oversaw multiple acquisitions made by the company and worked on the project team tasked the integration of the companies in to the main business.
- Built strong relationships with external auditors, facilitated smooth auditing process and clean account sign off every year.
- Coordinated annual budget preparation for controlled expenditure and profitability, including presentations to senior leaders and Group Finance team.
- Coached and mentored junior staff to maximise finance department capabilities whilst developing their careers.
Financial Controller
Wyndham Worldwide
Earby, Lancashire
07.2011 - 11.2014
- After another promotion, I supervised a team of finance professionals, cultivating a high-performance culture.
- Led the preparation of annual accounts, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial reporting.
- Established and maintained effective financial controls, reducing risk of fraud and mismanagement.
- Reviewed annual financial statements, collaborating with external Big 4 auditors to sign off statutory accounts.
- Ensured accounts were aligned with UK Gaap and also met Sarbanes Oxley Controls.
- Completed meticulous monthly balance sheet reconciliations, achieving financial accuracy.
- Organised and carried out month-end, quarterly and year-end processes.
FPA Manager
Wyndham Worldwide
Earby, Lancashire
07.2008 - 07.2011
- Recruited a team and developed it from scratch to build monthly P&L forecasting.
- Implemented cost reduction measures, reduced overhead expenses.
- Delegated tasks efficiently to maximise productivity and match skills sets effectively.
- Coordinated cross-departmental collaboration for improved workflow.
- Boosted department efficiency by streamlining operational processes.
- Supervised project timelines for timely completion.
- Coordinated hiring, recruitment and training strategies to build successful team. Consistently recognised by our group finance function as the most effective , reliable and accurate.
Financial Director Camping Division
Wyndham Worldwide
Hybrid - Home / Dunfermline, Fife
04.2005 - 07.2008
- Responsible for relocating business from Scotland to main finance function in Lancashire over 2 years.
- Recruited a new team of 3 people and trained them to take over the running of all financial operations during a redundancy and restructure process.
- Mitigated financial risks with diligent forecasting and budgeting practices.
- Coordinated annual budgeting process, facilitating efficient resource allocation.
- Developed strategies to increase profits and cost savings.
- Created and presented accurate, detailed financial forecasts.
- Huge focus on improving cashflow understanding that was critical to the survival of the business from a capital investment perspective as well as day to day operational cashflow.
- Helped oversee the transition of the business to get set up for sale to external company.
European reporting accountant
Wyndham Worldwide
Earby, Lancashire
04.2003 - 04.2005
- Completed detailed profit and loss analysis; identified improvement areas.
- Completed monthly consolidated P&L accounts and reporting to Group FC.
- Conducted financial audits for improved internal controls.
- Managed financial reporting processes resulting in enhanced transparency.
- Organised and carried out month-end, quarterly and year-end processes.
- Compiled financial data for business forecasting and budgeting.
Audit Senior
RSM Tenon
Chorley, Lancashire
04.2000 - 04.2003
- Coordinated with team members for effective execution of audit plans.
- Maintained knowledge of HMRC and accounting standards with regular training and research.
- Employed accounting and tax knowledge to prepare financial statements quickly and accurately.
- Completed audit planning documentation, verifying correct tests were applied to produce sufficient audit evidence.
- Assisted in completion of audit jobs from planning stage to finalisation.
- Reviewed work produced by less experienced team members to determine accuracy and completeness.
- Offered proactive and thorough on-site support for audit clients.
- Increased effectiveness and efficiency of audit by completing detailed, accurate working papers.
Audit junior
Waterworths
Blackburn, Lancashire
09.1996 - 04.2000
- Junior auditor learning key audit skills whilst training to be a qualified accountant.
- Assisted audit senior with completion of audit on numerous clients across multiple industries that gave me grounding for strong financial skills and working to deadlines.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Statistics
University of Huddersfield
Huddersfield 09.1992 - 06.1996
Skills
- Financial analysis - with excellent attention to detail
- Budgeting and forecasting expertise
- Profit and loss understanding
- Strategic planning
- Cash flow management skills and understanding
- Revenue generation strategies
- Cost reduction techniques
- Change implementation capability
- Financial data analysis and reporting
- Managerial skills
- Coaching and developing colleagues to maximise potential
Certification
ACCA Certified Accountant - Qualified Feb 2000
Affiliations
- Watching football
- Running
- Crown Green Bowling
- Being a taxi driver for my sons
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Commercial Finance Director
Awaze Vacation Rentals
04.2024 - Current
Finance director
Awaze Vacation Rentals
11.2014 - 04.2024
Financial Controller
Wyndham Worldwide
07.2011 - 11.2014
FPA Manager
Wyndham Worldwide
07.2008 - 07.2011
Financial Director Camping Division
Wyndham Worldwide
04.2005 - 07.2008
European reporting accountant
Wyndham Worldwide
04.2003 - 04.2005
Audit Senior
RSM Tenon
04.2000 - 04.2003
Audit junior
Waterworths
09.1996 - 04.2000
Bachelor of Science - Statistics
University of Huddersfield
09.1992 - 06.1996
ACCA Certified Accountant - Qualified Feb 2000
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