Senior Finance Assistant

• Dec 2022 - Present

Finance Assistant

• Jan 2019 - Apr 2021

Providing high quality support to the Firm wide UK and EMEA Swift projects. Understanding and implementing new SWIFT systems. Providing guidance on an extensive range of finance queries from internal and external clients, shareholders and vendors. Accounts payable; invoices payment update - SAP, assisting in creating Purchase Orders (Ariba) and selecting relevant coding, follow up on expense claim payments. Engagement Management; assistance in creating and managing WBS codes for projects, assistance with invoicing for UK and worldwide projects - WIP monitoring. Solving high density of queries in a diligent and courteous manner - won Quality award for customer service & problem solving. Proficiency in Purchasing Software ARIBA, SAP, SWIFT. Training and monitoring newly recruits on all aspects of the FSD role. Show less

Managing Director

• Jun 2007 - Jan 2019

The Alliance Française is a worldwide French teaching and cultural organisation present in more than 130 countries, including over 800 centres worldwide. In the UK, it is a network of 10 centres. The Milton Keynes branch offers a wide range of classes, private tuitions, cultural and social exchanges.Reporting to the Chairman and the Board of trustees, the Managing Director plays a pivotal role in driving the business forward. The tasks are wide ranging, requiring strong commitment, organisation, dedication and focus. Keys activities include;i. Organisation of annual curriculum of classes for prospective clients.ii. Reaching agreements with clients over the extent and nature of the tuition services being provided.iii. Recruiting and managing teaching staff, competent and capable to manage a wide and diverse client base (contracts/pension schemes/clients & classes allocations/ monitoring performance).iv. Ownership and control of all administrative matters associated with the running of the business.v. Developing and launching marketing campaigns for the purposes of the business development. (Mail chimp/ Social Networks).).vi. Website design and updating (Wordpress).vii. Managing and controlling the financial performance of the business, training and adopting professional procedures for monitoring and reporting (Sage).viii.Evolving and developing of the operational structure for business growth and improved performance through a business plan.ix. Developing new initiatives to secure customer loyalty, driving growth and expansion.x. Reporting to the Charity Commission, Companies House and HMRC.xi. Bi-monthly reporting to a Board of Trustees including operational performance, financial reporting, business planning and human resources functions.xii. Representing the Alliance Française at UK functions interfacing with leading figureheads including the French Ambassador and prominent members of AF network in UK and AF Foundation in Paris. Show less

French Teacher

• Sep 2002 - Jun 2007

Prior to the appointment of the Managing Director of Alliance Française de Milton Keynes, I spent 6 years as a French teacher. I developed teaching curriculum for students and taught at all levels from beginner to advance in groups or one to one.I also provided Corporate French tuition in companies around Milton Keynes and taught children exams techniques to prepare for GCSE and A Levels.

Bilingual PA (French/English) to Finance Director - Head Office -

• Sep 1998 - Oct 2001

Gefco is a supplier and provider of global and international transport and logistics solutions (industrial and automotive) with more than 800 employees over the 18 UK sites. . The role was based at the Head Office and focused around supporting the Group Finance Director administer the finances through a UK and International framework. Acting in the capacity as PA to the Finance Director; Organising travels/meetings, translating accounting documentation, recording holidays/sickness of the finance team, in charge of expense claims for the Head Office, general administration and team monitoring. Show less

Bilingual First class, on board training, Stewardess

• Jul 1995 - Sep 1998

Tailored catering service to Première class passengers, able to converse in several languages with VIP. Coaching and monitoring newly recruited stewards/stewardesses on board Eurostar on journeys to Brussels and Paris. Speaking several languages on a daily basis. Regular training courses on First Aid, Tunnel evacuation exercises, customer service, client satisfaction. Tailored catering service to Première class passengers, able to converse in several languages with VIP. Coaching and monitoring newly recruited stewards/stewardesses on board Eurostar on journeys to Brussels and Paris. Speaking several languages on a daily basis. Regular training courses on First Aid, Tunnel evacuation exercises, customer service, client satisfaction.

French Teaching Assistant

• Sep 1994 - Jun 1995

Assisting the Language department (6 teachers) in providing French lessons, researching teaching material, private and group lessons for GCSE and A'Levels students. Assisting the Language department (6 teachers) in providing French lessons, researching teaching material, private and group lessons for GCSE and A'Levels students.