Experience

MUJI Europe Holdings Limited

• United Kingdom
• Retail
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Head Of Finance

  • Aug 2022 - Present



Cath Kidston

• United Kingdom
• Retail
• 200 - 300 Employee

• Head Of Finance

  • Apr 2020 - Aug 2022

  I was promoted to this role following the company’s administration, and established the entire function including processes, timescales and working practices. I developed a robust month end process, producing monthly managing accounts and balance sheet reconciliations consistently and effectively. As a member of the senior leadership team, I am responsible for the provision of a robust financial function, working with turnover of £35m - £80m. My role holds responsibility for all aspects of the global finance function, including payroll, payments, management accounts, audits and commercial activity. I also line manage a team, supporting with career development, coaching and delegation of workload.I work with global stakeholders, providing support and opportunities to generate efficiencies. I professionally challenge established practices, in order to support the business in its development through diligent, thorough and robust financial management. I deep dive issues, providing analysis, recommendations, reports and solutions which are based on data and metrics, professional judgement and organisational strategic goals. I lead on activity including audit, legislation and compliance. Working closely with managers, I adopt a business partnering model, supporting with budgeting, forecasting, financial control and management accounts.I led on a project to implement the Inventory Management (ERP) System, working as project manager, and managing IT, supply chains, revenue channels and business partners to build processes which enhanced systems and operations.I work closely with the CEO, CFO, internal operations board and Department Heads, carrying out weekly meetings to provide insight and updates on financial functions.Whilst managing income streams and operating model changes, I oversaw the closure of 70 high street stores, and established processes which supported the transition to an e-commerce / digital financial model. Show less

• Head Of Commercial Finance

  • Nov 2019 - Mar 2020

  I worked in partnership with managers, directors and stakeholders, managing commercial activity and risk across the organisation. This included budgeting and forecasting, reporting on expenditure, income and cost activity and analysis of business performance.I met with senior directors on a regular basis to update on financial achievements, forecasts and strategy. In order to enable budget and financial control at management level, I trained managers both through group and one to one sessions.As the line manager of a team, I provided supervision and leadership which ensured day to day performance and achievement of objectives. I also focussed on development and succession planning.In liaison with external auditors, I provided information and documentation to demonstrate compliance. I also implemented and monitored action plans for any areas of non-adherence. Show less

• Group Reporting Manager

  • May 2019 - Nov 2019

  In this role, I provided reports, documentation and recommendations relating to group-wide, global, financial metrics and performance. I reported into the financial controller, managing the reporting processes including month end, year end and audit.I was responsible for UK and overseas subsidiary reporting, including reviewing performance, and ensuring accurate and consistent reporting of the consolidated business. I managed financial accounts, including balance sheet reconciliations, data analysis and tax returns. Show less



Krisp Clothing

• United Kingdom
• Retail
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director

  • Jan 2018 - May 2019

  This was a medium sized family business, with a turnover of £10m. I headed up the finance function, supporting the company through a period of transition. I oversaw all operations including the implementation of new systems and processes, proactively identifying and implementing revised process which generated efficiencies in cost, management and resources. I managed a retail store closure process, transitioning the business to an online entity. As the manager of a team, I provided outstanding leadership to a team of 20+. I engaged and involved the team in contributing to business development and organisational objectives. I was responsible for all financial reporting, providing robust information which supported strategic level decision making. Show less



Think Product Lab US Inc

• London, England, United Kingdom

• Finance Director

  • Oct 2013 - Jan 2018

  I managed the financial function, in a medium sized (£15m turnover) global FMCG business based in the UK and USA. This included the day to day management of all financial services, monthly preparation of financial management reports, year-end audit, annual and tax return filings and budgeting and forecasting. In collaboration with managers and stakeholders, I drafted and implemented internal control policies and procedures, which supported the company in supplying innovative consumer products to retailers around the world. I led on projects including the implementation of new financial reporting and inventory management systems. I cascaded the systems organisation wide and provided support and training. I managed relationships with private equity investors, heading up quarterly board meetings. I was the primary liaison with retailers including Walmart, Target, Container Store, Tesco, Waitrose and Selfridges as well as manufactures in Asia. Working across departments, I enabled joined up decision-making, based on financial data which supported the business in its growth. I identified areas of concern and overspend, implementing processes to minimise risk and vulnerabilities. Show less



BDO UK LLP

• United Kingdom
• Accounting
• 700 & Above Employee

• Senior Audit Manager

  • Sep 2006 - Oct 2013

  I worked in the London Audit team at BDO LLP, based in the Baker Street Head office where I worked mainly with clients within the Consumer Markets in particular within the Retail, Wholesale and Consumer products sector. I was responsible for the project management of the statutory audit services provided to my clients, providing technical accounting advice, and co-ordinating the delivery of other service lines. I was responsible for the project management of the statutory audit services provided to my clients, providing technical accounting advice, and co-ordinating the delivery of other service lines. Specialties Cross-stream audit and advisory services for retail, wholesale and consumer products businesses, US GAAP, IFRS, UK GAAP, statutory audit, other assurance engagements, accounting advice. Show less