Experience

AAT

• United Kingdom
• Accounting
• 400 - 500 Employee

• Finance Systems Accountant

  • Jun 2020 - Present

  RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:- Support AX system implementation project and manage all testing for BAU business project, fixes, new functionality and CRM/Web releases. - Support in all aspects of system implementation/upgrades- from user requirements, supplier selection, through to all phrases of testing and UAT.- Act as SME for the Direct Debit process whereby approximately £850,000 of income is collected across 13,000 individual transactions.- Manage AAT’s product portfolio, including leading on the annual fee updates- on AX and CRM.- Maintain all sales & purchase ledger structures (new financial dimensions, COA mapping, cost centers, workflows).- Work with FBP on budgets and reforecast models at set times in the year, ensuring systems are set up in time and reports are updated.- Work closely with FBP in understanding reporting needs for I&E, projects and the Exec pack.- Ensure all critical incidents related to AX, are reported correctly, and relevant preventative steps are taken.- Set up users on AX, maintain master logs of user licenses, ensuring roles given are in line with regulations.- Develop an integrated system manual, to document processes undertaken in AX to facilitate training.- Review and make recommendations on streamlining processes.SUCCESSES IN ROLE- Mapped out and made all changes needed in AX and reporting, following a company restructure.- Has significantly reduced processes- from 4 days to 2 hours.- Has progressively improved DD related KPI’s, demonstrating better management of customer information, and led on implementing key changes resulting in an improved rating on the Direct Debit Audit.- Identified 3 “critical” bugs on the CRM Integration project, preventing them from affecting the system at Go Live.- Has successfully influenced senior decision makers to review key business processes and helped implement change through initiative.

• Assistant Systems Accountant

  • Jun 2015 - Jun 2020

  Major objectivesTo manage all aspects of Microsoft Dynamics AX and the interfaces of all operational systems of AAT, including web systems, CRM, and the external interfaces with assessment systems etc.ResponsibilitiesPerform routine functions on AX, reviewing the interface queue status and user maintenance.Maintain internal up-to-date log of all financial systems issues, in priority order, and to communicate the latest status of all the issues to all interested parties, including the Financial Controller, the Finance Director.Develop an integrated systems manual (including screenshots) to document the various processes undertaken in AX to facilitate training of new and existing Finance team members.Execute and coordinate all testing required to fix issues as well as to develop new functionality on AX.Carry out testing in AX due to CRM/Web releases and all business projects.Set up new products on AX and CRM in accordance with internal procedures.Updates product prices in CRM as appropriate and in accordance with internal procedures.Support the business partners on ad hoc work and projects that affect AX.



Richmond and Wandsworth Councils

• United Kingdom
• Government Administration
• 700 & Above Employee

• Asset Manager

  • Jan 2015 - Jun 2015

  Was bought in at the merge of two different departments, to be responsible for making the merge as smooth as possible. Implemented many cost effective changes, administrative processes, and streamlined numerous procedures. -Leading, and managing the Asset Management team (4 staff) to ensure the smooth running of the entire department (Education and Social Services ESSD) and its assets (information, staff, buildings, equipment). - Was responsible for all human resource management issues relating to staff within the team. Carried out regular supervision and annual and 6 monthly appraisals, setting targets and goals and measuring achievements. -Worked closely with 3rd and 4th tier managers to promote key asset management functions across ESSD. -Continuously monitored, reviewed, and developed processes, services, and systems to deliver high quality services in the following fields: asset management, data protection, information security (ISO 27001), business continuity, emergency planning, health and safety, deployment of equipment to facilitate mobile and flexible working, and information sharing, -Took the lead with respect to the certification of ongoing compliance with ISO 27001. -Managed the Asset Management budget via Collaborative Planning, and authorised all orders under £25,000. -Led on ensuring that all business continuity plans for all service areas are updated on a 6 monthly basis. -Assists the Assistant Director Business Resources with the management of the Capital Programme, working with the ESSD Strategic Finance team to monitor the capital budgets and the repairs and renewals budget. -Made recommendations to managers in respect of training and awareness for staff arising from any incidents. - Was responsible for the overarching Departmental Business Continuity and Emergency Plan, making regular updates as and when required. -Ensured that all purchases were within budget with due regard to ensuring value for money. Made cost effective changes.



Mayor of Tower Hamlets

• London

• Casual Volunteer

  • Mar 2012 - Mar 2015

  Took part in various activities around engagement within the community. Worked alongside the election campaign team to raise awareness on elections and work of the Mayor. Duties include: • Attending and taking part in leadership training programmes- how to be a leader in the community, how to engage supporters, how to build relations, how to keep relations, how to adapt to audiences and difficult situations. • Building relations with local community, different faith groups, build support thereof. • Collating and organising contact details for email campaigns, fundraising activities, and regular internal newsletters. • Leading on organising an event in my ward, for locals to come and see work done and objectives achieved by the mayor in his last term in office. • Addressing large audiences. • Phone canvassing.



WPP

• United Kingdom
• Advertising Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Systems Accountant

  • Nov 2012 - Nov 2014

  Working in a team of Accountants/Finance Consultants and IT Developers to help drive the delivery of ‘Maconomy’ implementation and to service and support companies already migrated on to the Insight system with their Technical issues. DUTIES: Provide effective and high quality customer service and business partnership with the client companies Ensure consistent practices are used throughout client companies to maintain the integrity of the financial systems Reviewing and analysing accounting records, reports, and various other output products to identify system and/or regulatory issues Provide and support client company requests for financial data and support month-end closing and reporting to Senior Finance Research, develop and document user requirements for company specific issues. Carry-out User Acceptance Testing sessions and note potential problems that need further technical configuration Testing of Work-flows and Print-output of transactions and advice on changes required. Process the changes and implement where necessary Ensure effective internal controls around Financial Systems are in place and ensure adherence to SOX controls. Designing and delivering training to over users across 3-4 agencies-, ranging from CEO’s to junior accountants. Producing and maintaining training documents and user guides for system administrators and end users. Assessing and filtering support calls from finance users to developers, and third party support desks, accordingly.



Publicis

• United States
• Advertising Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• ERP Financial Systems Analyst

  • Oct 2011 - Oct 2012

  The Maconomy Systems ERP Support team service brands throughout the UK Group and Europe wherever Maconomy is to be implemented, in order to achieve the required business objectives. Personal focus centres on building and ensuring successful delivery of the Maconomy implementation strategy, together with understanding, defining and supporting projects in order to achieve the brands’ objectives.I play a key role in helping prepare the brands’ expectations regarding service level agreements, training solutions, budgets and timelines. Soon to be expanding to a new Global ERP (SAP). Duties Include •Liaising with the Systems Manager and Systems team to obtain and understand brief on brand strategy and to manage project prioritisation. •Reviewing and recommending changes to the Maconomy systems portfolio. •Helping out on the helpdesk, calls and emails. •Helping with the set up of new companies and confidential information within Maconomy, including security administration; creating and maintaining users, groups and action lists. •Creating and maintaining data import files. •Maintaining system documentation. •Liaising with key users to identify and understand critical requirements (including reporting requirements) and enhancements. •Providing information to the Systems Manager supporting project review process. •Participating and contributing to Focus Groups.



PSB Insights

• United States
• Market Research
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Accounts Assistant

  • Nov 2010 - Nov 2011

  Role within Finance team for Penn Schoen and Berland Associates- a global research based consultancy that specialises in messaging and communications strategy for its blue-chip political and corporate clients, governments and NGOs. In the political arena, they have worked as pollster and strategic advisor to President Bill Clinton, Senator Hillary Clinton, New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. In the corporate sector, PSB is the leading research provider to Microsoft and Dell, and a strategic research provider to Procter & Gamble, Vodafone, McDonald’s and Coca-Cola. In the entertainment sector, the firm is a leading provider of cover test research to magazine publishers, frequently motion picture research to top Hollywood studios, and video game research to top video game publishers. My role within the Finance team involves providing direct support to the Finance Director-particularly in the areas of Accounts payable, Accounts receivable & the closing of books. In regards to Accounts Payable, duties involve uploading purchase orders from the internal costing system onto the account system, maintaining communication with US management to get purchase invoices authorised, matching purchase invoices to purchase orders, getting sign off from line managers, managing payment of staff expenses, reconciling monthly supplier statements, updating and reviewing purchase order accrual schedules, and preparing monthly finance reports for the Finance Manager. In regards to Accounts Receivable, I am responsible for opening jobs, filing all relevant documentation (client agreements, purchase order for external costs) and assisting with client billing.



City, University of London

• United Kingdom
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Vice President Education & Membership Engagement

  • Jul 2008 - Jan 2011

  Politician/Leader/Trustee/Manager/Chair/Advisor/Activist/Executive/Council Member/Chair This was an elected position which I was then re-elected into for a second year running. In order to win this position I had to compete with four other candidates and take part in a cross campus ballot. My achieved high profile role included representing 24,000 students on local, as well as national level issues. My work included making public speeches at national conferences, carrying out project work and case studies, presenting, and working with many different stake holders within the university, local community and local council. These tasks included negotiating, budgeting, working to tight deadlines in a group, as well as alone. I was held to account by students, in addition to being held financially liable in the organisation through my role as a Trustee



Mitie

• United Kingdom
• Facilities Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Adminstrator and HR assistant

  • Jun 2007 - Sep 2007

  Mitie is a outsourcing company which is concerned with providing strategic consultancy to companies. They are involved with delivery on the ground. From long-term infrastructure planning, facilities management, to day-to-day services My administration role within the company involved being the main point of contact for both clients and collegues. Organising and booking appointments, keeping all clients files up to date and dealing with all operational aspects of reception. I was responsible for the sending out the firms post and making sure mail was received effeciently. I was able to devleop my organisation skills, time manegement skills as well as learning how to work on my own initative. I also assisted with the HR aspects, facilitating recruiting potential employees, and dealing with leaving procedures for those leaving the organisation.



Olan Mills

• Photography
• 200 - 300 Employee

• Sales Representative

  • May 2002 - Oct 2005

  Olan Mills provides a portrait photography service. My role within the company involved selling these portrait packages to potential customers. It was a very target focused environment which had a reward and bonus structure to incentivise workers. Cold calling to customers taught me perseverance skills and how to remain focused. I was awarded “top salesperson” on numerous occasions and as a result was able to return to the job regularly in between my studies. Olan Mills provides a portrait photography service. My role within the company involved selling these portrait packages to potential customers. It was a very target focused environment which had a reward and bonus structure to incentivise workers. Cold calling to customers taught me perseverance skills and how to remain focused. I was awarded “top salesperson” on numerous occasions and as a result was able to return to the job regularly in between my studies.



Healthcall Optical Service

• Adminstrator

  • Sep 2002 - Dec 2002

  Healthcare Optical is one of the largest providers of home sight and hearing tests in the UK. My adminstration role within the company involved setting up appointments with care homes and preparing all relevant paperwork for the dispensers to take out with them. I was also responsible for the ordering and distribution of spectacles and keeping all care home and patients files up to date. In this job I learnt how to work under pressure, and also how to facilitate large scale client bases. Healthcare Optical is one of the largest providers of home sight and hearing tests in the UK. My adminstration role within the company involved setting up appointments with care homes and preparing all relevant paperwork for the dispensers to take out with them. I was also responsible for the ordering and distribution of spectacles and keeping all care home and patients files up to date. In this job I learnt how to work under pressure, and also how to facilitate large scale client bases.