Experience

Waddington Europe

• United Kingdom
• Packaging & Containers
• 1 - 100 Employee

• European Financial Controller

  • Jun 2006 - Present

  Waddington Europe is the European packaging division of Novolex, with multiple manufacturing locations in the UK and Ireland - turnover of £100m. Initially hired as Financial Controller for Waddington’s Milton Keynes (UK) site and promoted to European Financial Controller in 2014 as Waddington acquired 3 companies and expanded from £12m to £80m. I report to the FD and lead the Finance Team, with oversight of all financial systems and processes, leading financial change/transformation programmes whilst utilising a high level of financial insight to underpin strategy and maintain the “bottom line” as priority. ◼️ Successfully led transformative integration project following acquisition of 3 businesses, establishing a single, robust finance capability that has met every deadline since inception. ◼️ Oversaw multi-site project implementing Epicor ERP System and restructured 2 UK sites into a single Shared Service Centre. Significantly improved group reporting and processes achieving a cost saving of £500,000 per annum. ◼️ Led robust cost rationalisation programme for MK site (2017). Instrumental in exceeding overall budgeted profit by £28,000, despite finishing the year £2m under sales target. ◼️ Reduced month-end process from 5 days to 3 whilst integrating new processes and reporting. Met all weekly/monthly deadlines within 3-months of onboarding. Implemented production reporting including operational KPIs and monthly business packs. ◼️ Succeeded in reducing raw material costs associated with newly acquired company, achieving a cost reduction of £200,000 over a six-month period. ◼️ Consolidated and integrated 4 different sales systems into Power BI for enhanced reporting, mentored and trained finance employees in new reporting practices. ◼️ Led project to reduce aged debt from 32% overdue (£8m) to 3% within 6-months by streamlining process, mentoring and supporting staff and liaising with Sales Team to encourage timely resolution. Show less



CENTRAL COUNTIES NEWSPAPERS LIMITED

• United Kingdom
• Book and Periodical Publishing
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Financial Controller

  • Mar 1998 - Mar 2004

  Central Counties Newspapers is part of Johnston Publishing Ltd, with a turnover of £20k. I was initially hired as Credit Control Manager in 1998, promoted to Accounts Controller in 2000, and again to Financial Controller and Company Secretary in 2003. As Financial Controller, I assisted the Managing Director with the operational, financial and strategic running of the business, with oversight of all financial processes including weekly / monthly forecasts and management accounts, costs, revenue, variances, reports, financial analysis and statistics. As Accounts Controller, I reported to the Financial Director with 8 direct reports, 5 Credit Controllers and 3 Sales Ledger Clerks and was responsible for all Credit Control activities including oversight of cash handling / auditing receptions at 7 sites, and supervision of month-end reporting. I worked closely with Advertising and Distribution departments to improve debt collection processes. ◼️ Successfully implemented two new computer systems (Sales – FutureProof, and Accounts – CMS 3000). ◼️ Studied for and obtained CIMA Accounting qualification while delivering critical systems implementation projects to challenging timescales and delivering BAU requirements. As Credit Control Manager, I reported to the Accounts Controller with 5 direct reports, all Credit Controllers. I was responsible for managing and mentoring the Credit Control team, implementing policies and procedures to improve credit control processes. ◼️ Led project to increase collection, successfully reducing debt from £1m to £50,000 over a 9-month period by motivating Sales Team to chase debt when responding to queries or selling space. ◼️ Assumed role as Acting Accounts Controller during manager’s maternity leave. Show less