Gemma Cripwell

Strategic finance leader with 20+ years of experience building and scaling FP&A, commercial finance, and operational reporting functions across global, multi-entity organizations. Proven ability to design forecasting frameworks, develop long range financial models, and partner with C suite executives to drive profitable growth. Deep expertise in subscription style revenue forecasting, SaaS aligned KPIs (NRR, LTV, churn, margin), and data driven decision support.

Known for bringing structure to ambiguity, improving financial visibility, and delivering board ready insights that influence strategic direction. Operates with high ownership, clarity, and a bias for action.

Finance Director, Late Stage Operations at Worldwide Clinical Trials – Global Contract Research Organization (2020-09 – Present)

Lead financial planning, forecasting, and strategic analysis for a $500M+ global division operating across multiple entities and currencies. Serve as a key financial advisor to the CFO, COO, and operational leadership, delivering insights that shape investment decisions, resource allocation, and long range planning. Built scalable forecasting models, improved financial visibility, and strengthened governance across a complex global portfolio.

• Built and owned the full forecasting cadence for bookings, revenue, headcount, and operating expenses, delivering monthly reforecasts, scenario models, and executive-level insights.
• Developed long-range (3+ year) strategic financial models, enabling leadership to evaluate growth scenarios, margin expansion opportunities, and capital allocation trade-offs.
• Partnered directly with C-suite executives, providing decision support on pricing, profitability, investment prioritization, and operational performance.
• Created financial dashboards and KPI frameworks (including NRR, LTV, margin, and risk indicators) to improve visibility and accountability across global operations.
• Delivered board-ready reporting and investor materials, including financial models used during a multi-million-dollar transaction in 2023.
• Designed KPI frameworks and dashboards (NRR, LTV, margin, risk indicators) that improved visibility and accountability across global operations.
• Improved forecast accuracy to within 2% of budget, through enhanced modelling, standardized processes, and improved data governance.
• Led automation initiatives, including Power BI dashboards for commission modelling and performance reporting, reducing manual effort and improving data reliability.
• Strengthened alignment between operational reporting and corporate finance, improving transparency across a multi-entity, multi-currency structure.

Lead Project Financial Analyst, Late Stage Operations at Worldwide Clinical Trials – Global Contract Research Organization (2017-04 – 2020-09)

Serve as the primary financial partner for a portfolio of global Late Stage clinical programs, providing end-to-end financial oversight across study delivery, internal operations, and strategic planning. Collaborate closely with Commercial Operations, Operational Delivery, and Finance leadership to ensure accurate revenue recognition, disciplined cost management, and strong financial governance aligned with organizational growth objectives.

• Led financial management for complex global studies across major pharmaceutical clients and emerging biotech organizations, overseeing full project P&L including service fees, grants, and pass-through costs. Delivered clear, actionable reporting on actuals vs. budget and overall project health.
• Strengthened financial governance by ensuring timely and accurate revenue recognition, billing, and financial close activities, contributing to improved forecast accuracy and portfolio-level visibility.
• Partnered with Operational Delivery to optimize resource utilization across cross-functional teams, aligning staffing plans with project scope, timelines, and financial targets.
• Delivered training and process guidance to project finance colleagues, promoting consistency, standardization, and best practices across the Late Stage finance organization.
• Managed end to end financial performance for complex global programs, including revenue forecasting, margin analysis, and scenario modelling.
• Partnered with Commercial Finance on pricing strategy, rate card reviews, and margin optimization.
• Improved forecasting accuracy and operational visibility through standardized reporting and financial controls.
• Delivered financial insights to senior leadership, influencing resource planning and commercial strategy.

Finance Director at Positive Outcomes Limited – National Apprenticeship Training Provider (2010-07 – 2017-04)

Built and led the finance function during a period of rapid organizational growth, establishing financial governance, reporting structures, and operational processes to support expansion. Managed a team of six across accounting, payroll, and financial planning while partnering with executive leadership to improve financial visibility, strengthen client reporting, and support strategic investment decisions.

• Built and scaled the FP&A and finance function, implementing forecasting models, reporting structures, and financial controls.
• Owned budgeting, long range planning, and three statement modeling during rapid revenue growth from £2M to £10M.
• Delivered board level reporting and multi year financial models to support strategic planning and investment decisions.
• Played a key role in a Management Buyout, supporting due diligence and investor engagement.
• Implemented SAGE 200 and improved financial infrastructure, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiency.

Costing & Income Accountant at Nottinghamshire Community Health (NCH) (2008-08 – 2010-07)

AP Manager at South East Derbyshire College (2000-11 – 2008-08)

MBA in Management Accountancy – Chartered Institute of Management Accountants