Della Hickey

Finance Manager and Bookkeeper with over 20 years' experience managing finance functions across the UK, Europe, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Experienced in management accounts, budgeting, cash flow forecasting, VAT, payroll, statutory reporting and multi-currency accounting. Having run my own bookkeeping and business support company, I understand finance from both an operational and commercial perspective and enjoy working closely with business owners and senior management to improve financial performance and maintain strong financial control.

I am now seeking a remote Finance Manager or Senior Bookkeeper role.

Group Finance Manager at iFuel AG, iFuel Dubai & iFuel KSA (2023-12 – Present)

Established the finance function from the ground up, creating a fully operational department where no finance team or processes previously existed.

• Designed and implemented financial procedures, reporting processes and internal controls to support the company's rapid growth across Switzerland, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
• Recruited, managed and developed a team of five finance professionals.
• Managed annual budgets of more than £6 million, preparing budgets, forecasts and cash flow reports to support business planning.
• Produced monthly management accounts, statutory financial statements and multicurrency reports for senior management and shareholders.
• Reduced the month-end close process from 33 days to 11 days by improving financial processes and reporting procedures.
• Managed VAT and Zakat compliance across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring all statutory deadlines were met.
• Led the year-end audit process, preparing supporting schedules and working closely with external auditors.
• Maintained accurate balance sheet reconciliations and strengthened financial controls across the business.
• Worked closely with directors and senior management, providing financial information and analysis to support commercial and strategic decisions.

Finance Manager at Ignite Technology (2022-12 – 2023-12)

Managed the day-to-day finance function, ensuring accurate financial reporting and compliance with company policies and UK accounting standards.

• Prepared monthly management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations and general ledger journals.
• Managed budgeting, forecasting and cash flow reporting to support business performance.
• Prepared and submitted VAT returns, ensuring compliance with HMRC requirements.
• Coordinated month-end and year-end close activities, ensuring reporting deadlines were met.
• Prepared audit schedules and supporting documentation, working closely with external auditors.
• Used advanced Excel, including PivotTables, VLOOKUP and financial modelling, to analyse financial data and support management reporting.
• Worked with operational teams to improve reporting processes and strengthen financial controls.

Director at Signature Bookkeeping & Business Support Limited (2018-05 – Present)

Founded and continue to run a bookkeeping and business support company providing services to sole traders and small businesses.

• Manage all aspects of bookkeeping, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, payroll and general ledger maintenance.
• Prepare VAT returns, sole trader accounts and HMRC submissions.
• Produce monthly management accounts, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets and cash flow reports.
• Support clients with budgeting, cash flow management and cost control, helping them make informed business decisions.
• Work closely with accountants and HMRC to ensure year-end accounts and tax matters are completed accurately and on time.
• Maintain accurate financial records and robust bookkeeping processes across a varied client portfolio.

Accounts Management at Arena Structures (2016-06 – 2018-05)

• Managed accounts payable and accounts receivable, ensuring invoices and payments were processed accurately and on time.
• Performed bank reconciliations and maintained petty cash records.
• Assisted with month-end and year-end close, including reconciliations and journal entries.
• Maintained accurate financial records using Sage.
• Prepared supporting schedules for management reporting and external audits.

Credit Manager at Interquest Group (2012-06 – 2016-05)

• Managed the credit control function, improving cash collection and reducing debtor days.
• Assessed customer credit risk and set appropriate credit limits.
• Managed aged debt, resolved account queries and negotiated payment plans where required.
• Produced accounts receivable, cash flow and bad debt reports for senior management.
• Built strong working relationships with customers and internal stakeholders to resolve issues efficiently.
• Ensured all credit control activities complied with company policies and relevant legislation.

Certificate of Higher Education in Accounting – Kaplan (2019 – 2019)

Certificate of Higher Education in Accounting – Kaplan (2015 – 2015)