Simon Gawn

A high performing, dedicated and results-driven worker with a proven track record in finance and office management. Over 15 years I have consistently demonstrated expertise in steering the financial success of organisations, managing multifaceted responsibilities, and implementing strategic solutions to drive operational efficiency. Holding a broad range of transferable skills and an appetite for innovation and continuous improvement.

I am now seeking a challenging role where I can leverage my diverse skill set in finance, operations, and bu

Finance & Office Manager, Up North Cabinet Makers June 2021-Present

 Manage the office and the finances for a local business that designs, manufactures and installs bespoke kitchens and fitted furniture, where I contributed heavily to increasing turnover by

350% through doubling enquiries within 2 years and converting more high value jobs.

 Bookkeeping, financial reports, project profitability reporting, cashflow planning and forecasting, KPIs, reporting on these matters directly to the company director.

 Steering new enquiries towards a consultation then quoting and selling these to the customer.

 Contributing to marketing including social media posts, setting up paid ads on Google and

Facebook, writing or proofreading copy for the website.

 Finding and approaching architects and interior designers for collaboration.

 Built and ran a CRM on Monday.com, tracking customer data in numerous fields. Reporting on the findings to inform financial and marketing decisions.

 Proactive in identifying software, plugins and automations to maximise efficiency.

 Operating as the HR department for 9 staff members, processing payroll, monitoring and reporting on employee timesheets, administering pensions and holidays/sick leave, managing employee contracts, conducting staff inductions.

 Interviewing prospective new hires for marketing and project management positions and making joint decisions on those hires.

 Obtaining grants, lending and R&D payments for the business.

Self-employed bookkeeper Nov 2016-Present

 Over 40 clients, many of whom I have a longstanding relationship with having been introduced via my previous employer, proactively sourcing others myself online.

 Provide services including VAT returns, reconciliations, purchase and sales ledger management, credit control and reporting.

 Wrote and produced an online video course for Xero.

Bookkeeper, Knowles Warwick May 2013-Nov 2016

 Oversaw all VAT returns, related issues and deadlines, prepared monthly management accounts and acted as personal contact for bookkeeping matters for over 30 clients.

 Set up new software systems for clients and paperless system for office.

 Undertook formal training in Xero, Sage, Twinfield and Receipt Bank

Senior Bookkeeper, Mowbray Accounting Mar 2008-May 2013

 Directly responsible for several larger clients, completing Ltd Company Annual Returns, SA

Tax Returns, VAT Returns, CIS returns and payroll. Secretarial duties and credit control.

 Supervised and directed two junior staff and conducted their software training.

Business Support Officer, Sheffield City Council Nov 2007-Mar 2008

 Processed requests for social care for the elderly and arranged their online shopping.

 Recorded incoming invoices and cheques and managed the filing system.

Neighbourhoods Team Support Officer,

Northern Counties Housing Association Sep 2007-Nov 2007

 Reception desk, received and assessed applications for social housing.

 Interpersonal skills required to deal with customers under severe pressure with their finances,

health, family issues, often homelessness, plus a shortage of housing.

--- May 2007 to Sep 2007 spent travelling in South America and Europe ---

Facilities Management Administrator,

South Yorkshire Police Jan 2006- May 2007

 Arranged for engineers and contractors to fix problems in police properties and processed related purchase invoices.

 Created new electronic record system from original paper records for property deeds.

Assistant Researcher, Department for Education July 2005 -Dec 2005

 Written reports on current policy areas and conducted literature reviews.

 Helped manage a large national data collection on disadvantaged children, collecting and interpreting data to deliver useful conclusions for local authorities

AAT Bookkeeping Level 2 2011

BA (Hons) in Politics, University of Liverpool 2002-05

4 A-Levels and 10 GCSEs 2000-02