Curious Universe UK Ltd, Assistant accountant, Jul 2018 ~ Present

A joint venture between publishers Bookoli and Hinkler founded in 2018, together selling over 20 million products every year in 38 languages throughout 77 different countries. Product design and development takes place in Bath with finished goods container-shipped from printers in China to UK retailers via warehouses, or direct to international customers. Reported directly to Financial Director then to the Management Accountant as the Finance Section grew.

Achievements
• Managed the complexities of changing from Xero, with spreadsheets for stock control, to Microsoft Dynamics 365 as necessitated by the company’s rapid growth.
• Improved the management of shipping documentation by engaging with the Procurement, Production, Publishing and Operations Departments.
• Streamlined accounting data for management reporting, using the vlookup and pivot table functions of Excel.
• Introduced improved processes for expense reporting and P11D submissions.
• Trained new colleagues in company financial processes and accounting software.
• Constructed VAT returns, EC Sales List and Intrastat reports and submitted to HMRC.
• Initiated solutions for paperless document handling using Adobe Acrobat DC Pro and Adobe Sign when COVID19 forced staff to work from home.

Indoor Biotechnologies Ltd, Administrator/accountant, May 2007 ~ Jan 2018

A world-leading allergen detection manufacturer and research laboratory, with facilities in the USA, Cardiff and India, having a turnover of £3M and clients in pharmaceutical organisations, biotech companies and universities in fifty countries. Reported directly to the Executive Director in the UK and the CEO in the USA. Responsible for accounting, client development, marketing, health and safety and IT.

Achievements
• Analysed balance sheet, profit and loss and cashflow statements for reporting to the CEO in the USA.
• Initiated the use of Quickbooks as a marketing tool to provide data on target audiences, sector analysis, forecasting and sales trends.
• Upgraded the stock reporting and analysis system to improve lead times for the production teams.
• Designed product catalogues and marketing literature using Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, submitting printer-ready copy in PDF format.
• Designed exhibition posters using Adobe Illustrator, submitting printer-ready art in PDF and native formats.

• Produced 3D mockups of new laboratory space, exhibition stands and new products using Google Sketchup.

• Used Blender to produce photographic-quality renders of new products for use in marketing literature and short animations for use in marketing videos.

• Liaised with IT consultants to enable growth in IT capacity with introduction of Windows Server installation and VOIP telephony system.

• Used the OMIS programme (Overseas Market Introduction Service) to develop foreign trade.
• Coordinated Welsh Government OBDV (Overseas Business Development Visit) support.
• Lead contact with distributors in Japan, Republic of Korea and France.
• Instituted Health and Safety policies and managed compliance.