Job Description

xe2x80x8bIn celebration of International Women's Day, we continue our series by highlighting the inspiring journey of female leaders in finance who are making a significant impact throughout their career.In this installation we are thrilled to feature an interview with Louise Shute, the Chief Financial Officer of Hollybank Trust, a not-for-profit care provider dedicated to supporting individuals with complex needs. Since joining Hollybank Trust in 2019, Louise has been instrumental in driving financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. Her leadership goes beyond numbers, focusing on ensuring that every financial decision aligns with the organisation's mission to provide outstanding care. Join us as we dive into her career-defining moments, the traits that have contributed to her success, and her invaluable advice for the next generation of female finance leaders. xe2x80x8b1.Please can you provide a summary of who you work for and your current role?I am the Chief Financial Officer of Hollybank Trust, a large not-for-profit care provider that delivers specialist care and education to individuals with complex needs. Since joining in 2019, I have been responsible for overseeing finance, IT, estates, and HR, ensuring financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and a strong, well-supported workforce. My role is not just about numbers-it's about making sure every financial decision supports the organisation's mission. I work closely with the executive team and trustees to strategically plan for the future, secure funding, and drive initiatives that enhance the care we provide. This includes leading acquisitions, driving digital transformation, and optimising resources to ensure we remain sustainable and continue to deliver outstanding care in an increasingly challenging financial landscape.xe2x80x8b2.What have been the one or two most defining moments in your career to date?A few pivotal moments have shaped my career and leadership style: Building a finance function from the ground up - One of my most challenging and rewarding experiences was setting up an entire finance team from scratch for a large care group. Bringing the finance function in-house, creating new systems, and ensuring financial stability in a complex organisation gave me invaluable leadership experience. Leading an acquisition - More recently, I successfully led the acquisition of a care business, ensuring financial due diligence, securing funding, and integrating the new business into our operations. This was a defining moment in navigating the complexities of growth while maintaining financial security. Driving digital transformation - Overseeing our transition to a nearly paperless organisation has been a major milestone. Introducing new financial, HR, and operational systems has made us more efficient and forward-thinking, ensuring we are well-equipped for the future. Beyond these, every year brings new challenges in the not-for-profit and care sector, where funding is tight, costs are rising, and financial sustainability is an ongoing battle. Navigating these challenges while keeping the organisation strong and adaptable is something I take pride in.xe2x80x8b3.What are the most important personal traits, values or characteristics that, being a female finance leader, has really helped to contribute to your success?Leadership isn't just about making decisions-it's about bringing people with you. The qualities that have shaped my success as a finance leader include: Compassion and genuine interest in people - I care about my colleagues and take the time to listen, understand their perspectives, and create a supportive environment. Decisiveness and resilience - In finance, tough decisions need to be made. I can balance strategy with reality, ensuring we remain financially stable while protecting the organisation's core values. Strong communication - Finance can sometimes feel like a separate world, but I ensure complex financial insights are communicated clearly to teams, trustees, and stakeholders so they can make informed decisions. Positivity, even in difficult times - The financial landscape for care providers is constantly evolving, and it's easy to focus on the challenges. I believe in staying solution-focused and adaptable, ensuring we embrace change rather than fear it. A positive outlook helps to motivate teams, find creative solutions, and maintain momentum even during difficult periods. I wouldn't say I've faced direct challenges as a woman in finance, but finance leadership remains a male-dominated space, especially at board level. Many women struggle with imposter syndrome, and I think it's crucial to own your expertise, trust your ability, and bring your unique strengths to the table.xe2x80x8b4.What is the one piece of advice that you would share with the next generation of female finance leaders as they look to build their careers?My biggest piece of advice is: do what makes you happy. You spend so much of your life at work-it's essential to enjoy it. If you don't, don't be afraid to seek out something that challenges, excites, and fulfils you. Beyond that, a few key lessons I've learned: Be true to yourself. Work for organisations that align with your beliefs, morals, and values. Build a strong team. Surround yourself with capable, driven people-it will make all the difference. Keep learning. I haven't had an official mentor, but I invest in seminars, courses, and networking to continuously grow. Finding a mentor or widening your professional network can be invaluable. Stay adaptable. Finance, technology, and the business landscape are evolving rapidly. Staying open to change and embracing new ways of working will set you apart. Above all, believe in yourself. Women often doubt their abilities more than men, but confidence comes from experience. Keep learning, keep leading, and don't be afraid to step up and take your seat at the table.xe2x80x8bLouise's journey is a testament to her power of resilience, compassion, and strategic vision in leadership. Her dedication to Hollybank Trust's mission and her ability to navigate the complexities of the not-for-profit sector have set a remarkable example for aspiring female finance leaders. Her advice to stay true to oneself, build strong teams, and continuously learn resonates deeply, reminding us all of the importance of passion and adaptability in our careers. We hope her story inspires and empowers the next generation of women to pursue their ambitions with confidence and determination. While women are making strides in leadership roles, a significant gender gap still exists. In 2024, 36% of new CFO hires in FTSE 100 companies were female, a notable increase from 2023 when only 14% of new hires were female [1]. Despite this progress, women hold only 25% of CFO positions in the FTSE 100 [2]. These statistics highlight the ongoing need for greater gender diversity and support for women in finance. xe2x80x8bLooking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAY and let's chart your career path together.xc3x97Job details Posted 04 April 2025 Salary xc2xa345,000 - xc2xa350,000 Bonus, Study Support, Pension, Free Parking, Hybrid Working LocationWakefield Job type Discipline ReferenceJPL4052ConsultantConsultantFinance Business PartnerJob descriptionxe2x80x8bA Wakefield-based marketing company is looking to expand its accounts team by hiring a Finance Business Partner. In this role, you will support senior finance by preparing financial reports and providing insightful commentary to assist the commercial team. As a key member of the finance department, you'll regularly communicate financial information to department heads. This position offers valuable exposure and the chance to grow within a dynamic business that provides excellent career progression.This opportunity is ideal for someone with commercial finance experience who is eager to advance within a thriving business.Key responsibilities include working with senior finance and the broader team to:Proactively identify and highlight opportunities to enhance business performance.Collaborate with senior management worldwide, focusing on a specific client portfolio while gaining a deep understanding of the business and its commercial drivers.Assist in monthly and quarterly financial planning.Partner with senior stakeholders to report on business performance.Provide regular updates on financial performance and key business KPIs.Support commercial modeling and business case development.Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the finance function.Offer ad-hoc analysis, advice, and support on financial performance and processes.Complete other ad-hoc tasks as needed.The ideal candidate will have experience in commercial finance and be either part-qualified (with one or two exams remaining) or fully qualified in ACCA, CIMA, or ACA. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to make a significant impact on the business.If you are ready to take the next step in your finance career, this role offers strong potential for growth and development.Sharp Consultancy is a finance and accountancy recruitment specialist assisting accounting and finance divisions of businesses in the Yorkshire and Derbyshire area. With over 30 years' experience we pride ourselves on sourcing excellent finance professionals across all divisions of an accounts function.Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK full time without restriction. To apply please send your CV to the e-mail address stated, quoting our reference and specifying which website you saw this position advertised on. Due to the high volume of applications, we receive it is not always possible to respond to unsuccessful applicants. Therefore, if we have not responded to your application within seven days, please note that on this occasion your application has not been successful.xe2x80x8bSign up for job alertsIf you are a human, ignore this field Create alertYou agree to ourShare this jobSimilar JobsWakefieldPermanentxc2xa345,000 - xc2xa350,000 Bonus, Study Support, Pension, Free Parking, Hybrid WorkingBradfordPermanentxc2xa345,000 - xc2xa350,000 Bonus, Hybrid, Pension, Study SupportLeedsxc2xa345,000 - xc2xa350,000 Bonus, Study Support, Pension, Free Parking, Hybrid WorkingHullPermanentxc2xa345,000 - xc2xa350,000 + Hybrid Working + Study SupportManchesterPermanentxc2xa345,000 - xc2xa350,000 Healthcare / Pension / 35 Hour Week / Hybrid Working 3/2 Split

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