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