Shaun Fairhurst

Experience

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  BSM (British School of Motoring)

  Mar 2004 - Oct 2006

  Business Accountant

  I was employed to do the management accountants and provide the newly promoted Finance Manager with assistance on the balance sheet reconciliations and other ad hoc duties. They needed to employ someone that would be able to dedicate sufficient time to reconciling the salaries, PAYE, NI, Employee Loans and other similar reconciliations as well as providing assistance in the budgeting and forecasting process and monthly management accounting responsibilities.I was responsible for preparation and reporting of the monthly management accounts, looking after marketing costs, salary costs and other operation costs and assisted with the production of the management accounting information packs at month end.I provided weekly KPI’s which included the weekly sales information, how many new learners were acquired in the week as well as leavers etc. I would review before passing onto my Finance Director and explain any variances to budget or the forecast. This was sent to various Senior Management and Board members.Balance sheet reconciliations, ensured reconciling items investigated and resolved on a timely basisReported the financial performance of the online retail products and products sold in the stores.Completed quarterly re-forecasts and annual budget and contributed to the 3 year budget planAssisted in the handover of BSM marketing costs to Avvia marketing after the acquisition of RAC PlcResponsible for validation of the monthly inter-company charges, this also involved calculating the exchange difference each month for IrelandInvolved in 3 year end’s, all completed within tight deadlines Show less

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  Innocent drinks

  Nov 2006 - Mar 2007

  International Management Accountant - Contract

  I was responsible for preparing and reporting the full monthly management accounts for two overseas subsidiaries (Ireland & Denmark), as well as providing commentary to the Financial Controller. Initially I also looked after the Purchase Ledger and Credit Control functions whilst these positions where been recruited. It was my responsibility to make sure that all invoices were entered on a timely basis, set up on the correct payment terms and paid on time. Danish companies have strict payment terms, i.e. that all creditors are paid in 7 days, therefore it was imperative that payments to Danish suppliers were always paid on time. I would provide an Aged Creditors Analysis report the Financial Controller once a week to discuss outstanding payments owing and contributing to efficient management of the cash flow in the company.I was also responsible for Credit Control, this involved issuing invoices and customer statements to debtors on timely basis, chasing for payment and correctly allocating payments received against invoices on the system. I would also provide the Financial Controller with the Aged Debtor Analysis on a weekly basis to help manage outstanding debts. I was then responsible for the training up of the new Purchase and Sales Ledger clerks as well as the new management accountant before I left to go travelling.I produced balance sheet reconciliations on a monthly basis, reconciliations included the stock, ensuring that the stock held agreed back to the ledger and investigated any variances where it did not. Show less

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  Sky

  Nov 2006 - Nov 2006

  Financial Analyst - One month contract

  I decided after working at the British School of Motoring for 2 and a half years that I wanted to explore the contracting marketing and started my first contracting role at BskyB.My role entailed assisting in the analysis and preparation of the month end packs and balance sheet reconciliations and any ad hoc duties as and when required.

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  Travelling

  Mar 2007 - Jun 2007

  Travelling
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  BUPA - 3 month contract

  Jun 2007 - Aug 2007

  Group Analyst

  This was a 3 month contract that I began after I went traveling for 3 months before. I was contracted there whilst they were employing internally.I was responsible for the production and delivery of the Group’s monthly management reporting, quarterly re-forecasts and 3YP. This involved reviewing the management reporting data submitted and identifying any anomalies or issues and then resolving them. I also reviewed the supporting commentary and ensured that sufficient explanation was provided to explain variances and fluctuations against expectation. I consolidated this information into a report that I presented to the Finance Director and was used in the monthly board packs.I also assisted the team in the preparation of the monthly “flash” results, which were reported to the Group Executive Forum (GEF). This meant that I had to liaise with the team responsible for sending these figures to me making sure that they sent accurate and relevant information on a timely basis that allowed me to sufficiently review their figures and resolve any discrepancies.I was responsible for the collation of information on Group capital expenditure against budget and forecast and responsible for the analysis of any variances that was identified and training of the new recruit. Show less

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  The Mail on Sunday (Daily Mail General Trust Plc)

  Sept 2007 - Mar 2011

  Senior Management Accountant

  The Mail on Sunday was the second largest Sunday newspaper when I was working there, behind that of The News of the World, which has recently closed.I was responsible for producing and reporting the monthly management accounts, for both revenues and costs.I provided a "Flash" Profit and Loss summary on a weekly basis to the Chairman, Managing Director, Group Finance Director and other board members of The Mail on Sunday. This was a weekly and cumulative updated profit & loss forecast for the past Sunday’s edition of the paper. Arranged monthly meetings with Legal Director, Managing Editor and FD to discuss current and up and coming legal cases.Completed quarterly re-forecasts and set up the annual budgets.Responsible for compiling, reviewing and the distribution of month end board packs.Successfully managed the changeover from the old finance system to the new, ensuring that all accounts and reports were migrated to the new system seamlessly.I was involved in the testing of the new system and made "super-user" for all divisions of the business.I liaised with the business units and reporting team to create new reports from the new system.Project work included, feasibility studies and Return on Investments.Prepared tax schedules at half year and year endCoordinated, managed and completed the annual P11d and PSA tax returnsAssisted and collated information requested by the internal and external auditors. Managed balance sheet reconciliations. Show less

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  10X Investments

  Jul 2011 - Mar 2012

  Fund Accountant

  Responsible for the preparation and reporting of management accounts. Annual budget and monthly cash flow forecast. Balance sheet reconciliations. Built new system reports and streamlined payments, uploading all payments collectively rather than individually.

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  SABT

  Apr 2012 - May 2012

  Management Accountant

  Preparation and reporting of management accounts. Maintaining daily cash flow forecast and balance sheet reconciliations.

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  Carve Consulting

  May 2012 - Dec 2012

  Management Accountant Consultant

  I set up an accounting and consultancy business, specialising in offering quality management accounting and financial services, with a key focus on small to medium size enterprises.After 6 months and after having acquired several clients, an opportunity arose, where I joined the services of a client that was growing swiftly and ultimately required the services of a full-time accountant. I joined ANDPEOPLE full-time at the beginning of January 2013

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  Andpeople

  Jan 2013 - Dec 2017

  Director of Finance And Operations

  ANDPEOPLE was a marketing agency with offices in South Africa and Australia. I provided leadership to all aspects of financial stewardship, budgeting, financial analysis, resource procurement, operational analysis, and project management. I was an integral part of the management team, contributing to the year-on-year growth of the business through detailed budgets and financial forecasts, and the implementation and introduction of process improvements that boosted efficiencies.

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  Fairfox Consulting

  Jan 2018 - now

  Founder | Virtual CFO | Cloud Accounting Specialist | Business Solutions Expert

  As the founder of Fairfox Consulting, a forward-thinking digital accounting and consultancy firm, I am passionate about revolutionizing the accounting landscape through cutting-edge cloud accounting solutions. With a diverse client portfolio ranging from small businesses to large enterprises, I specialize in providing specialist cloud accounting services tailored to meet each client's unique needs.At Fairfox Consulting, we are experts in implementing and optimizing cloud-based accounting systems such as Xero. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, we empower businesses to leverage the full potential of cloud accounting and drive their success in the digital age.Collaborating closely with clients, I work diligently to understand their specific business requirements. By gaining deep insights into their operations, challenges, and goals, I develop customized solutions that align with their vision and drive their growth. Through this collaborative approach, I have helped numerous businesses streamline their accounting processes and implement efficient workflows, resulting in improved productivity and significant cost savings.I firmly believe that cloud-based accounting is the future of finance. By leveraging this technology, businesses can enhance their agility, scalability, and decision-making capabilities. My passion lies in assisting organizations in harnessing the power of cloud accounting to achieve their full potential and stay ahead of the competition.If you are seeking a visionary leader with expertise in cloud accounting, a track record of driving operational efficiency, and a commitment to delivering tailored business solutions, I invite you to connect with me. Let's explore how Fairfox Consulting can help your organization embrace the digital transformation and thrive in the rapidly evolving business landscape. Show less

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  Sentinel Ocean Alliance (SOA)

  Jan 2019 - now

  Fractional CFO / Treasurer
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  ExcluServ Ltd

  Apr 2019 - Dec 2023

  Senior Consultant

  In my most recent role, I supported the Consultancy Director in a two-year global project for a prominent UK charity. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, I effectively rolled out SunAccounts across multiple countries in the Middle East, Africa, and South America. Through remote collaboration, I facilitated the training and onboarding of finance staff, delivering ongoing support for the live system in these regions.One of my key achievements was ensuring the accuracy of conversion balances in various currencies. By meticulously managing and supporting finance teams in each country, I maintained precise monthly reconciliations and accurately recorded accounts. I proactively addressed issues, resolved them promptly, and efficiently calculated and reconciled forex revaluations during year-end procedures.Currently, I hold a leadership position overseeing teams in South Africa and the UK for multiple organizations. I am responsible for ensuring the timely delivery of comprehensive management reports, the seamless execution and implementation of budgets and forecasts, and the successful management of year-end audits. Additionally, I possess expertise in utilizing Power BI to develop innovative solutions that enhance data visualization and reporting accuracy.Furthermore, I have a solid background in project management, having successfully implemented a new pay-run automation software across multiple clients. My ability to drive projects forward and deliver exceptional results has consistently contributed to the operational efficiency and success of organizations I have worked with.I am a detail-oriented professional with a strong commitment to excellence, a strategic mindset, and exceptional problem-solving skills. I thrive in dynamic and fast-paced environments, where my ability to lead, collaborate, and deliver exceptional financial outcomes makes a significant impact. Show less

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  The CFO Centre South Africa

  Feb 2024 - now

  Portfolio CFO

  The CFO Centre is the world's number 1 provider of Chief Financial Officer Services to medium and larger businesses. Founded in 2001 in the UK, our Firm is the most respected provider of CFO Services in South Africa and globally. Our local Team of 75 CFOs brings deep experience and acumen to any business, spanning most industries and specialisms. Our Part-Time CFO Service is aimed at businesses that may not want or need a full time CFO, however, do need high-level, strategic and commercial expertise to support decision making, scale-up and building enterprise value. For larger corporations we provide Chief Financial Officer and Finance Manager contract and consulting solutions and permanent placements. Discover our cost effective, professional, flexible CFO Solutions at www.cfocentre.com/za We define and deliver the Numbers that really matter! Show less