Carol brings over two decades experience in charities and not-for-profit, she is a member of the Charity Commission’s SORP committee and has worked with many leading charities, universities and other NFP bodies across a broad spectrum of areas with a particular emphasis on external audit.
Carol shares some of her career highlights, her top advice and explains why she is passionate about the sector and helping clients make an impact on our society…
How would you describe your role in three words?
Exciting
Inspiring
Rewarding
Favourite thing about your role?
I love working in the Not for Profit sector where our clients really make an impact on our society. I am also delighted to have joined a great management team and look forward to helping drive the Firm’s strategy and growth.
What is your career highlight?
I have a few things that come to mind:
Best industry event?
For many years, I have attended and contributed to the Charity Finance Group’s Annual Conference which I believe is the leading conference for charity finance professionals in the sector. It’s always a fabulously curated event, and a chance to catch up informally with clients and friends in the sector.
Most interesting client no one has ever heard of?
A former client of mine that people will know but not realise is one of the oldest charities in the country – Borough Market
What area do you currently specialise in? Tell us what your work involves.
My experience extends across charities, universities, independent schools, trade unions and membership bodies and I have worked with a very diverse range of clients in terms of both size and activities. This has enabled me to develop significant expertise across all aspects of accounting, assurance and governance as well as strategic issues and risk.
I am also an accredited coach. This is an area that I’m looking forward to developing as an offering to support clients and targets going forward.
Tell us about some of the top trends you have been following in the past year – is there something that businesses should be aware of?
Clearly this last year has been unlike any other, and the NFP sector has been impacted hugely in different ways. I’ve outlined the top challenges which I think organisations have had to get to grips with, and will continue to be a challenge moving forward:
What has been the greatest lesson you have learned working with clients through Covid-19?
Having to be adaptable, patient with working virtually – and a reliance on good systems (which hasn’t always been the case), and accepting that things will take a little longer than previously. But with communication being the key learning – keeping people updated means there are no surprises.
What is one piece of advice you would tell clients at the moment?
Don’t rush back to the previous normal, embrace the best of the changes that you’ve had to implement – life is all about evolution, and so make the most of the learnings from the last year and make them better.
What are your goals for your area of the business over the next 12 months?
I’m looking forward to getting to know our team, our clients, and growing the business to become a leading player in the sector. I’d also like to have created a fully operational coaching service available to clients and future clients as I’m passionate that this can support individuals, even more so at this challenging time.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Don’t be afraid of not giving an instant answer if you need time to think the question through. It is fine to say ‘I’d like to give that some thought’.
Outside of work, what would you be doing?
I enjoy spending time with my husband, going for long walks in the countryside and family holidays with our three grown up children. I’ve also got three horses which keep us busy and entertained.
Get in touch with Carol for any queries or if there is anything we can do to support you and your organisation.
We’d love to hear from you. To book an appointment or to find out more about our services:
