Gary Cohen

Background

About Gary Cohen

I am a strategically minded ACA qualified Finance Director operating at senior and board level. I have led M&A deals (both purchase and sale), have transformed finance software, teams and processes, and have guided the budget, forecast and strategy planning processes. I support businesses to understand the key financial drivers that will enhance strategy and business decision making. My personal ethos is to work hard but to enjoy what I do by working with people who have a similar mindset and goals. I am a genuine partner to those I work with at all levels of the organisation. I support my colleagues, empower my teams and drive the business forward. Having worked in a variety of large and small businesses, I have the skills to provide strategic management support and a practical finance support function for all parts of the business. I focus on improving reporting, improving efficiency, implementing improvements to financial systems and processes, whilst building strong and resilient teams within Finance, IT and other areas under my control. I possess the commercial acumen and insight to drive the business and I build relationships with external partners such as banks, suppliers, tenants and auditors. However, I am not afraid of the tough decisions and have experience of making changes for the good of the organisation. My focus has always been to collaborate with colleagues around the business in order to understand their requirements and offer advice and support where required. One key thing I have learned is that it pays to take the initiative and make the key decisions. Moving forward is the only way to go. Backwards or standing still is not a place I want to dwell in. Key achievements include- Advising and managing sale of UK business and purchase of US business including due diligence work - Managed and completed strategic business refinancing - Devising and implementing a 5 year strategic plan to grow turnover by 75%- Creation and leadership of multi-department working groups to make informed and strategic decisions leading to cost savings and operational improvements - Transformation of accounting systems, reporting tools and general ledger to create brand new management reporting in line with board requirements - Making changes to auditors, suppliers, investment providers to improve the operational and financial status of the business I look forward to connecting with you Please email me at gary@cohenonline.co.uk call me on 07958 446366