Paul furness - Managing Director

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After successfully studying Computer Technology and Business Studies, l started my professional career at the Woolwich Building Society where I gained a solid foundation in Finance, Accounting and Management, quickly being promoted to Financial Controller. Motivated by change and challenge to expand my skillset into Finance Systems, culminating as the primary business lead in the implementation of SAP. 

During the takeover over of Woolwich Building Society by Barclays Bank [T/o £22bn], l was instrumental in the rationalisation of the two companies’ processes and systems, contributing a significant proportion to the overall integration saving of £0.5bn. Moving on as Head of Finance for Barclays Bank, providing strategic and financial support to 11 business executives (cost base £700m+) driving business performance. 

Continuing my passion for challenge and change, I accepted the role of Head of Finance Systems at AXA UK (inc AP/AR/GL/Banking Systems), working from London, Ipswich, Bristol and Paris. Managing a complex global environment, including SAP, End User Computing (EUC), DataBase management (Essbase, SQL and ABM), Actuarial modelling (SAS), and Service Delivery, and quickly achieved significant improvements in systems performance and service delivery through stream-lining process, governance and controls (SOx). l led a detailed process review which, in conjunction with global SAP rollout, enabled various functions to be either simplified, offshored, outsourced or eliminated.   

Once this challenge was complete, I accepted the role of Finance Systems Director at Sungard (U.S. software and professional services company [T/o £10bn]). Quickly identified opportunities in various areas including Organisation Resourcing, Project Management, Governance, and Architectural design. Capitalising on Change Management experience, various enhancements were applied to global resourcing model (including offshoring/onshoring, outsource/insource). Also drove significant improvements in governance/ SOx, improved documentation and project management.

 From an individual perspective, I am customer focused with proven leadership qualities, capable team player with a “can do” attitude, promotes ownership and has a reputation for delivery. Direct and honest, not afraid to challenge or be challenged.