About Me

I am a not for profit and charity specialist who is absolutely passionate about unlocking the potential of charity finance and charity finance people to make a real difference. I have worked in this sector for over 16 years, both as a finance director and chief operating officer, and as a partner in some of the leading charity-specialist accounting and advisory teams. I’ve been lucky enough to work with a huge range of organisations, from household name charities to small local organisations, membership bodies, educational charities, grant giving foundations, international development charities and social enterprises. This has given me a unique insight into the issues not for profit boards and senior managers face today as well as hands on experience of delivering on strategy, transforming finance teams and creating change.

What it’s like to work with me

My approach to working with each of my clients is to spend time up front really getting to know you – your strategic goals, your challenges and opportunities, your culture and team relationships – and then agree a clear plan of how I can work with you to help you deliver on your vision and mission. One size does not fit all, particularly in the not for profit sector, and really getting to the heart of the matter up front in any engagement is key to success. My approach is strategic and I am adept at seeing the big picture, asking good questions, identifying the underlying problem and setting and implementing achievable plans for change. My leadership style is approachable, action oriented and focussed on bringing out the best in everyone in the team and this focus also carries over into my coaching work. Overall my aim is bring my experience and skills together for your benefit, to diagnose problems, find solutions and help your organisation move forward and achieve its vision and mission.

What people say about me

“Karen has been one of the most outstanding colleagues with whom I have had the pleasure and privilege of working. She has the ability to communicate complex financial issues in a simple manner to non-specialists and has a delightful manner and personal style which is both extremely professional and very personable – a rare combination”

“I have worked with Karen for many years, and have been really impressed by what she has been able to help our charity to achieve. What I appreciate most is her ability to develop a deep understanding of the challenges facing our organisation and how she applies her extensive knowledge of the sector as well as excellent technical know how to achieve great results.”

“Karen is full of common sense and very good at finding practical solutions to complex problems. I cannot recommend Karen highly enough”

“Karen – your support and advice to our organisation has been greatly valued over recent years. Your assistance has helped us take significant steps forward.”

“Karen has the great ability to understand and explain the complexities of both charity accounting and charity law and how they apply specifically to your charity. The rare combination of having worked in the charity sector as a Chief Operating Officer and Finance Director and also as a specialised charity Audit Partner gives her great insight into the challenges and opportunities the sector faces, from both sides of the fence, and this shines through in the advice received.”

“A strategic leader that gets to the root of the issue quickly and gives high quality, authoritative and practical advice sought after by Chief Executives, Senior Management and Trustees. What more could you ask for!”

“Thank you again for all of your hard work and patient explanations. As my colleague said in the meeting, your support Karen was crucial. Looking forward to working with you again next year.”

“Both the Treasurer and I feel we are in very good hands with you.”

“Working with Karen is not only a huge pleasure, it’s also one of the best things to do to help your charity. Her clear minded, sound and straight forward advice cuts to the chase, combines the practical with the strategic and I personally have learned a huge amount from working with her. I not only would recommend her wholeheartedly and unreservedly to anyone needing advice, but also hope to work with her again. Our sector needs more of Karen’s input, approach and experience.”

“Karen’s approach is always driven by her client’s needs. Her experience both in industry and practice allows her to provide extremely relevant, practical and useful advice both to clients and colleagues. I found Karen’s guidance on both technical and soft skills to be invaluable, and I am immensely grateful to Karen for the development I undertook during my time working with her.”