Louise Shute

Celebrating International Women's Day with Louise Shute

​In celebration of International Women's Day, we continue our series by highlighting the inspiring journey of female leaders in finance who are making a significant impact throughout their career.In this installation we are thrilled to feature an interview with Louise Shute, the Chief Financial Officer of Hollybank Trust, a not-for-profit care provider dedicated to supporting individuals with complex needs. Since joining Hollybank Trust in 2019, Louise has been instrumental in driving financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and strategic growth. Her leadership goes beyond numbers, focusing on ensuring that every financial decision aligns with the organisation's mission to provide outstanding care. Join us as we dive into her career-defining moments, the traits that have contributed to her success, and her invaluable advice for the next generation of female finance leaders. ​1.Please can you provide a summary of who you work for and your current role?I am the Chief Financial Officer of Hollybank Trust, a large not-for-profit care provider that delivers specialist care and education to individuals with complex needs. Since joining in 2019, I have been responsible for overseeing finance, IT, estates, and HR, ensuring financial sustainability, operational efficiency, and a strong, well-supported workforce. My role is not just about numbers—it’s about making sure every financial decision supports the organisation’s mission. I work closely with the executive team and trustees to strategically plan for the future, secure funding, and drive initiatives that enhance the care we provide. This includes leading acquisitions, driving digital transformation, and optimising resources to ensure we remain sustainable and continue to deliver outstanding care in an increasingly challenging financial landscape.​2.What have been the one or two most defining moments in your career to date?A few pivotal moments have shaped my career and leadership style: Building a finance function from the ground up – One of my most challenging and rewarding experiences was setting up an entire finance team from scratch for a large care group. Bringing the finance function in-house, creating new systems, and ensuring financial stability in a complex organisation gave me invaluable leadership experience. Leading an acquisition – More recently, I successfully led the acquisition of a care business, ensuring financial due diligence, securing funding, and integrating the new business into our operations. This was a defining moment in navigating the complexities of growth while maintaining financial security. Driving digital transformation – Overseeing our transition to a nearly paperless organisation has been a major milestone. Introducing new financial, HR, and operational systems has made us more efficient and forward-thinking, ensuring we are well-equipped for the future. Beyond these, every year brings new challenges in the not-for-profit and care sector, where funding is tight, costs are rising, and financial sustainability is an ongoing battle. Navigating these challenges while keeping the organisation strong and adaptable is something I take pride in.​3.What are the most important personal traits, values or characteristics that, being a female finance leader, has really helped to contribute to your success?Leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about bringing people with you. The qualities that have shaped my success as a finance leader include: Compassion and genuine interest in people – I care about my colleagues and take the time to listen, understand their perspectives, and create a supportive environment. Decisiveness and resilience – In finance, tough decisions need to be made. I can balance strategy with reality, ensuring we remain financially stable while protecting the organisation’s core values. Strong communication – Finance can sometimes feel like a separate world, but I ensure complex financial insights are communicated clearly to teams, trustees, and stakeholders so they can make informed decisions. Positivity, even in difficult times – The financial landscape for care providers is constantly evolving, and it’s easy to focus on the challenges. I believe in staying solution-focused and adaptable, ensuring we embrace change rather than fear it. A positive outlook helps to motivate teams, find creative solutions, and maintain momentum even during difficult periods. I wouldn’t say I’ve faced direct challenges as a woman in finance, but finance leadership remains a male-dominated space, especially at board level. Many women struggle with imposter syndrome, and I think it’s crucial to own your expertise, trust your ability, and bring your unique strengths to the table.​4.What is the one piece of advice that you would share with the next generation of female finance leaders as they look to build their careers?My biggest piece of advice is: do what makes you happy. You spend so much of your life at work—it’s essential to enjoy it. If you don’t, don’t be afraid to seek out something that challenges, excites, and fulfils you. Beyond that, a few key lessons I’ve learned: Be true to yourself. Work for organisations that align with your beliefs, morals, and values. Build a strong team. Surround yourself with capable, driven people—it will make all the difference. Keep learning. I haven’t had an official mentor, but I invest in seminars, courses, and networking to continuously grow. Finding a mentor or widening your professional network can be invaluable. Stay adaptable. Finance, technology, and the business landscape are evolving rapidly. Staying open to change and embracing new ways of working will set you apart. Above all, believe in yourself. Women often doubt their abilities more than men, but confidence comes from experience. Keep learning, keep leading, and don’t be afraid to step up and take your seat at the table.​Louise’s journey is a testament to her power of resilience, compassion, and strategic vision in leadership. Her dedication to Hollybank Trust's mission and her ability to navigate the complexities of the not-for-profit sector have set a remarkable example for aspiring female finance leaders. Her advice to stay true to oneself, build strong teams, and continuously learn resonates deeply, reminding us all of the importance of passion and adaptability in our careers. We hope her story inspires and empowers the next generation of women to pursue their ambitions with confidence and determination. While women are making strides in leadership roles, a significant gender gap still exists. In 2024, 36% of new CFO hires in FTSE 100 companies were female, a notable increase from 2023 when only 14% of new hires were female [1]. Despite this progress, women hold only 25% of CFO positions in the FTSE 100 [2]. These statistics highlight the ongoing need for greater gender diversity and support for women in finance. ​Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAY and let's chart your career path together.

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Transactional Temps

Temporary Transactional Finance Jobs

Temporary Transactional Finance Jobs

The Benefits of a Career in Temporary Transactional Finance Roles

Temporary transactional finance roles are essential for organisations seeking flexible and efficient support for their day-to-day financial operations. These positions offer candidates a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, diversify their skill set, and enjoy a dynamic work environment. Professionals in temporary transactional finance play a vital role in maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance, and facilitating smooth financial processes on a short-term basis.

What Are Temporary Transactional Finance Jobs?

Temporary transactional finance jobs focus on operational finance tasks, typically on a fixed-term or project-based basis. These roles cover essential functions such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, and cash flow management. Temporary positions often arise due to seasonal demand, system migrations, team restructuring, or to cover staff absences.

Temporary transactional roles are ideal for candidates who value flexibility, want to explore different industries, or are looking to quickly gain practical finance experience.

What Do Temporary Transactional Finance Roles Offer Candidates?

Temporary transactional finance jobs provide numerous advantages for professionals at various stages of their careers:

  • Flexibility: Temporary roles allow candidates to choose assignments that align with their schedules or career goals, offering a better work-life balance.

  • Skill Development: These roles provide hands-on experience with financial processes, software, and organisational workflows, helping candidates develop practical, marketable skills.

  • Industry Exposure: Temporary positions offer opportunities to work in diverse sectors, from retail and healthcare to manufacturing and technology, broadening candidates’ industry knowledge.

  • Networking Opportunities: Short-term roles help professionals expand their professional network, building connections that can lead to permanent positions or future assignments.

  • Quick Entry to the Job Market: Temporary roles are often available on short notice, making them an excellent option for candidates looking to secure employment quickly.

  • Pathway to Permanent Roles: Many organisations use temporary positions as a stepping stone for permanent hires, allowing candidates to prove their abilities and secure long-term roles.

Skills Needed for Success in Temporary Transactional Finance

To excel in temporary transactional finance jobs, candidates should possess the following skills:

  • Adaptability: The ability to quickly learn new systems and processes is essential for succeeding in fast-paced, short-term roles.

  • Attention to Detail: Precision in handling invoices, payments, and reconciliations is vital to maintain accuracy and reliability.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with common accounting software, ERP systems, and digital financial tools ensures smooth integration into any role.

  • Strong Communication: Clear and professional interaction with team members and stakeholders is key to understanding expectations and delivering results.

  • Time Management: Balancing priorities and meeting deadlines is especially important in temporary positions, where tasks may need to be completed in tight timeframes.

Career Growth Potential in Temporary Transactional Finance

Temporary transactional finance jobs are a strategic way to build a successful finance career. These roles enable candidates to gain diverse experience, strengthen their résumés, and explore various career paths. The demand for temporary professionals is high, particularly during peak financial periods or major organisational transitions.

Additionally, temporary roles offer an opportunity to develop specialised expertise in areas such as payroll systems, invoice automation, or compliance reporting. These skills can enhance career prospects and open doors to more advanced roles in transactional finance or other finance disciplines.

Why Choose Temporary Transactional Finance Jobs?

Temporary transactional finance roles are an excellent choice for candidates seeking flexibility, growth, and varied experiences. These positions offer competitive pay, the chance to work with leading organisations, and the ability to explore different industries without long-term commitment.

For professionals at the start of their finance careers, temporary roles provide a solid foundation of experience and exposure. For experienced candidates, they offer the opportunity to remain active in the workforce, maintain skill relevance, and enjoy diverse work environments.

In conclusion, temporary transactional finance jobs provide candidates with an ideal blend of flexibility, learning, and opportunity. By leveraging these roles to gain experience, expand networks, and refine skills, professionals can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career in finance.

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