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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Maximising Workforce Flexibility: The Strategic Advantage of Transactional Temps

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​Why would a business utilise Transactional Temps?

In the ever-changing world of finance, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is crucial. Transactional temps offer a strategic solution for companies looking to navigate the ebb and flow of business needs with precision. Covering absences is just the tip of the iceberg; these temporary professionals can seamlessly integrate into teams to maintain productivity, even in the face of unexpected leave or secondments. They are the unsung heroes in backlog clearance, adept at diving into accumulated work and emerging victorious, thus safeguarding a company's operational continuity.

During the inevitable rush of busy periods, transactional temps are akin to a cavalry charge, reinforcing your ranks precisely when you need it the most. Whether it's the end-of-year financial wrap-up or a surge in month-end processes, their presence ensures that your business not only survives but thrives under pressure. Moreover, their specialist skills are a huge benefit, filling gaps in expertise without the long-term commitment of a permanent hire, allowing for a nimble response to project-specific demands or a sudden need for specialised knowledge.

Above all, the flexibility transactional temps bring to the table is unparalleled. In an environment where market fluctuations are as certain as the sunrise, the ability to scale your workforce up or down without delay is invaluable. This adaptability can be the difference between seizing opportunities or watching them pass by. For the finance teams of many businesses, transactional temps are not just a temporary fix but a key component of a robust staffing strategy, enabling resilience and competitive advantage in a landscape that waits for no one.

What are the benefits of using a Transactional Temp specialist:

This is where the expertise of a Transactional Temp specialist becomes invaluable. Unforeseen circumstances often arise, necessitating immediate and effective staffing solutions. A specialist Transactional Temp Consultant, with a deep understanding of your business and its culture, can ensure a swift and successful temporary placement, mitigating the risks associated with urgent hiring needs.

The true strength of a specialist lies in their proactive approach. By maintaining a talent pool of thoroughly vetted and verified candidates, a Transactional Temp Consultant can guarantee not only a rapid response but also the highest quality of candidates. This pre-emptive strategy is crucial in a field where time is of the essence and the cost of a bad hire can be significant.

Moreover, a specialist's intimate knowledge of the market allows them to screen and decide which candidates won’t work, going beyond mere CVs to identify the truly desirable candidates. Their consultative nature means they don't just fill positions; they provide tailored solutions, and sometimes even alternative approaches, to your staffing challenges.

In conclusion, the benefits of partnering with a specialist finance and accounting Transactional Temp Consultant are clear. They offer speed, quality, and insight that a generalist supplier simply cannot match. In the fast-paced financial sector, such specialisation is not just an advantage—it's a necessity.

Is hiring a temp a Cost or a value?

The decision to hire a Transactional Temp is often met with hesitation, primarily due to cost concerns. However, a closer examination reveals that the value they bring can far outweigh the expense. Consider the alternative: the hidden costs of not hiring a temp. Overburdened permanent staff may suffer increasing demands and decreasing productivity, which can lead to costly errors or staff turnover.

A Transactional Temp offers a solution that is both flexible and controlled, allowing companies to manage their workforce in response to fluctuating demands. This agility is a significant advantage in the any sector where market conditions can change rapidly. By paying only for the hours needed, firms can maintain operational efficiency without the commitment of a permanent hire.

Moreover, the 'Temp to Perm' approach serves as a strategic 'try before you buy' model. It mitigates the risk of a permanent hiring mistake, which can be expensive and disruptive. In essence, a Transactional Temp specialist is not just a temporary cost but a strategic investment in the company's adaptability and resilience. By understanding the full spectrum of benefits, financial firms can make informed decisions that support their long-term success.

Are you looking to strengthen your team with top-tier finance and accountancy professionals? At Sharp Consultancy, we excel in connecting your business with exceptional talent for temporary, interim, or permanent roles. With our well-established offices in Leeds and Sheffield, our experienced consultants are dedicated to serving businesses across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't leave your recruitment needs to chance—contact us TODAY and let's find the perfect candidates to drive your business forward.