Curriculum Vitae: Helen Marie Williams

Profile:

Helen is a highly intelligent and proactive individual with impeccable qualifications and an outstanding track record in executive support and office management. Key skills in organisation, administration and communication have been developed through significant experience in both private and public sector industry, always delivering efficiency with flair and success in a wide range of practical and strategic operations.

Education / Qualifications:

Open University BSc (Hons) Human Geography (first class distinction)2002 –2006King Edward VI Handsworth School 4 A levels All grade A 1996 - 1999

King Edward Scholarship1996

10 GCSEsAll grade A*1994 - 1996

Core areas of expertise:

Financial management
Accurate data entry (recording all company transactions)
Monitoring patterns of spend
Forecasting cash flow
Ensuring timely payments and invoices
Negotiating costs
Proficiency in application of Sage Line 50 software / Organisation
Prioritising a wide range of different tasks
Taking initiative to anticipate and avoid potential problems
Multi-tasking and time management
Flexibility and mental agility to meet impromptu challenges
Meeting tight deadlines
Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications
Developing systematic office procedures
Formulating policies of best practice
Managing sophisticated filing systems
Ensuring data is accessible and/or secure as appropriate
Maintaining up-to-date contact records
Inducting and supervising junior employees / Executive support and diplomacy
Managing multiple diaries including travel and accommodation
Servicing committees
Copy typing
Tabling meetings and taking minutes
Discretion and sensitivity to confidentiality
Positive relationships with all colleagues
Communication skills
Company ambassadorship and networking
Liaising with senior clients and corporate leaders
Managing relationships with regular suppliers
Producing effective PR and website copy
Distributing internal information as appropriate / Project management
Team leadership
Arranging international group logistics
Working within budgets
Ensuring timely delivery of targets
Project reporting, evaluation and review

Career Summary:

National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship (NCGE)PA to CEO2008 onwards

The National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship (NCGE) was formed in 2004 with the aim to influence and inspire an increase in the number of students and graduates who give serious thought to self-employment or business start-up. The Council also works with a variety of strategic partners to understand and promote a culture of entrepreneurship within Higher Education through research, education and facilitation.

Kinetic AIU LimitedPA to Directors and Practice Manager2007 - 2008

Kinetic AIU is a young, vibrant architectural practice with a particular interest in the master planning of urban spaces and the design of innovative buildings with a reduced carbon footprint.

King Edward VI Handsworth School Cover Supervisor, Library and Administration Assistant2005 - 2007

King Edward VI Handsworth School is recognised as one of the leading grammar schools in the UK for academic excellence and achievement.

Curriculum Vitae: Helen Marie Williams

Achievements as PA to CEO at National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship (NCGE):

  • Leadership of showcase conference and networking event over 2 days, hosted by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and attended by government ministers with extremely positive feedback.
  • Management of all logistics and costs (circa £200,000) of international training and work placement programme for 15 selected graduates from UK and Denmark, including intensive management of participants during 6 months in USA.
  • Support of participants in international training and work placement programme to secure over £100,000 continuation funding towards business development.
  • Fulfilment of director-level responsibilities during extended periods (several months) of unexpected absence of senior employees due to illness and resignation, in the roles of Graduate Training Director and Finance Director.
  • Management of company relocation including premises research, contract negotiation, logistic co-ordination, external notification and direction of 10 junior colleagues with all office hardware.
  • Successful application for rent-based grant support towards overhead costs of company relocation.
  • Identification of significant cost-saving opportunities such as in the improvement and integration of mobile communications packages of company directors.
  • Management and synchronisation of switch to new mobile communications contracts and equipment for 15 employees across numerous locations at the same time.
  • Consistent personal deputisation for company directors working remotely or on a part time basis, to answer immediate queries from clients and junior employees.

Achievements as PA to Directors and Practice Manager at Kinetic AIU Limited:

  • Production and administration of all supporting information (company details, mission statement, history, financial records, corporate policy documents) to accompany design competition entries and contract bids.
  • Collation of several successful multi-stage tender applications for company appointments to provide architectural and masterplanning services to public sector clients.
  • Successful delivery of independent research project and report for client steering group to identify likely markets and locations for new international schools in the UK.
  • Management of corporate reception with dinner, music and comedy for 300 guests and media.
  • Conception, arrangement and launch of popular semi-permanent photographic exhibition within architectural studio.

Achievements as Cover Supervisor at King Edward VI Handsworth School:

  • Secondary school class registration, discipline and allocation of work in absence of usual teachers, including successful presentations and leadership of class discussions.

Hobbies:

Reading

Making jewellery and other beadwork

Hiking

National Trust membership

Professional, academic or personal references are available on request.

Flat 4, Arlington House, 15 St Augustines Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 9JU

0794 761 9950