I’ve been the CEO of the charity Sheffield Mind for around eight years. Together with my team of almost 40 full- and part-time staff, we provide a wide range of mental health services to people in and around Sheffield. 

Julie came to support us through an interim period when we didn’t have a finance manager on board. As the position was temporary, it was crucial we appointed someone who could step in without needing training, inductions or handholding. We asked our trusted networks for recommendations, and both the recruitment agency we use and our fellow charity Leeds Mind suggested Julie. Therefore, we knew instantly she’d be the kind of person we wanted in our team.

“Julie’s presence in the office was so reassuring.”

As Julie already had that vital knowledge of charity finance, she could hit the ground running. She covered different budgets across our services, as well as completing our end-of-year accounting thanks to her immediate understanding of our systems and figures.

Though she can, of course, work remotely, Julie spent most of her working days with us in the office. The team found it incredibly helpful having her around. They grew in confidence, knowing they had someone to ask about budgets or raise any quick queries with. Julie was always happy to answer and advise.

“I was impressed by Julie’s adaptability and caring attitude.”

Julie’s time with us approached its end when our permanent, full-time finance manager came on board. Our new team member had spent a number of years away from charity finance, so Julie offered to help with their induction. She even changed her regular day in the office with us to suit our new employee’s working pattern so she could be there in person.

In her handover, Julie made sure our new finance manager was completely up to speed. She provided accounting updates, explained systems and guided them through any specifics of charity finance – all in a really supportive, considerate way.

“Not all finance managers are as lovely to chat to as Julie!”