Pam Knox
Huddersfield,West Yorkshire
Summary
Versatile senior leader with over 30 years experience in local government and education with expertise in resource and operational strategy, leading and managing budgets, financial compliance, estates, HR and payroll. Extensive experience in strategic leadership and team management across diverse sectors, mentoring teams to drive organisational success.
Proven track record of COFO and CFO both at Multi Academy and Single Academy Trusts, delivering strategic growth, operational excellence and robust compliance frameworks.
Excellent communicator across all organisation levels including Board of Trustees.
Was formally a pro-active member of various networking groups to share best practices and collaborate with other business professionals in the education sector.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work history
Chief Operations & Finance Officer
Waterton Academy Trust
Wakefield, West Yorkshire
2015.04 - 2025.04
- Secured company's assets through consistent monitoring of internal controls.
- Maintained high level of accuracy whilst processing payments for improved financial operation.
- Managed team effectively towards achieving set targets, enhanced overall team performance.
- Conducted thorough due diligence for acquisitions or mergers, minimised any potential risks.
- Collaborated with auditors during yearly audit process, ensured no discrepancies found in books of accounts.
- Assured compliance with regulatory standards by keeping updated with changes in financial laws.
- Analysed complex financial data to provide insightful reports to senior management.
- Coordinated cross-departmental budget planning meetings, fostered interdepartmental cooperation.
Chief Financial Officer
Crofton Academy
Wakefield, West Yorkshire
2008.11 - 2015.04
- Assisted in developing financial plans to promote growth.
- Supported due diligence processes during mergers and acquisitions.
- Facilitated compliance with regulations to prevent penalties and fines.
- Aided in navigating corporate restructuring during periods of change.
- Contributed to managing budgeting tasks to control costs and enhance profits.
- Helped streamline financial processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
- Assisted in implementing financial controls for better business performance.
Senior Auditor
Wakefield Council
Wakefield, West Yorkshire
1991.02 - 2008.11
- Ensured compliance with financial regulations by conducting detailed reviews.
- Executed detailed audit procedures including reviewing transactions, documents, records and methods for accuracy.
- Reviewed complex financial data to identify irregularities or non-compliance issues.
- Achieved efficient audit processes by developing comprehensive auditing strategies.
- Led a team of junior auditors for improved efficiency in audits.
Education
Certificate in School Business Management - School Business Management
Association of School & College Leaders
UKAssociation of Accounting Technicians - AAT Accountancy
Huddersfield Technical College
Huddersfield, West YorkshireBTEC - Business & Finance
Huddersfield Technical College
Huddersfield, West Yorkshire'O' Level - Accountancy
Huddersfield Technical College
Huddersfield, West Yorkshire'O' level/GCSE - 8 subjects including Maths & English
Shelley High School
Huddersfield, West YorkshireSkills
- Strategic leadership and managing teams across multiple specialist areas, across multiple sites
- Financial acumen and resource management, including risk management, BCP and payroll
- Provision of strategic advice at Board level
- Advanced knowledge of funding and project financing strategies
- Leading and Managing budgets
- Design & Implementation of effective internal control mechanisms
- Accountancy and professional codes of practice
- Managing procurement and contracts
- Mentor for finance/business professionals in local area and networking groups
- Investment strategy development
- High level of communication skills across all levels
- Complex financial report preparation
- Audit coordination
- Team building
- Managing external partnerships
Languages
Spanish
Beginner
Affiliations
- Having recently retired, I keep myself active and am a member of a local walking group, the local gym and my new hobby is playing Padel twice a week. I have a close network of family and friends and enjoy spending time socialising and hosting dinner parties.
Timeline
Chief Operations & Finance Officer
Waterton Academy Trust
2015.04 - 2025.04
Chief Financial Officer
Crofton Academy
2008.11 - 2015.04
Senior Auditor
Wakefield Council
1991.02 - 2008.11
Certificate in School Business Management - School Business Management
Association of School & College Leaders
Association of Accounting Technicians - AAT Accountancy
Huddersfield Technical College
BTEC - Business & Finance
Huddersfield Technical College
'O' Level - Accountancy
Huddersfield Technical College
'O' level/GCSE - 8 subjects including Maths & English
Shelley High School