Non-Profit Organisation

Support for our interim network and long-term clients

Helen's Story

Our Accountancy & Finance non-profit team have worked with Helen for a number of years. Initially recommended to us by her colleagues at a leading University, we have found her both permanent and interim opportunities as her situation and preferences have changed over the years. Currently she is working through Boston Hale as an Interim Finance Business Partner with a long-term scientific non-profit client.

A clear brief

When working with Helen, she was very clear about what she wanted in her next assignment. Rather than a senior management role with a big team like positions she’d previously held, she wanted a varied role with some seniority, but without the added pressure of managing people. She describes herself as "very passionate about my work and a bit of a workaholic." but, due to changing circumstances, she felt it important to reduce the level of stress in her work, maybe even taking a lower level role.

I was very specific in my brief to Catherine about the level of role I wanted to take on and I really appreciate the fact that I was heard and listened to.

Our non-profit team looked at opportunities with long-term clients that we know well, and who we knew would be interested in Helen’s skill set, before putting her forward for her current position. Catherine, Manager of our non-profit team, felt this Interim Finance Business Partner assignment matched Helen’s requirements - it has a significant remit but no direct management responsibilities.

Six months on, Helen is still enthusiastic about her most recent position.

I absolutely love this role! I support twelve budget holders and enjoy getting into the business and supporting them. It’s very varied, I’m working with such different people, lawyers, accountants, HR, international partners. It’s amazing, so interesting, I’m never bored!

Communication, preparation and knowledge

Helen is full of praise for the Boston Hale team she has worked with over the years.

Communication is very important to me. Their communication is always good and up front. Integrity matters a lot. They always come back with information very quickly, within an hour or so, and I never have to chase.

I love the fact that they help with preparation before my interviews which relieves the tension as I feel confident and ready.

Their knowledge, for non-accountants, is above and beyond. They are able to translate what I say about my skills and experience into the right words and format for my CV.

Referrals, relationships, results.

We began working with Helen in 2022 after she was referred to us, having worked closely with her line managers and colleagues. Since then, she has kindly referred several friends and colleagues to us, and we have been able to find work for them.

I have heard good feedback from others, and I will always recommend Catherine because of my experience, and theirs.

Our strong reputation with our network has been built on the strength of referrals and recommendations. Repeat business accounts for 82% of our work, and we have long-standing relationships with our clients stretching back years.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is being able to find the right person for the job, helping them to climb the career ladder or, in Helen’s case, finding her a rewarding but less stressful role. She says:

I would like to thank her and Boston Hale once again. The assignments I’ve taken with them have 100% matched how they were described and my expectations.

I know they are doing their job, but it’s the way they do it. They make you feel like an individual, not a number, heard and listened to, and I really appreciate that.

Client partnership

The client Helen is on assignment with is a long-standing partner who we began working with in 2018. Since that time, we have placed 26 interim and permanent finance professionals into the organisation, ranging from Assistant Account through to Finance Director.

During that time, we have built strong working relationships with internal HR, recruitment teams and several line managers. We’re familiar with the structure, priorities and technology used within the finance department and can work with them strategically on longer-term workforce planning. This enables us to deliver the right talent, who will thrive and make a significant impact to the organisation. And, most importantly, enables us to support their career goals.

Catherine says:

I’m delighted that Helen is enjoying her role as much as she is and I’ve had some great feedback from the client too. This is an interim role, so we’ll be having conversations with this and other clients in plenty of time before her contract ends to help find her next assignment. She’s a pleasure to work with.

Are you looking for finance professionals with non-profit experience?

Contact Catherine for access to our network of highly qualified finance professionals, or to help find you your next assignment in non-profit finance.

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