Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Tess Edwards

Hamilton,Hamilton

Summary

A highly experienced business professional with a background in both education and business management across the UK and New Zealand. My teaching background, combined with my experience in administration, payroll and strategic reporting, allows me to effectively engage with adult learners who are reintegrating into the workforce. I am skilled in providing personalised learning and guidance, ensuring that each individual’s needs are met through clear communication, patience, and adaptive teaching methods. I am skilled at breaking down complex tasks into manageable steps, scaffolding learning and building confidence and resilience. I bring strong expertise in financial oversight, process implementation and problem-solving. With a foundation in secondary teaching and over 20 years of experience in managing and growing successful businesses, I am now seeking to leverage my experience to support adults in gaining the skills they need to thrive in today’s workforce.

Overview

31
31
years of professional experience

Work History

Financial Assistant & Payroll Officer

Staffline Ltd
07.2024 - Current
  • Developed customized reports for management review, offering insights into revenue and other performance trends.
  • Input financial data and produced reports using Xero.
  • Prepared detailed reports analyzing payroll and sales trends and identifying opportunities for cost savings or increased efficiencies.
  • Ensured timely invoicing, enhanced cashflow and educated clients on payment terms and policies.
  • Managed weekly payroll processing for 50-100 employees using variety of payroll software packages.
  • Applied knowledge of regulations, employment law and taxation.

Company Director

Staffline Ltd
05.2017 - 06.2024
  • Co-founded business from inception to over $6 million NZD annual turnover.
  • Directed cross-functional teams in the execution of key strategic initiatives, fostering collaboration between departments.
  • Generated reports for forecasting and financial analysis to track trends and results.
  • Maximized profitability through the implementation of cost-saving measures and budgetary controls.
  • Implemented risk management strategies to mitigate potential threats.
  • Achieved regulatory compliance across all business operations by developing robust policies and procedures.
  • Assisted in budget preparation by analyzing historical data and projecting future budgets.
  • Collaborated with the accounting team to ensure accurate financial reporting and analysis.

Planning Assistant

Farmers Trading Company
05.2014 - 05.2017
  • Assisted in the management of merchandise categories.
  • Analyzed historical data to identify opportunities for growth and margin improvement.
  • Collaborated with marketing team on promotional activities, ensuring optimal positioning of products within the store environment for maximum visibility and sales impact.
  • Analyzed sales and inventory data to determine purchasing needs and reorder points.
  • Performed range development, planning and procurement.
  • Supported senior management in strategic decision-making by providing timely data analysis and insights.
  • Utilized advanced analytics tools for more accurate demand forecasting and inventory optimization.

Secondary School Teacher

Thomas Adams School
09.2012 - 07.2013
  • Developed and implemented creative teaching strategies to accommodate various learning styles.
  • Implemented innovative assessment methods that focused on measuring student growth rather than just test scores, providing more accurate feedback on learning outcomes.
  • Evaluated students' academic and social growth, kept appropriate records, and prepared progress reports to gauge performance.
  • Boosted students'' critical thinking skills through engaging debates and group discussions.
  • Established and communicated clear objectives for all educational activities.
  • Promoted culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in classroom.
  • Created engaging lesson plans and fostered a culture of discovery.

Company Director

Atlas Ltd
02.1999 - 08.2012
  • Managed large-scale projects to completion on time and within budget constraints, ensuring optimal resource allocation throughout the process.
  • Boosted company efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing effective management strategies.
  • Conducted follow-up procedures to drive completion of contracts and service level agreements.
  • Monitored office workflow and administrative processes to keep operations running smoothly.

Adult Education Instructor

Vale Royal Borough Council
01.1999 - 12.2000
  • Delivery of introductory computing and internet skills to local community members and groups.
  • Enhanced adult learners' engagement by incorporating innovative teaching methods into lessons.
  • Personalized instruction based on needs, interests and capabilities of individual students.
  • Attended community events.

Secondary School Teacher

Auckland Girls Grammar School
01.1995 - 12.1997
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and help all students succeed academically.
  • Improved student writing skills by providing detailed feedback and personalised instruction.
  • Enhanced students' critical thinking abilities through the use of engaging activities and developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in learning.
  • Participated in co-curricular activities, supporting student growth outside the classroom setting.

Secondary School Teacher

Southern Cross School (formerly Nga Tapuwae)
01.1994 - 12.1994
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Sole teacher in charge of history curriuclum.

Education

Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) - History, Social Studies And Economics

Auckland College of Education
Auckland
12.1994

Bachelor of Arts - History

Massey University
Palmerston North, NZ
12.1992

AAT Level 3 - Accounting Technician Level 3

AAT
Cheshire East
09.2004

Skills

    Effective Communication

    Analytical Thinking

    Strategic Planning

    Problem-Solving

    Adaptability & Flexibility

    Curiosity & Self Motivation

    Financial Reporting

    Microsoft Office

    Xero & Payroll Software

Timeline

Financial Assistant & Payroll Officer

Staffline Ltd
07.2024 - Current

Company Director

Staffline Ltd
05.2017 - 06.2024

Planning Assistant

Farmers Trading Company
05.2014 - 05.2017

Secondary School Teacher

Thomas Adams School
09.2012 - 07.2013

Company Director

Atlas Ltd
02.1999 - 08.2012

Adult Education Instructor

Vale Royal Borough Council
01.1999 - 12.2000

Secondary School Teacher

Auckland Girls Grammar School
01.1995 - 12.1997

Secondary School Teacher

Southern Cross School (formerly Nga Tapuwae)
01.1994 - 12.1994

Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) - History, Social Studies And Economics

Auckland College of Education

Bachelor of Arts - History

Massey University

AAT Level 3 - Accounting Technician Level 3

AAT
Tess Edwards