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Frances Holmes
Chief Financial Officer at Pastest
Professional Background
Frances Holmes is an esteemed financial professional serving as the Chief Financial Officer at Pastest, the UK's premier provider of exam preparation resources designed for medical students and healthcare professionals. Since her arrival at Pastest in January 2021, Frances has successfully led the Finance & HR team, steering the organization on its passionate journey toward personalization through technological innovation while deeply understanding human behavior.
Her role is pivotal as Pastest directly influences the educational journeys of tens of thousands of customers annually, helping them to achieve their goals of successfully passing their professional exams. Frances's commitment to enhancing financial operations, alongside fostering a supportive working environment, has been integral to Pastest's growth and success in the educational sector.
With a rich history in financial management, Frances has accumulated extensive experience across prominent organizations and varying functions, which has equipped her with a diverse skill set aligned with the complexities of modern finance.
Education and Achievements
Frances received her foundational education at Austin Friars School before attending the University of Warwick, where she earned her Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Mathematics. This strong academic background in mathematics has undoubtedly bolstered her analytical and quantitative skills, allowing her to navigate the intricate financial landscapes within the organizations she has served.
Her academic achievements laid the groundwork for a flourishing career in finance, characterized by a mix of strategic oversight and operational efficiency. Frances's contribution to the finance departments she has led has facilitated the achievement of critical organizational objectives and reinforced best practices in financial management.
Professional Journey
In her career journey prior to her current role at Pastest, Frances held several significant positions that showcase her growing expertise in finance. She initially cultivated her skills as an Audit Trainee at Mercer & Hole, providing her with the essential knowledge base for financial auditing and compliance. Following this entry-level role, she gained extensive experience working within leading firms, including positions at Ladbrokes where she progressed from an Assistant Group Management Accountant to the Group Financial Accountant.
Frances then transitioned into the digital space as a Financial Controller at Lebara, followed by an advancement to International Finance Manager at the same company, where she managed complex financial operations on a global scale. Her ambition and proficiency led her to become the Group Financial Controller at Karhoo before continuing her journey into commercial finance at Deliveroo as the Senior Commercial Finance Manager for the APAC region.
Most recently, she held a contract role as Senior Management Accountant at WorldRemit, where she enhanced her capabilities in managing diverse teams and financial planning in a dynamic environment. Each of these roles has contributed to her comprehensive understanding of finance and human resource management, which she now applies expertly at Pastest.
Through her various positions, Frances has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence and a passion for fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within finance teams.
Notable Achievements
Frances's journey through finance is not just marked by her impressive titles but also by the transformative impact she has had within each organization. She has been a vital orchestrator of financial strategies that undergird business growth, efficiency, and innovation.
At Pastest, her focus on personalization through the application of technology and understanding customer behaviors has generated new avenues for operational success. This forward-thinking mindset is indicative of her broader vision for finance—one that aligns financial objectives with customer needs and technological advancements.
Moreover, her geographic prowess, having relocated to Manchester, provides her with unique insights into regional market dynamics, enhancing Pastest's outreach and relevance within the UK education sector.
Frances Holmes exemplifies the ideal amalgamation of finance expertise, leadership capabilities, and strategic foresight. With a fervent dedication to her work and an ongoing passion for learning and growth, she continues to set high standards within the finance community. Her story is a testament not only to her professional achievements but also to her commitment to enabling others and making a lasting difference in the field of education and finance.
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