01.11.07 Whelan has it figured out

Fast growing construction and development company - Whelan has doubled the size of its Accounts department and created specialist roles to support the company’s growth.

Louise Howe from Newcastle and Jonathon Stephens from County Durham have recently joined the company to strengthen the busy accounts team, adding fresh expertise and specialist knowledge.

Louise, an accounts graduate from Northumbria University, joins the company as Financial Controller and brings several years experience to the post, having previously worked for the Government’s Home Office. Currently in the final stages of her CIMA qualification, Louise will be responsible for managing the general company finances and correspondence.

Jonathon will assume the role of Management Accountant, and has several years accounting experience, having previously worked for Fenhams Contracts in Gosforth, where he moved up through company to become Manager of the Finance Department, whilst studying for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Jonathon will be tasked with the management of internal operational finances - relating to the construction of Whelan’s projects around the region. His role has been specially designed to provide an important new link between office and site personnel, improving communications, control, efficiency and real-time information to satellite offices. In addition to his finance responsibilities, he will also provide internal IT support to staff.

Jonathon and Louise joined Whelan last month, Louise said: "Whelan is a big company in the region and has a good reputation as an employer. There’s a unique family culture amongst staff, which is also very professional and very supportive. And there’s a strong personal development focus as well as a serious company development strategy. I’m really looking forward to getting to know the company and industry more, having a key input in the financial control of the business, and growing professionally."

Jonathon said: "I’m delighted to be joining Whelan and I feel my new role is ideally suited. It’s both challenging, and will really give me a real opportunity to apply my skills in wider areas. This is an exciting time for the company, having doubled in size in the last two years, and all signs indicate that trend will continue. I’m in a great position now to really demonstrate a direct affect on the companies bottom line, as well as achieve my career aims through Whelan."

Colin Wilson, Financial Director, who heads up the finance side of the company said; "We’re delighted to welcome Jonathon and Louise to Whelan. They’re incredibly enthusiastic and have a lot of fresh ideas. They’ll bring a new dynamic to the existing team, which I’m sure will prove valuable, both now, and as the company grows.

Our financial control is intrinsic to the company’s growth and we’ve got some ambitious plans ahead. I’m confident that both Jonathon and Louise will prove an asset to the Whelan, and I wish them every success in their new roles."