Led by Chief Executive John O'Brien, the staff team at CA Plus hold a wealth of experience in delivering services and support to the sector. I'm sure we are not that old, but it adds up to nearly 200 years! There probably isn't much we haven't seen before, but it's good to learn new things every day.
Meet the team:
John O’Brien – Chief Executive
I've been working with CA Plus for a long time, since 1991 in fact and believe it or not, I still like what I do. I really believe that our work with the finance side of life can help organisations to work more effectively in achieving their own objectives.
As well as managing CA Plus itself, I tend to focus more on accounts, training and consultancy work and doing the webinars which is great fun.
Prior to working in this field, I lived and worked within a L'Arche community for people with learning difficulties for 10 years, eventually taking on responsibility for the financial administration of this charity. I was among the first voluntary sector workers to gain the MSc in Voluntary Sector Organisation at the LSE and after joining CA Plus, I gained the professional accounting qualification with ACCA. I've since become a fellow member of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners (ACIE). I'm also a Fellow of the Association of International Accountants (FAIA) and a Certified Advanced QuickBooks Pro Advisor
I also chair the national conference for community accountants organised by CFG
Favourite hobbies: golf, footy, talking to my chickens, they seem to understand - and best of all, playing guitar with The Old Codgers.
Eva Stevens – Accounts Services Manager
I am the Accounts Services Manager at CA Plus which means I organise the schedules to ensure all the accounts work is distributed to our accountants. On a day to day basis I prepare and examine accounts and also co-ordinate the organisations who need a corporation tax return submitting. Additionally I help with training and support to our groups – mostly on a one-to-one basis.
I am a Cipfa qualified accountant (Qualified in 2000). I joined CA Plus in 2008, specialising in charity accounting. Prior to this I have worked in Local Councils in Internal Audit and also for PriceWaterhouseCoopers in their Public Sector Audit department.
What I really enjoy about my work is the variety that comes from working with so many varied charities and community organisations and the many different people we meet along the way; People who are so passionate about the charitable work that they undertake and just need a little bit of help with their financial duties.
Alison Paling - Payroll Manager
I am the Payroll Services Manager and I oversee the day to day running and the development of the payroll service at CA Plus.
I began my time at CA Plus as a Payroll Officer in 2000 and took on the role of Payroll Manager in 2003. Prior to this I was a Payroll Team Leader with NAAFI for 10 years so my payroll career currently spans 30 years!
I have seen many changes in the world of payroll since my career began and I enjoy the challenge of keeping up with the often fast paced changes in legislation from a number of Government departments including HMRC and The Pensions Regulator.
I am a member of the Employment and Payroll Group at HMRC which is HMRC’s principal forum for HMRC, and other government departments, to engage with the employment and payroll community.
The Employment and Payroll Group focuses on high-level operational policy and process issues. It provides a forum through which members can raise and discuss issues or problems in administering payroll obligations or in relation to employment tax issues more generally.
I am also an associate member of CIPP.
Providing a service which ensures that our client organisations are compliant with payroll legislation but which enables them to concentrate on their front line service provision rather than becoming burdened with the worry of calculating employee pay correctly, is extremely rewarding.
Romana Kocicova – Community Accountant
I am a Community Accountant at CA Plus. On day to day basis I prepare and examine accounts and I also do a small amount of bookkeeping. Additionally I can help with training and support to our groups.
I joined the CA Plus team in March 2017. In the same year I completed an accounting qualification with AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) and became a full member (MAAT). Currently, I am studying towards becoming a chartered certified accountant with ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants).
When not working or studying, I like spending my free time outdoors - going for walks with my dog, gardening and riding my Triumph Bonneville motorcycle.
Jeanette Stafford – Community Accountant
I am a Community Accountant at CA Plus, this means I undertake year end Independent examinations. Additionally I help with training and support to our groups, either in a workshop style setting or on a one-to-one basis.
I am a FCIE member and have worked at CA Plus for 20 years specialising in charity accounting & training. Prior to this I worked at Stonebridge City Farm as their Co-ordinator, raising funds, book-keeping and ensuring all statuary paperwork was in order.
What I really enjoy about my work is the diversity of the charities and workers/volunteers we support.
Juliet Brain – Bookkeeping Services Coordinator and Community Accountant
In my role as Bookkeeping Services Coordinator at CA Plus, I organise the work schedules to ensure all the bookkeeping work is distributed to our bookkeeper and accountants. I'm also a Community Accountant, so my work is a mix of preparing and examining accounts, and working with our groups to support them with bookkeeping, reporting and training, which can be very rewarding and challenging.
I have 15 years of experience working in finance for small businesses and charities and I've been with CA Plus since 2014. I completed the ICB Level 2 Certiificate in Bookkeeping & Accounts in 2020 and became a full member (MICB). I'm also a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor.
When I'm not working I like to spend my time outdoors walking, mountain biking and gardening, or failing that, in the pub with a large whisky,
Louise Meadows – Community Accountant
I joined CA Plus in May 2019 having worked in various internal financial roles, across a wide range of sectors, for over 15 years.
On a day to day basis I prepare and examine accounts and do a small amount of bookkeeping. I'm also able to provide help and training on Quickbooks.
When I'm not tapping away on my calculator and trying to make things balance, you'll probably find me getting sweaty at an exercise class or chilling at home looking forward to my next holiday.
Leann Leverton – Bookkeeper
I am a Bookkeeper at CA Plus. I have 31 clients based in the Nottingham City area some of which I visit and some I work for in our office. My role is to keep their accounts records up to date and assist with any questions or training they may have. My work is satisfying because I get on with the not very glamourous paperwork side, ensuring my clients can deliver their valuable charitable services, safe in the knowledge that they are complying with the ‘other’ important stuff. I also have a few accounts clients for which I carry out independent examinations and prepare year end accounts.
I have a 2:1 Hons degree in Administrative Management and have completed my level 2 bookkeeping qualification. I have worked at CA Plus for 9 years. Prior to this I was the HR & Finance Administrator for a regional charity and before that worked in a variety of sectors including retail manufacturing, car finance and the restaurant industry.
I spend most of my free time at the climbing wall or at a rock climbing crag in the Peak District.
Angela Ward - Bookkeeper
I am a part-time bookkeeper at CA Plus. I am organised and logical and enjoy being able to assist clients keep their records up to date which then enables them to concentrate on their charitable activities.
Prior to this role I worked for 30 years as a payroll manager.
When not working, I enjoy spending time with my young grandson, going to church and watching sport, especially football and I have a season ticket for Nottingham Forest.
Grace-Ellen Burch - Bookkeeper
I'm a bookkeeper on the team and one of the newbies 'round 'ere which isn't too difficult as most people are close to, if not well into, their 2nd decade with CA Plus!
I have a degree in Maths & Stats and my love for numbers even affects my spare time as I enjoy solving any kind of sudoku. Outside of work, I don't sit still. You can find me running around a hockey pitch or up and down a netball court! If I'm not getting the blood pumping, you can find me singing my heart out at my piano or having fun with friends and family.
I'm passionate about human rights, particularly refugee-related issue, and climate change, so you might even find me on a march or developing my activism too.
Helen O'Hare - Community Accountant
I'm a community accountant, I joined ca plus in July 2022. I prepare the annual year end accounts and independent examination work. I provide organisations with training on QuickBooks and with any other advice or guidance they require during the year. I enjoy being able to support such a wide variety of clients.
I have worked for many years in finance in the business sector for large corporate organisations, I have also worked for a training provider as an apprenticeship assessor and for a charity as a social worker.
I enjoy outdoor country activities, gardening on my allotment and supporting my local village.
Michael Fisher - Community Accountant
My role at CA Plus involves preparing and examining accounts as well as supporting organisations with training, whether it be on accounting software and record keeping or bookkeeping.
I joined the CA Plus team in late 2020. In the same year I became a fully AAT qualified (Association of Accounting Technicians). Currently, I am studying towards becoming fully CIMA qualified (Chartered Institute of Manaement Accountants).
In my free time I like to spend time with friends amd family, going to the cinema, visiting a national park or hosting a games night.
Joanne Plumbley – Payroll Officer
I am a Payroll Officer at CA Plus which means I am part of a team of 4 who run the Payroll Service.
I love the variety my job brings; no two days are the same as you never know what kind of queries are going to come in each day. I love the challenges of solving queries. My job involves a lot of data input and liaising with customers.
I am passionate about what I do and enjoy all aspects of payroll. During 2014 I obtained my Diploma in Payroll Management via The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP). I have worked in payroll for 23 years now formerly processing payroll for a 2 large Recruitment Agencies.
During my spare time I enjoy Horse Riding, Socialising, Holidays abroad and spending time with my family and children.
Louisa Elliot – Payroll Officer
I have worked in payroll with CA Plus for 3 years. Prior to that I worked in payroll for Nottinghamshire County Council. I have the IPP Foundation in payroll qualification.
I really enjoy working in this sector and getting to know all the groups we deal with.
Outside of work I really enjoy gardening and try to get out there as much as I can.
Jackie Bondswell - Payroll Officer
I am a Payroll Officer working within a small team of four. I have been working for CA Plus for 14 years and have 20 years’ experience within payroll.
I find my job particularly satisfying as I am able to support various small and medium sized charities who in turn provide an invaluable service to the local community.
I have a degree in Business Studies, and am currently studying Law part time.
Holly James - Practice Manager
I look after the internal admin at CA Plus, including premises and marketing, and I started working here in May 2023. I enjoy supporting the other members of staff to deliver the valuable work they do with clients.
I've worked in Nottingham's voluntary sector for over 10 years, with small non-profits linked to the arts, sports, heritage and horticulture. I also work as an artist making textile works inspired by nature.
Outside of work, I'm a bird ringer with South Notts Ringing Group that monitors bird populations in the local area, I have an allotment, and I enjoy knitting and playing Dungeons and Dragons.