WYCAS Staff

Jill Jones - WYCAS  Manager.
After an interlude of three years Jill returned to WYCAS in December 2008, having previously been the Coordinator of WYCAS from its inception in 2000 till 2005. Before 2000 she worked as Community Accountant in three different CVS's all in Yorkshire, and before that worked in a number of different financial jobs mainly in Housing Associations. In her spare time she enjoys walking (especially the long-distance variety!) gardening and spending time with her family.


Simon Bostrom - Finance Manager
At 18 Simon started a degree in Maths learned to juggle and dropped out! Following a variety of occupations from restoring VWs to running a juggling shop, he signed up for a degree in accountancy and law at Bradford College which he successfully completed.  Experience at a charity accountants firm led him to WYCAS where he has worked since January 2003 initially as a Community Accountant and then as Finance Manager from December 2008.


Dave Collins - Senior Community Accountant and Community Accountant for Bradford.
Dave was born and went to school in Bradford. Having gained an Economics degree he obtained a PGCE and part-qualified with ICMA. He has worked in a wide variety of jobs including administrator for Bradford CVS so already knew many of the groups he is now working with. Dave's other interests include fell running, cycling and good beer (in any order!). He has worked with WYCAS since 2000.


Julie Haley - Community Accountant for Wakefield
Julie has worked in various aspects of finance for the past 15 years, commencing her training with an audit practice before moving into industry and finally gravitating towards the not for profit and voluntary sector. Outside work she is a keen painter, both on an artistic and DIY basis! Other interests include walking, cycling and gardening.


Helen Galvin - Community Accountant for Calderdale
Helen previously worked for 11 years at a university within the financial accounts and taxation section. Prior to that she worked in the private sector performing a variety of accountancy roles. Helen enjoys going to the gym, DIY and fine wine. She also has two boys who keep her on her toes. Helen joined WYCAS in May 2005.


Claire Welling - Community Accountant for Leeds
Claire is a southerner, having started life in Hove, East Sussex. She moved to Leeds whilst studying for her CIPFA qualification in 1995. She has worked in public finance for over 15 years including time at the DSS (Quarry House), City of York Council and Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust. In her leisure time Claire plays badminton, walks, cycles and tends her allotment.  Activities which change with the season!  Claire joined WYCAS at the end of February 2009.


Alison Wolfenden- Community Accountant for Kirklees
Alison has worked as a management accountant for too many years to remember in both the private and voluntary sectors. She has an NVQ4 in management and also diplomas in colour analysis, acupressure and character analysis. When not working Alison enjoys making cards, tapestry, yoga, going on holiday and of course her grandchildren. Alison joined WYCAS in May 2005.


Susan Szamakowicz - Community Accountant re Annual Accounts
Susan has had a varied career history starting with hairdressing over 35 years ago. A move to the Grand Theatre (Leeds) in 1979 provided training and experience in accounts. In 1989 she joined Leeds Metropolitan University and worked in areas of finance, health and safety and harassment counselling.  Susan enjoys cooking, walking the UK coastline and crafts. Susan joined WYCAS in November 2005.


Steve Procter - Community Accountant re Annual Accounts
Steve joined WYCAS in June 2007 and will be working with groups to provide a bookkeeping and 'infill' service in addition to preparing and independently examining annual accounts. He has worked in finance and administration for over 30 years and has 8 years experience of working with the voluntary sector. When not 'on-duty', Steve enjoys sport, travel and music, as well as his main interest - studying and collecting artefacts relating to space exploration.


Bernadette McKernan - Administrator
Bernadette is the newest member staff, joining us in May 2009.  She has two young children around which her home life revolves but enjoys gardening, walking and going on holiday!  She has experience working in the voluntary sector having worked for the Save the Children UK before becoming a mum.  She also has experience in working with small start up companies and in the banking sector.