P Eaton

Vice Chair

My name is Paul Eaton. I am in my mid thirties and married with two children, both of whom attend Parsons Heath.

I am a down to earth individual and enjoy the simple things in life - a quality pint of beer, watching a good film or listening to music. I love to spend my leisure time with family and friends going to theme parks, zoos, the seaside or simply enjoying an afternoon with a picnic at a country park and playing football/cricket with the children. I do have a demanding job but nothing is more important to me than my family. I try hard to maintain a healthy work/life balance.

By profession I am an accountant but please do not stereotype me as a man in a grey suit who simply ticks boxes and counts beans. I have over ten years post qualified experience with a PLC business and have had many varied roles both within and outside of the Finance department.

My experience within Finance includes financial accounting, strategy and planning, and management accounting supporting production and sales. My last true Finance role was as the Head of Trading Finance, a position which I held for three years. I managed two distinct teams. The first, a team of ten Commercial Managers based in Essex, who provided investment decision support to the sales teams. The second was the credit control team based in the Midlands, with a team of thirtyfive, who had to ensure than over £0.6 billion of cash was collected in full and on time.

Subsequent to this role I have undertaken more general senior management positions across the company, with responsibility for delivering large business change projects.

Throughout all of my roles I have worked with a wide variety of people, with many different backgrounds and outlooks on life. I have successfully managed to build strong healthy relationships with most people I meet. I believe the right people, with a wide mix of skills, together with a strong team identity and a clear shared goal are the vital ingredients to turn a good organisation into a great organisation.

My skills and experience, gained through work and life, have real relevance in my role as a Parent Governor. I feel that I am able to add some real value to the “behind the scenes” running of the school. Everyone has a skill or ability which could be used for the benefit of our children at the school!