Since our Commercial Manager, Jessica Mason returned to CRM in September 2020, she has thrown herself into strengthening our client relationships and networking online. Jessica first began her accountancy career at CRM in 2002 at the tender age of 17. She has since grown her career around Oxfordshire and has returned to roost in her hometown of Kidlington.
As well as having a passion for offering the best accountancy care for her clients, Jessica extends her skills into the local community by volunteering her time and expertise at Robin Preschool in Kidlington as a Voluntary Director.
“Both my children have attended this Preschool and I am also a former pupil from many years ago, so I feel a real connection with the place.” Jessica explained. “Thanks to the CRM policy of offering three working hours per month to each staff member for volunteering, I am able to provide much needed support to the Preschool.”
Robin Preschool offers a vital local childcare service for 2-4 year olds. It is a registered charity and is based at Edward Feild Primary School. Like all education establishments, it’s been a testing time and Jessica has been there to guide the Preschool through a tricky financial period.
“We were delighted to be able to support local families during the pandemic by staying open but some families didn’t feel ready for their little ones to join us so our numbers dropped but costs increased. We raised the level of professional cleaning, bought more PPE and had to ride the storm thanks to some additional funding from generous parents,” explained Jessica.
With fundraising events cancelled, like the School Fete, it was difficult to keep the finances balanced and the Preschool had to be really focussed with expenditure. “I was really pleased to be able to bring some accountancy expertise to help Robin through the tough times. Numbers are picking up again now and the Preschool has a lovely full and joyous atmosphere!” said Jessica.
As a parent, Jessica’s involvement with Robin Preschool ends in September but she will continue in her role as Voluntary Director for the foreseeable future. “It’s difficult for small charities to find help to manage the finances so, with the support of CRM, I’m happy to carry on and champion this lovely Preschool,” said Jessica.
Robin Preschool has 15 and 30 hour funded places available for 2-4 year olds from September 2021. Find out more about the great learning and activities the children experience at https://robinpreschool.weebly.com/
