Dylan Gillis Kdeq A3a Tn By Unsplash

From Leading Shared Services to Supporting SEND Families – Meet Samantha Ryan

​When it comes to shared service management, Samantha knows her stuff.With a career built on navigating fast-paced change, leading high-performing teams, and staying two steps ahead of the next big thing in business ops, she’s seen (and solved) it all. But Sam’s talents don’t stop at spreadsheets and strategy—she’s also the author of SEND Help!, a heartfelt and practical guide for parents navigating the world of Special Educational Needs.In this Q&A, Liam O'Flaherty sat down with Samantha to chat about the reality of leadership in shared services—what it takes to thrive, what’s changing fast (spoiler alert: AI is knocking at the door), and why staying human in the digital age might just be the most powerful skill of all.Whether you're eyeing your first step into a shared services role or already deep in the trenches, Samantha’s insights are refreshingly honest, full of warmth, and packed with practical takeaways. Let's dive in.​What do you think future leaders should prioritise or focus on most in order to successfully make themselves appointable as a shared service manager?I think it’s less about ticking off qualifications and more about showing you can actually lead people through mess and change. You need to be someone who stays calm under pressure, communicates clearly, and isn’t afraid to get stuck in. If you’re the kind of person who sees a knot and wants to untangle it, you’re probably halfway there already. When leading a shared services team, you need to have one eye on how your operation is running right now and the other eye on what’s coming down the pipeline - the next new technology or shared services operating strategy. Curiosity is key to ensuring you always stay abreast of emerging technology and ways of working.​What are both the best and the most challenging aspects of being a shared service manager of a fast paced business?The best bit is the variety - you’re never bored. You get to fix things, improve how stuff works, and genuinely help people. I have always found great joy in my work and being of service to others, whether that’s leading a shared service team, a purchase to pay department or as a global process owner. The hardest part? There’s always something going on. Priorities change quickly, and you have to juggle a lot without dropping the ball. It can be exhausting some days, but also really rewarding when you get it right​What are your opinions about the relationship between a shared service manager and the CFO and CEO? What is critically important in building a successful partnership and providing the right support to the CEO/CFO?Trust is everything. They need to know you’ve got the detail covered, that you’ll flag issues early, and that you’re not sugar-coating anything. It’s also about understanding what keeps them up at night and making sure the shared service function isn’t adding to that. You’ve got to be steady, honest, and clear with no fluff.​What new key skills or attributes do you think the next generation of shared service managers are going to need to develop?Flexibility and digital confidence. Things move quickly now, and you’ve got to be open to learning new systems, new ways of working, and even letting go of old ways that aren’t cutting it anymore. People skills still matter too, probably more than ever. This current generation expect a work/life balance and flexibility – neither of which are bad things. So, ensuring you understand the needs of your team and the culture of your workforce is essential.​Are new technologies like Artificial Intelligence having much of an impact on your role as shared service manager yet? What impact do you think they will have over the next few years?Absolutely, AI has arrived. The key is to understand it, leverage it and not be afraid. AI can be really useful to shared service teams. Some of the repetitive stuff is getting automated, which is a win if it means teams can focus on the work that really needs a human brain. Over time, I think we’ll lean on AI more and more. It’ll still need people who understand the bigger picture and can spot when something doesn’t feel right. Shared Service leaders need to embrace AI and make it work effectively for their business.​Is it possible to maintain a reasonable work life balance at shared service manager Level or do you have to accept that there will be personal sacrifices in order to progress to that level?Honestly? There are busy seasons and tough patches where balance goes out the window. But I do think it’s possible overall, you just have to be clear with yourself (and others) about what’s non-negotiable. I’ve learned not to feel guilty about switching off, because you can’t pour from an empty cup.​Away from core knowledge, what personality traits have been critical to your success as a shared service manager? Are these natural or have you worked on developing them?Patience, humour, and the ability to stay calm when things get chaotic. Some of that’s just who I am, but I’ve definitely had to work on things like not taking things personally and learning to pick my battles. It’s a people-heavy role, so you need thick skin, but also empathy. What is the one single best piece of advice you were given early in your career that still holds true today?“Don’t wait to feel ready - just start” and “dress for the job you want, not the job you’ve got” (I actually think I first heard that on a Jennifer Aniston movie years ago!). I’ve learned that you grow into roles, not the other way round. Don’t wait to be asked to step forward in your role. Go that extra mile. Say yes, even if your voice trembles as you say it. Most people are winging it to some degree anyway.  In ConclusionSamanthas’s approach to leadership is the kind we all wish we worked with—real, grounded, and refreshingly human. From embracing AI to keeping empathy at the centre of decision-making, she reminds us that successful leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about staying curious, stepping up, and staying calm when things get chaotic.Whether you're at the start of your shared services journey or eyeing your next big promotion, there’s something in Samantha’s story for everyone. And if you’re juggling a demanding role with life outside of work (who isn’t?), her reflections on balance, boundaries and being brave even when you’re not 100% ready hit just the right note.If you want to explore more of Samantha’s world beyond shared services, check out her brilliant book SEND Help!—a thoughtful, empowering guide for parents supporting children with Special Educational Needs. Because just like in business, when we work together, support each other, and lead with heart, amazing things happen.​Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAYand let's chart your career path together.​

Read article
A glass-walled meeting room with a table and chairs, where a recruitment consultant meets with clients.
Search by
Search by blog tags
Pexels Sora Shimazaki 5673502

​5 Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring Finance Professionals

​Here at Sharp Consultancy, we know just how important it is to hire the right person-not just i...

Read more
Pexels A Darmel 7641842

Interim vs Permanent Finance Hires: What's right for your business?

Having specialised in placing senior interim accountants in Yorkshire for over 20 years, I’ve see...

Read more
Ferdinand Stohr N Fs6d Rt Bga M Unsplash

Leaders Insight - with Steve Hammell, Experienced CFO, Industrials & Technology markets

​The latest instalment of our “Leaders Insight” series is with Steve Hammell, experienced CFO in ...

Read more
Pexels Padrinan 806408

Celebrating International Week of Happiness at Work

​The International Week of Happiness at Work is a globally recognised event that highlights the s...

Read more
Emanuel Ekstrom  Xrg Bsr Fb Wq Unsplash

Maximising Workforce Flexibility: The Strategic Advantage of Transactional Temps

​Why would a business utilise Transactional Temps? In the ever-changing world of finance, the abi...

Read more
P1000542

Salary Survey Update by Regional Director, Aaron Pepperday

The trends have changed, but the landscape remains challenging — albeit in a positive way. We may...

Read more
Ethan Robertson S Yx3 Uchz Jlo Unsplash

The Summer Dilemma - by Michael Ball, Business Manager

​Ok, ok. So, I know it doesn’t feel like Summer. It hasn’t stopped raining since September and we...

Read more
P1000703

Salary Survey Update by Executive Director, Lee Sweeney

​What an interesting year 2023 was, characterised by a rather stop/start roller coaster ride as m...

Read more
Katie Harp T B Cf W Cks638 Unsplash

Senior Interim Finance Specialists – a Market Overview by Business Manager, Stuart Douglass

Sharp Consultancy is Yorkshire’s largest, most experienced and best-connected independent company...

Read more
Karen Pitchforth who is a Business Manager at Sharp Consultancy in Sheffield and specialises in the appointment of senior interim professionals

​Why would you use Senior Interim Specialists to support your business

Karen has over 20 years of recruitment of experience, including 18 years specialising within the ...

Read more
Leader

​Tips to becoming a great leader

You’ve worked hard and have just gained a promotion to a new management role. Whether it’s your ...

Read more
Retention

​RETAINING TALENT IN 2022

Retaining your most talented individuals is a challenge for any business; with fierce competition...

Read more
Building Relationships

BUILDING GOOD RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES

Get off on the right foot and quickly settle into your team with our top tips for getting the mo...

Read more
Sdp4688 2141

NATIONAL PAYROLL WEEK - Andrew Walker

To mark National Payroll Week, we asked our Commercial Director Andrew Walker, who has more than ...

Read more
Ethan Robertson S Yx3 Uchz Jlo Unsplash

THE HEAT IS ON…

​THE HEAT IS ON…We take a look at a few of the most common staff related situations employers ar...

Read more
Ap

​SALARY SURVEY – OUTLOOK FOR 2022/23

It would be easy to attribute the challenges being faced by many in the current candidate-short ...

Read more
Ls R

​SALARY SURVEY – OUTLOOK FOR 2022/23

After what for many has been a turbulent couple of years, we are again witnessing a period of im...

Read more
Prioritise

​SECURING THE TOP CANDIDATES - ARE YOU MISSING OUT?

The best candidates will always get snapped up quickly. To make sure that you secure the best t...

Read more
Probation

​HOW TO MAKE A SUCCESS OF A PROBATION PERIOD

Bringing a new member into the team will almost always involve a probation or trial period, usual...

Read more
Garbutt Elliot Day1 16768

FIVE MINUTES WITH…. RUSSELL TURNER

​The importance of a strong organisational culture should never be underestimated; with benefits ...

Read more
Salary Survey

​WHAT IT TAKES TO BE…. A PAYROLL MANAGER with Roxanne Talbot

The role of a payroll professional has evolved significantly in recent years and is very much rec...

Read more
Endless

​FIVE MINUTES WITH….LUCIA VILLAMOR

Diversity and inclusion are essential for today’s modern business as the variety of people from ...

Read more
Sdp4688 2181

​ASK THE EXPERT – NATIONAL PAYROLL WEEK

What recent trends and changes have affected the payroll industry and how is this effecting what ...

Read more
Recruitment Right

​GETTING YOUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS RIGHT

​A shortage of high-quality candidates can spell disaster for your recruitment strategy. Even dur...

Read more
You Matter

​EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT – THE INGREDIENTS FOR SUCCESS

What should an organisation consider if it wants to improve its engagement with its employees? Ha...

Read more
Motivate

​HOW TO MOTIVATE YOUR TEAM

​How do you get the best out of your team? Regardless of the number of employees you are respons...

Read more
Perfect

​ATTRACTING THE BEST CANDIDATES IS A COMPETITIVE BUSINESS

The job market is a highly competitive arena; and not just for those trying to secure a new posit...

Read more
Hiring temporary employees to save time

​THE ADVANTAGES OF HIRING TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES

Temporary employees make a huge difference to a business. Whether it’s to cover a period of absen...

Read more
work desk being used after furlough

HOW TO REINTEGRATE FURLOUGHED EMPLOYEES

​Furlough. Just over 12 months ago it was a term that very few people would have been aware of bu...

Read more
Hiriing

Why Partnering with a Specialist Finance Recruitment Consultancy Gives You the Hiring Edge

When hiring into your finance team—whether it’s an Assistant Accountant, Finance Business Partner...

Read more
Job Share

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN INTRODUCING JOB SHARING

Having two or more employees sharing a full time job role is an increasingly popular way for comp...

Read more
Poor  Performance

5 TIPS TO MANAGE POOR PERFORMANCE WITHIN YOUR TEAM

​ Whether you are stepping up into your first line management role or are an experienced team lea...

Read more
Communication

​COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Having good communication skills is essential for anyone looking to achieve career success. It’s...

Read more
Best

​MAKE THEM AN OFFER THEY CAN’T REFUSE - HOW TO SECURE THE TOP CANDIDATES

Securing the best talent can be a challenge for any organisation and in a candidate-led market yo...

Read more
Part Time

​EMPLOYING PART TIME MEMBERS OF STAFF

There are approximate 8.4 million part time workers in the UK. For businesses of all sizes there...

Read more
Boss

​WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A POTENTIAL MANAGER IN AN INTERVIEW

Interviews are very much a two-way street however, whilst you are focused upon creating the best ...

Read more
Success

​SUCCESSION PLANNING – HOW EQUIPPED ARE YOU FOR DEALING WITH CHANGE?

I am often asked, “what is the one thing that companies can do to improve their recruitment pro...

Read more
Recruitment

​WHY GETTING RECRUITMENT RIGHT IS SO IMPORTANT – AND NOW MORE THAN EVER!

When looking to recruit a new member to the team, it is generally accepted that there is an eleme...

Read more
Value

​HOW TO SHOW YOUR STAFF ARE VALUED AND IMPROVE RETENTION

Everybody wants to feel appreciated by their employer and when employees feel valued by their man...

Read more
Etienne Girardet  Kt Ux4 K Hl U8 Unsplash (1)

HOW OWNER MANAGED BUSINESSES CAN GUARANTEE TO ATTRACT TOP TALENT

Attracting top senior finance talent is a challenge faced regularly by every organisation and for...

Read more
How To Pomote From Within

HOW TO PROMOTE FROM WITHIN

​There are many positive reasons from both an employer and employee perspective when it comes to ...

Read more
Furlough

WHAT ARE THE LONGER TERM EFFECTS OF FURLOUGH?

​When the country was initially plunged into lockdown in March, the furlough scheme – which saw t...

Read more
Onboarding2

THE ONBOARDING PROCESS – HOW TO GET IT RIGHT

Creating the right impression for new employees starts before their first day. Getting the onboar...

Read more
Temp

HIRING A TEMP

​Temporary employees make a huge difference to a business and during these current challenging ti...

Read more
Interview

How to Run a Successful Interview for Accountancy and Finance Roles

The interview process plays a critical role in identifying the right talent—but it’s not just the...

Read more
Impresion

How to Pass Your Probation Period – Tips for Employees and Employers

Starting a new finance or accountancy role often comes with a probation or trial period—typically...

Read more
Scott Graham Oqm Zw Nd3 Th U Unsplash

STRATEGIC HIRING - HOW TO GET AHEAD OF THE CURVE

​Consensus. Normally it’s hard to get more than five people to agree on the time of day so it’s ...

Read more
Talent

How to Retain Top Finance Talent in a Competitive Market

Retaining your most talented individuals is a major challenge for businesses across all sectors, ...

Read more
Remote Management

MAKING A SUCCESS OF MANAGING YOUR TEAM REMOTELY

As remote and hybrid working arrangements become the norm rather than the exception, professional...

Read more