Meet the Team with Paula Slowen - Financial Controller

In this edition of our "Meet the Team" series, we sat down with Paula Slowen, Financial Controller at Xperate. In this interview, Paula shares what drew her to the company, the impact good financial management can have on a growing business, and how her work supports the wider team behind the scenes. She also reflects on the challenges of a fast-paced, international role, how she sees her responsibilities evolving as Xperate continues to grow, and how she switches off outside of work.

Tell us a bit about yourself, your role at Xperate, and what made you want to join the team.

I joined Xperate in January 2025 after spending 11 years in my previous role, so it was quite a big change for me, but a really positive one. The transition was smooth, and I settled in quickly thanks to such a welcoming and supportive team.

My role as Financial Controller was created in response to the pace of Xperate’s growth and the increasing need for dedicated financial management. Becky Patterson and Mark Garnish had been doing a fantastic job managing this side of the business, but with my experience, I’ve been able to introduce new processes and systems that make things easier and more structured across the board.

Day to day, my work covers everything from reviewing bank transactions and updating cash flow forecasts to processing invoices, managing receipts and payments, chasing debtors, and assisting with sales invoices. I also handle month-end and year-end accounts, liaise with our accountants, and join meetings where sales forecasts are reviewed. Beyond the finances, I look after some of the operational and office aspects too, so the role is very varied.

We use Xero, which has been a learning curve for me as I’m used to working with larger systems, but I really enjoy it. Because this is a brand-new role, I’ve been able to build a lot from scratch and shape how things are done, which has been very rewarding. Although my title is Financial Controller, the role is much broader, almost a finance and admin manager combined.

What do you enjoy most about working at Xperate?

For me, it’s the variety and the opportunity to keep learning. No two days are the same, and I like that my role gives me the chance to keep expanding my knowledge, whether that’s by taking courses, picking up new skills, or tackling challenges I haven’t come across before.

Another big highlight is the chance to grow alongside the business. As we continue to expand, I’d love to see the finance function develop into a larger team. At the moment, it’s just me, but I enjoy the idea of managing people and building that side of the department as Xperate grows.

Above all, it’s the culture here that makes the difference. Even though my role is technically a one-person team, I’ve never felt isolated. There’s a strong sense of support and teamwork, which makes Xperate such an enjoyable place to be. I’m usually in the office at least two days a week, often three, because I really enjoy the atmosphere and being able to spend time with the team. It makes a big difference to be in such a sociable and collaborative environment!

What impact can effective financial management have on a growing business like Xperate?

Good financial management is essential for any business, but it becomes especially important in a fast-growing company like Xperate. Having clear systems in place means the rest of the team can concentrate fully on their own work, confident that the financial side of things is being taken care of. They don’t have to worry about the day-to-day details - they can focus on delivering for clients and dealing with their professional counterparts, while I handle the background processes.

I see finance as a key support function rather than just something that sits in the back office. Reporting, forecasting, and planning aren’t simply numbers on a page, they provide real insight into why we do things a certain way and how that supports the business as a whole.

My previous SME experience has been really valuable here. I understand the pressures growing companies face and how financial management can support rather than hinder that growth. Done properly, it enables people to do their best work and gives the business the confidence to keep moving forward.

How does your work behind the scenes help the rest of the Xperate team deliver for clients?

My role is all about creating the space for others to focus on what they do best. By managing the financial side of things, I take away the distractions that could otherwise slow projects down. Whether it’s sending statements, chasing payments, or keeping cash flow on track, I make sure those tasks are handled quickly and efficiently so the wider team doesn’t have to worry about them.

Since I joined, we’ve been able to put a natural flow and process in place. That means any issues are picked up and resolved straightaway, before they become a problem. It avoids awkward situations and gives the team the freedom to concentrate on their client work with confidence.

The legal industry is a very professional space, and it’s important our internal processes reflect that. By keeping things running smoothly in the background, I help ensure the team can deliver the high standards our clients expect.

How do you see your role evolving as Xperate continues to expand internationally?

Global expansion is one of the most exciting aspects of my role. Using Xero makes a big difference, as it handles multiple currencies and live exchange rates with ease, which is vital when managing intercompany transactions across different regions. Currency exchange and losses are key areas to stay on top of, and the system allows me to do that effectively.

For me, it’s a completely new level of responsibility. I haven’t worked on this kind of international scale before, so I’m really looking forward to learning about the different rules and regulations in each country - whether that’s tax requirements, payroll systems, or even regional differences like the French-language elements of compliance in Quebec, Canada.

As Xperate continues to grow, intercompany management and monthly reporting will naturally take up more of my time. I expect part of my role will also involve handing down some of the day-to-day processes so we can streamline how everything is managed.

It’s going to be a steep but exciting learning curve, and I’m looking forward to supporting Xperate as we work with more countries, currencies, and financial systems around the world!

What are the biggest challenges you face in your role?

I wouldn’t say there are any major challenges as such, but there’s always a lot to learn. Having spent 11 years in my previous role, I built up a strong base of knowledge, but working at Xperate constantly brings new situations and requirements to get to grips with. That’s part of what I enjoy, as it keeps the role interesting.

Setting up banking facilities across different regions can sometimes be tricky, as each country has its own rules and processes. More recently, I managed the payroll setup in Australia, which was definitely a challenge at first but also a valuable learning experience, and it’s now running smoothly.

Thanks to Xero, managing exchange rates and currencies hasn’t been a problem, but I do need to stay alert to make sure each region is in the best possible financial position. Looking ahead, I know there will always be more regulations, technical terms, and local differences to navigate - whether that’s in tax, payroll, or legal compliance across different languages and jurisdictions.

The good thing is that I don’t face these challenges alone. I’ve got a fantastic team around me, and by taking this work off Becky and Mark’s plates, I can give them the space to focus on other priorities. With the right systems and support, even the most complex tasks feel manageable!

How do you unwind outside of work?

Outside of work, I like to stay active and spend as much time outdoors as possible. I go to my local gym in Winchester and love walking my two big dogs ( a Golden Retriever and a Northern Inuit). They’re great company and make sure I get plenty of fresh air.

Travel is a real passion of mine, and I’ve got a long bucket list of places I’d love to visit. Last year, I went to Oregon in the US, and next year I’m heading to India to explore Delhi and Jaipur, with an extra stop in Pune to visit the Xperate office, which I’m really excited about. I’m drawn to destinations with great views, nature, and opportunities for walking and exploring.

I also enjoy dancing. I learned salsa about ten years ago and now have my sights set on learning tango. It’s a fun change of pace from the more technical side of my day job!

Family is a big part of my life too. My daughter, who’s 29, lives in Australia, and my son, who’s 31, is engaged to a lovely American from New Hampshire. They’ve clearly inherited my love of travel, and it’s wonderful to see them exploring the world in their own ways.

Connect with Paula on LinkedIn here.

paula.slowen@xperate.com