Off to Work - Accounts & Payroll
Chris Forster • Financial Controller
After graduating in Economics from Bangor University I went to work in the City for Lloyd’s of London, Tullett Prebon and then CMC Markets, qualifying as a Chartered Certified accountant in 2001.
In 2004 I joined the contract caterer, Avenance and spent several happy years as the commercial accountant for the City and Scotland, then spent time with Delaware North Companies as Head of Finance at Emirates Stadium. After a few years back in the financial services industry I was happy to be offered a position back in the hospitality industry, joining Off to Work in December 2011.
When I’m not in work I love spending time with my friends and family at home in the country and getting involved with village politics. I’ve also been a professional pyrotechnician for over 10 years, working on major firework displays, competitions and world record attempts all over the UK.
Leszek Piekielniak • Accounts and Payroll Manager
After studying for an MSc in electro-engineering and completing a BA in Financial Management in my home country of Poland, I moved to London, joined The Garrick Club as a Trainee Sommelier and studied for Wine and Spirit Education Trust Qualifications at Westminster Kingsway College. During three years at The Club I worked at many prestigious events for royalties, heads of state, celebrities and corporate clients as well as top wine experts like Hugh Johnson, Oz Clark and Jancis Robinson.
Moving my career forward I teamed up with Vacherin, one of the top London boutique caterers and supervised a hospitality suite for a Japanese Investment Bank in the City for two years, gaining experience in event management at the top corporate level, holding the position of Master Sommelier for the company at the same time. To expand my event industry knowledge I joined the Off to Work casual team in June 2007, polishing my skills at prestigious events like the Damien Hirst launch party, corporate box service for celebrities at major sporting events and serving the Qatari Royal Family in Wales.
Any of our casual team who have pay or tax queries should feel free to contact me and I will be delighted to help.
Austin Conrad • Payroll and Billings Supervisor
I initially joined Off to Work whilst completing my A levels, after receiving a recommendation from a fellow student. I wanted to do something exciting and flexible which is exactly what the company had to offer. I continued working casually throughout my accountancy studies and decided to join the office team in July 2011. Having spent 5 years involved with the hospitality industry, the knowledge, experience and friendship I gained was too valuable to part from.
The innovative and progressive approach of the company is definitely an idea I share and want to be part of.
