Portrait – Hélène, administrative and financial manager at Pouliquen

Hélène joined the Pouliquen team in November 2023 as administrative and financial manager. She shares her office with Servann, administrative assistant apprentice, and Loïc, quality manager. Hélène is a great mix of rigour and good humour, helping to structure the company as it grows and making projects more efficient.

Professional expertise in the agri-food sector

The daughter of farmers, Hélène has always felt a strong affinity with the agri-food sector. After studying economics, she had the opportunity to join a large agri-food group, where she rose through the ranks from junior management controller to administrative and financial director. She devoted herself fully to the company for 23 years before feeling the need for a new challenge: ‘I felt like I had done everything there was to do, like I was part of the furniture. I wanted to find a position that would give me new intellectual stimulation.’

Supervising, structuring, passing on knowledge

At Pouliquen, Hélène supervises the company’s accounting, manages day-to-day cash flow and handles relations with service providers, banks, the chartered accountant and the auditor. One of her recent major projects was the digitisation of supplier invoices. ‘This has saved valuable time and enriched the team’s work.’
Hélène attaches particular importance to knowledge transfer. She supports Eva, administrative assistant, and Servane, currently an apprentice, in developing their skills and gradually taking on more responsibility. ‘I enjoy training them and helping them develop so that they become more and more independent.’

Looking to the future

Now that she has settled into the company and the digitisation process is up and running, Hélène would like to further develop the management control side of the business: refining margin monitoring, ensuring data reliability and enhancing analysis to better support the company’s strategic management. ‘My core business is management and analysis. I want to fully rediscover this aspect of my work so that I can bring even more value to the company.”

A new work-life balance

Although Hélène is fully committed to her job, she also makes sure to maintain a good work-life balance, which was a key factor in her decision to change jobs. ’The hours are less demanding here, so I have a little more time for myself.’ One of her little pleasures since joining Pouliquen? Whenever she can, she takes her lunch break at the port of Moguériec, a few kilometres from the office.

A word about the atmosphere at Pouliquen

When asked what she likes about Pouliquen, Hélène’s answer is immediate: ‘The clarity of the management, the welcoming environment and the great autonomy I enjoy. If I have a project, such as digitisation, I am trusted to see it through.’ She also highlights the shared desire to further structure the administrative department, in particular by supporting Servann in her studies for a degree in Human Resources.
Hélène plays a key role in the smooth running of Pouliquen. Her commitment and desire to share her knowledge make her a reassuring and dynamic member of the team. She is a fine example of the talent that helps drive the company forward every day.