Michael Wood

Experience

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  NatWest Bank

  Oct 2011 - Mar 2013

  Customer Advisor

  I played a role in helping NatWest in its quest to become the UKs most Helpful and Sustainable Bank. I worked as part of the branch team and was responsible for building stronger and more valuable customer relationships through great conversations that resulted in a deep understanding of customers needs and financial goals. In doing so, I found opportunities to grow, acquire and retain the customer base through the products and services available throughout the Bank, whilst providing an exemplary customer experience.This was just one of my many roles throughout my 8 years in retail banking! Show less

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  PwC

  Apr 2013 - Sept 2016

  I worked in both the Capital Markets and Structuring sectors of CMAS:Helped manage global stock exchange transactions, guiding clients from IPO readiness to completion, providing opinions, comfort letters, working capital forecasts, regulatory advice, due diligence, and financial prospects reports I trained with PwC London Top Tier, gaining my ACA qualification whilst specialising in auditing FTSE100 companies across retail, consumer, media, telco, and education. My audit experience covered revenue, costs, impairment, pensions, share-based payments, consolidation, acquisitions, and disposals, working within IFRS, UK GAAP, and PCAOB guidelines. In risk assurance, I assessed compliance with s404 standards for a FTSE10 company by testing business processes and IT control implementation

  • Senior Associate - Capital Markets, Accounting Advisory and Structuring

    Apr 2016 - Sept 2016

  • Senior Associate - Risk Assurance

    Apr 2013 - Apr 2016
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  The Football Association

  Oct 2016 - Jul 2018

  Finance Business Partner

  The FA are responsible for overseeing, promoting and developing English football at all levels, from grassroots through to the professional game.My role was the finance partner for commercial (broadcast, sales, licensing and partnerships), marketing, digital engagement, and retail & tours divisions, I facilitated sound financial decision-making through provision of comprehensive financial information and influencing key stakeholders.Key Responsibilities:• Led budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and five-year strategic planning, presenting to BU leaders and the CFO• Conducted financial analysis, due diligence, and structuring for major commercial deals (Nike, Emirates, Budweiser, Mars, McDonalds, LG, BT, BBC, International FA Cup broadcast rights)• Modelled contracts, tracked performance bonuses, and maintained financial models adhering to regulation• Implemented cost review processes, collaborated with procurement for efficiencies• Established new divisional reporting for digital engagement and led root and branch review for retail & tours Show less

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  Wunderman Thompson

  Jul 2018 - Jun 2021

  Senior Commercial Manager

  Wunderman Thompson (WT) is an integrated, creative, data and technology marketing agency whose mission is to inspire growth for ambitious brands.My role was as a commercial lead for multiple complex global clients at WT, partnering with the senior management team (C-Suite) to deliver commercial value for the organisation through effective client management and securing new businessKey Responsibilities:• Lead finance for new business pitches, shaping offerings to win clients and protect/grow P&L during COVID• Negotiated contracts, liaising with legal teams, implementing agreed frameworks• Consolidated financial reporting and management of budgeting and planning processes for global clients • Management of agency resourcing for optimal recoverability and profit margins• Provision of ongoing financial support for project tracking, appraise investments for business growth• Managed a team of two direct reports and one dotted line report post-merger• Oversaw net working capital, billing, payments, and responded to audit requests Show less

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  King

  Jun 2021 - May 2024

  Senior Finance Manager

  With a mission of Making the World Playful, King is a leading interactive entertainment company with a 20-year history of delivering some of the world's most iconic games in the mobile gaming industry, including the world-famous Candy Crush franchise.I was an integral member of the Candy Crush Soda and New Games leadership teams, driving P&L understanding and accountability, leveraging my financial expertise to make data-driven commercial decisions which drove growth.Key Responsibilities:• Provide leaders with P&L analysis and commercial expertise identifying risks and opportunities• Partner and influence game teams to understand our products aligning resources with business need• Integration of finance with the business through provision of accurate reporting, modelling, and budgeting• Alignment of financial plans with business strategy both short term (1 year) and long term (3 year)• Creation and appraisal of investment opportunities, including forecasting new products• Provide actionable insights on metrics including user acquisition, reach, retention, churn, and monetisation• Leverage competitor/market analysis to inform forecasting and decision making• Partner central teams (HR, marketing, legal, IT etc) driving collaboration ensuring consistency in objectives• Growing and management of team of two direct reports (managers), mentorship of other employees• Leading sizeable x-functional project teams (20+ people) to drive improvements in BAU and operations Show less

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  VML

  Oct 2024 - now

  Commercial Director

  VML is the largest creative agency in the world. A part of the WPP network, we combine brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth.