Experience

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  Wigan Athletic F.C.

  • Wigan, England, United Kingdom

  • NED Phoenix 2021 Ltd (Wigan Athletic)

    • Mar 2021 - Jun 2023
    • Wigan, England, United Kingdom

    Heavily involved in the acquisition of the club from administrators and carrying out the financial due diligence. Responsible for putting the board in place and working with them to develop the long-term strategy for the club. My main role was the point of contact between ownership and the board, ensuring the asset was being protected.Key Contributions:• Developed the strategy and the budget with the board after a change in CEO in March 2023.• Ensured challenge was made to the CEO at all times so that decisions were always made in the best interest of the club.

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  EPIC

  • Gibraltar

  • Chief Finance and Investment Officer

    • Dec 2020 - Mar 2023
    • Gibraltar

    Responsibilties:As the Chief Finance & Investment Officer, I spearheaded EPIC's investment initiatives, utilising my expertise in financial management and strategic decision-making to drive deal flow and maximise investment returns. My responsibilities included overseeing comprehensive investment appraisals, ensuring alignment with ethical investment principles and social impact objectives. Collaborated closely with the CEO to develop and execute business strategies, with a particular focus on reducing the social housing waiting list in the UK. Additionally, I stayed updated on market trends and regulatory changes within the ethical investment sector to inform our strategic direction.Accomplishments:• Played a pivotal role as Chief Investment Officer, driving the establishment and growth of EPIC, a boutique ethical investment company, and positioning it as a key player in the industry.• Successfully developed a robust deal pipeline exceeding $1B, with a primary focus on real estate and infrastructure, expanding investment opportunities significantly.• Led and chaired the Investment Committee, employing a rigorous evaluation process to optimize decision-making and maximise investment returns.• Built and nurtured high-performing teams locally and in the UK, fostering growth and providing essential support for achieving organizational objectives.• Effectively navigated the MiFID II license application process, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and facilitating future success.

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  FINANCIA Business School

  • Paris Area, France

  • Guest Lecturer--DLT & blockchain

    • Nov 2019 - Jun 2021
    • Paris Area, France

    Intensive weekend sessions teaching blockchain and DLT to their Corporate Finance MBAs.

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  Strait Forward Business Solutions

  • Gibraltar

  • Advisory work

    • Sep 2010 - Mar 2021
    • Gibraltar

    Providing a diverse range of advisory support to SME's, including:• Advising startups on financial planning, pitching proposals, strategy, team building, resource requirements and more. • Ongoing consultancy to variety of businesses.• Hands-on advisory support to for a recently acquired online gambling operator.• Providing advisory services to ICOs over the past 18 months around tokenomics, white-papers, risks, etc. • Part of a Fintech team advising crypto firms on obtaining DLT licenses through the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission.• Providing ongoing advisory support to a Digital Asset Exchange.• Leading project to build fantasy sports product for Asia.• Currently advising startups in the medical space and esports sector respectively.

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  University of Gibraltar

  • Gibraltar

  • Lecturer part-time

    • Nov 2019 - Dec 2020
    • Gibraltar

    Teaching on their flagship MBA course. Subject areas I teach on include Managing New Technologies (focusing on Fintech, DLT, Artificial Intelligence) and Strategic Decision Making

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  Mega Entertainment Limited

  • Gibraltar

  • Interim Financial Director

    • Jun 2018 - May 2020
    • Gibraltar

    Responsibilities:As an Interim Finance Director, I streamlined processes to improve financial performance through optimised efficiency and resource allocation. I conducted thorough account reviews, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations. Successfully implementing a more efficient financial system, I migrated from Oracle. Proactively resolving legacy issues, I demonstrated strong problem-solving skills. Additionally, I led audits, ensured regulatory compliance, and implemented best practices. By leveraging financial insights, I facilitated the development and execution of growth strategies for sustainable business expansion.Accomplishments:• Facilitated informed decision-making by providing the owner with insightful monthly management packs and reports.• Delivered effective and direct support to the owner, while ensuring effective handling of all finance aspects.• Oversaw successful regulatory audits by drafting policies, including a robust risk management model.• Improved accuracy and transparency by implementing efficient financial processes and controls.• Established and set up the finance function for a recently acquired business.

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  Eball

  • Gibraltar, Malaysia

  • Chief Executive Officer

    • Sep 2018 - Dec 2019
    • Gibraltar, Malaysia

    • Brought this fantasy esports start-up from concept stage to successful investment pitches and funding rounds. First round - £250k investment. My role in this has entailed defining the strategy, creating business plans, financial projections, market and competitor analysis and investor decks. Along with this, having matched the business with suitable investors.• Developed cross-functional team for launching and initiating this fantasy sports product in Asia. This included building and leading teams in multiple countries, managing project development, investor relations, financial management and reporting and targeting customers.

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  Gibraltar Financial Services Commission

  • Gibraltar

  • Technical Specialist- Contract

    • Nov 2016 - Oct 2017
    • Gibraltar

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  Lottoland

  • Gibraltar

  • VP Finance and Development

    • Oct 2014 - Mar 2016
    • Gibraltar

    Responsibilities:As VP Finance, I performed critical CFO responsibilities, managing financial operations for smooth functioning. I developed comprehensive financial procedures, ensuring robust operations. I improved working capital management, implemented control measures, and streamlined processes for enhanced liquidity. I designed a dynamic budgeting model for strategic planning and profitability. I fostered strong relationships with external stakeholders to ensure compliance and collaboration.Accomplishments:• Established and maintained strong relationship with bankers, auditors, insurance, and all departments across the group to foster effective collaboration and streamline operations.• Spearheaded the development of the finance functions and provided unwavering support to owners by successfully managing various key responsibilities of the CFO.• Achieved significant cost savings and improved financial performance by leading a project successfully, aiming at enhancing tax efficiencies and optimising intra-group transfer pricing.• Designed and implemented the asset management and treasury function of the group, while ensuring efficient management of financial resources and maximising returns.• Maintained seamless operations and enhanced productivity by integrating multiple systems, including Sage and the PO system.

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  bwin.party digital entertainment

  • Gibraltar

  • Financial Controller

    • Jul 2011 - Oct 2014
    • Gibraltar

    • Financial Controller for a PLC and major operator in the online gaming industry, based in Gibraltar.• Working within a group of Financial Controllers, my specific role entails recognising and monitoring the purely gaming related transactions such as turnover (bet minus win), loyalty and bonuses costs, client accounts/cash amongst others. • Responsible for preparing monthly reporting packs for senior management review. This process involves liaising with back-office staff in India on a daily basis and reviewing the figures to ensure accuracy, consistency and in line with relevant IFRS accounting standards.• Responsible for carrying out and implementing regular projects to improve processes across the group to aid more expedient reporting and smoother communication lines through standardisation of procedures.• Responsible for approving supplier payments, overseeing supplier disputes and calculating and recognising Gaming taxes in various jurisdictions.

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  Abbey Healthcare Limited

  • Chief Accountant

    • Aug 2009 - Mar 2010

    Worked closely with the CEO in tightly controlling the finance function and successfully navigating through a difficult period for the company. Created a reporting function from the ground up which included cost control and optimal resource allocation.Managed the finance team.

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  Fidux Trust

  • Head of Accounting

    • Sep 2007 - Aug 2008

    Client accountant dealing with assets and company management for high net worth individuals in an offshore setting.

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  Baker Tilly

  • Audit Senior

    • Oct 2005 - Aug 2007

    • Worked as audit senior on the largest companies in the country.• Carried out audits for a variety of different companies, including gaming companies, investment companies, property management companies, motor companies, medical insurance, importers, oil bunkering companies, funds and various others to completion.• Responsible for juniors working under me and working as part of a team.• Worked on audits of companies under strict financial services regulations.• Worked on group companies and consolidations.

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  CIT

  • financial accountant

    • Aug 2004 - Oct 2005

    • Worked as financial accountant in Portfolio department.• Carried out monthly reconciliation’s of all major accounts.• Extensive work on identifying reconciling items on each account and seeking explanations.$• Prepared monthly reports for management.• Worked in a team of 5 which liased regularly on various matters.

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  McCann Kane & Co.

  • Audit semi senior

    • Mar 2002 - Jul 2004

    • Carried out audits on regular basis both in house and on site.• Prepared weekly payroll for several companies.• Attended stock takes and spent time travelling to audits located all around the country.• Worked closely with audit manager on a regular basis.• Assisted on audit of our largest client.

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  Noel P Geraghty & Company

  • trainee accountant

    • Aug 2000 - Feb 2002