THOMAS COOK / JMC
Project Manager (May 1999 - January 2000)

Temporary roles following a company merger, reporting to the Finance Director and Group Integration Director, working on ad-hoc projects.

• Coordinated the preparation of a list of strategic initiatives for the business and the group IT function covering all divisions of Thomas Cook.
• Successfully competed the Year 2000 Project for the airline's external IT systems.

IT Manager

Reporting to the Group IT Director, this role involves assisting in establishing the strategic direction for IT in this £760 Million turnover, vertically integrated, travel company.

• Jointly managed the implementation of a cohesive group IT strategy; translating operating boards’ and senior management’s business needs into feasible technical solutions.
• Project managed the roll out of the ATOP computer system, within a structured project environment, to service 4 companies with a turnover of £230 Million.
• Identified business information needs with board members / senior executives; negotiated purchase and development of integrated management information system with Cognos suite of programs.
• Produced system specifications in agreement with Marketing, Operations, Customer Relations, Finance and other functional areas to meet business requirements of all operating companies.
• Acted as interface between senior management, internal technical management, and external suppliers.
• Project managed the Year 2000 project across 6 operating companies as part of a structured programme including establishing multi-disciplinary sub-project teams.

MIS Manager (1988 - 1997)

Established the IT strategy and managed all the day to day operations of the MIS department to ensure internal business needs and requirements of USA parent were met.

• Introduced computer infrastructure allowing a £30 Million turnover business to respond to volatile changes within the travel industry.
• Overcame resistance to persuade senior management to invest in new technology.
• Managed the differing cultural priorities of the USA parent and the UK subsidiary.
• Set up a new MIS Department with 4 highly committed staff who established credibility and projected a professional.
• Developed and presented an evolving IT strategy for the strategic IT plans and business cases to US Parent Board on behalf of Jetsave Board.
• Conducted feasibility studies on emerging technologies and ensured that information systems met functional and overall business requirements.
• Introduced state of the art telephone and call centre management system.
• Negotiated all IT / telephone maintenance and support contracts with suppliers.
• Supported 4 small USA offices - seconded for 4-6 weeks each year to implement new systems meeting operational needs.
• Re-engineered the pricing process to be a fully multi-user system and ran product-pricing process, due to extensive knowledge, in conjunction with Product Managers.
• Acted diplomatically as part of acquisitions team in research of target companies and when checking finances as part of due diligence process following acquisition.
• Participated in USA parent IT and Finance conferences in USA locations.

Management Accountant (1986 - 1988)

Managed all the day to day financial and management accounting activities of Jetsave and established systems to produce detailed profitability reporting.

• Managed the complexities of payments to scheduled and charter airlines.
• Managed the treasury function for the purchase of foreign exchange and cash investments.
• Assisted in finalisation of completion accounts following acquisition by new USA parent.
• Implemented USA parent new financial accounting structure.
• Designed a sophisticated product profitability computer system to replace labour intensive manual systems.
• Negotiated with suppliers for production and implementation of profitability systems.

Financial Controller

Represented the finance function at Board meetings while managing all the finance and IT functions of a family run business with 4 large caravan parks, Hickstead Show Jumping Arena, and other interests.

• Prepared VAT accounts including obtaining £100,000 rebate through identifying incorrect HM Customs & Excise instructions.
• Identified the business need and implemented a computer system for financial and operational activities.
• Acted as Company Secretary of subsidiary hire purchase company.

Financial Accountant (1979 - 1981)

Conducted all financial and budgeting activities on behalf of a high-tech manufacturing business unit of Philips with a turnover of £100 Million.

• Preparation of financial accounts, weekly cash flow projections, quarterly forecasts, annual budget and long term plans.
• Managed the demands of a department staff of 32.

Various Positions (1971 - 1979)

• Participated in a C.I.M.A. registered training scheme.
• Trainee accountant with time spent working in all industrial and commercial departments of Pye Ltd., a major subsidiary of Philips.
• Conducted the role of Project Accountant with responsibility for implementing a range of different computer systems.
• Provided a full management accounting service to internal business units.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master of Business Administration (1999) - Henley Management College.

Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (Registered Member in Practice)

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