SUMMARY ABOUT ME


Matt Cooke FCCA BAcc DipIFRS

I am an experienced finance transformation consultant based in the United Kingdom. I'm available for freelance work and projects. I specialise in Oracle Cloud applications, Sarbanes Oxley compliance, and the implementation of finance operating models.


MY EDUCATION

Originally from the north of England, I was educated between the ages of 8 and 15 in West Sussex on the south coast of England, where I obtained the Top Boy award for the 1989 GCSE examinations at Manhood High School.

My family then moved to North Yorkshire where I studied for A'Levels at Easingwold High School, where I obtained 3 A'Levels, and was awarded the 6th Form Award for Economics for outstanding performance.

My journey northward continued where I graduated from Stirling University with a 1st Class Honours, Bachelor of Accountancy degree.

I went on to qualify as an accountant within the Assocaition of Chartered Certified Accoutants, and obtained further diplomas from ACCA, most notably a Diploma in International Financial Reporting Standards.

In more recent years I have obtained qualifications in PRINCE2 project management and Oracle Cloud implemenation certifications

MY CAREER

I started my career in finance after graduating from the University of Stirling, Scotland, where I was employed as the Financial Statement Accountant for Scotland by Enterprise Rent-a-Car. It was here that I cut my teeth preparing financial and management accounts, performing analytical reviews, and learning first hand all the skills on how to run a small finance department.

From these humble beginnings I went on to become the UK Financial Accountant for Polaroid plc, the Financial Systems Manage for SITA (Geneva), and held other senior roles such as Senior Strategic Finance Manager, EMEA Financial Controller, Group Controller and Finance Director for a variety of companies.

Much of my career has been in the IT and professional services sectors. I have managed small teams to departments of over 120 people, and have led strategic transformation projects including the creation of an offshore accounting centre of excellence and the implementation of a group-wide Oracle Cloud ERP solution.


MY INTERESTS

I am a keen long distance cyclist and often take on cycle challenges both in the UK and abroad. I also run a 'Father and Son' karting team (www.enterpriseracing.co.uk) with my son, entering in various championships across the country.

I am married to a French national and have 2 children, all of whom take up much of my free time.

MY ACHIEVEMENTS

32

projects


ranging from ERP implementations to Sarbanes Oxley compliance

25

years of experience


with in depth knowledge of finance processes and best practice

MY LATEST WORK


Over the years I have led, influenced and driven many projects to successful outcomes. The project case studies shown on this site are some of my favourite ones.

MY MISSION STATEMENT


I will offer, in a professional manner, thoughtful but decisive leadership in assisting ambitious and fast-paced companies transform their finance organisation to one that resembles world-class standards.

In delivering transformative solutions to businesses I will leverage strategic and risk-based approaches enabling management to identify risks, the probability of them occurring and the potential impact on their business if they did occur.

I will foster and develop best practices, develop strong internal controls and process discipline, and will promote on-going process improvement within teams I manage and throughout the business at large.

I will lead and develop a team of appropriately skilled and motivated people with a strong customer focus, encouraging continuous personal development and objective orientated collaboration.

OVERVIEW OF MY SKILLS


 

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