James MacDonald

Versatile and commercially focused finance and operations professional with over 15 years' experience managing financial reporting, cash management, accounts payable & receivable, purchasing and business performance within a fast-paced FMCG distribution business. Experienced in producing and management information, analysing profitability, overseeing month-end processes, and supporting senior leadership with commercial decision-making. Strong analytical skills with advanced Excel experience, including data manipulation, PivotTables and visual reporting.

Currently studying towards ACCA qualification and developing technical data analytics skills through SQL and Python. Seeking a finance-focused role where commercial insight, analytical ability and operational experience can add value.

Financial Controller & General Manager at Aqua Amore Ltd (2010-08 – 2026-02)

Managed the day-to-day financial and operational performance of a premium beverage distribution business supplying home consumers, offices, hospitality venues, events and international wholesale customers.

• Managing company cash control and authorisation of supplier payments
• Production of weekly sales & performance reports for management, identifying trends, commercial risks and operational issues
• Supervision of the Accounts Receivable function, including weekly debtor reporting, performance monitoring and team management
• Preparation of monthly management reports for senior leadership meetings, covering sales performance, profitability, stock and operational KPIs
• Analysing pricing and product profitability, making recommendations that informed pricing strategy and promotional activity
• Management of month-end financial processes, including stock valuation and period close procedures
• Acting as principal liaison with external accountants and bookkeepers, supporting reconciliations and statutory reporting requirements
• Performing credit card reconciliations and investigation of any accounting discrepancies
• Supervision of purchasing department, resolution of any supplier or procurement issues
• Management of incoming supplier payment queries, building and maintaining strong supplier relationships
• Coordination of international freight and logistics for imports and exports
• Development of long-term relationships with key suppliers and major trade customers
• Support of customer service and internal logistics teams in resolution of complex operational issues when required
• Helped increase annual company revenue by 23% from £3.5 million to £4.3 million over a three-year period
• Development of internal management reporting measures to guide internal decision making
• Assisting major foreign premium bottled water suppliers to break into UK market with guided partnership growth campaigns, sales reports and local market data reports

ACCA Student in Accounting

A-Level in Mathematics

A-Level in Economics

A-Level in Physics