Samuel John McDonald
Cardiff,United Kingdom
Summary
Analytical and driven mathematics graduate with experience in data analysis, financial modelling, and pricing strategy. Currently working as a Pricing Analyst at Admiral Group PLC, developing models and insights to improve profitability. A former British Army reservist with leadership and decision-making experience. Passionate about finance, with a focus on applying analytical and problem-solving skills to a career in wealth management.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Pricing Analyst in Household Risk Pricing
Admiral Group PLC
Cardiff
07.2024 - 08.2025
- Build and run pricing models using SQL to analyse large insurance datasets.
- Present findings to senior stakeholders, improving pricing accuracy and profitability.
- Led a project that protected over £1 billion in item value through data analysis.
- Managed a project to restructure pricing, boosting margins via risk segmentation.
- Delivered monthly financial reports linking tactical changes to KPIs.
- Collaborated internationally to reduce high-risk policy errors and accelerate decisions.
Travel Career Break
07.2023 - 06.2024
- Independent travels through Southeast Asia and Oceania after graduating from university.
BNY Insight Event
London
03.2024
- Gained exposure to departments including Asset Servicing, Investment Management, and Treasury.
- Secured a place on the BNY Veteran's Network programme.
British Army, Birmingham University Officer Training Corps, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Birmingham
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Completed Commissioning Course Short Module A.
- Developed skills in leadership, strategic thinking, and rapid decision-making under pressure.
Intern
Office for National Statistics
Newport
08.2021
- Analysed COVID-19 data to identify trends and present findings to policymakers.
Intern
ARUP Group Limited
Cardiff
10.2017
- Conducted cost analysis on infrastructure projects and presented to senior managers.
Mathematics Tutor
Cardiff
09.2017 - 06.2019
- Delivered tailored GCSE maths lessons to improve student outcomes.
Customer-Facing Roles
Cardiff
- Wetherspoons (2023-2024), John Lewis (2021), Homebase (2017-2018)
Education
Master of Science - Finance and Investment
University of Bristol
Bristol, United Kingdom 09.2025 - 09.2026
B.Sc - Mathematics
University of Birmingham
09.2019 - 06.2023
A-Levels - Maths A* Further Maths A, Physics B, AS Chemistry B, UKMT Maths Challenge Silver
Cardiff High School
09.2017 - 06.2019
GCSEs - 6A* 5A, Distinction in Additional Maths, top student in mathematics year group
Corpus Christi High School
Cardiff 09.2015 - 06.2017
Skills
- Data Analysis & Financial Modelling
- Problem-Solving
- Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
- Leadership & Project Management
- Risk Management & Strategic Thinking
- Quantitative Expertise
- Adaptability & Resilience
- Technical Proficiency
Certification
- Bloomberg Market Concepts
- Bloomberg Finance Fundamentals
Affiliations
· Solo Travel – Planned and budgeted a self-funded trip across 10+ countries.
· University Gymnastics – Team Cup Champions 2022/23.
· COVID-19 Community Support – Organised local aid group and supported vulnerable neighbours.
Timeline
Master of Science - Finance and Investment
University of Bristol
09.2025 - 09.2026
Pricing Analyst in Household Risk Pricing
Admiral Group PLC
07.2024 - 08.2025
BNY Insight Event
03.2024
Travel Career Break
07.2023 - 06.2024
British Army, Birmingham University Officer Training Corps, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
01.2022 - 01.2023
Intern
Office for National Statistics
08.2021
B.Sc - Mathematics
University of Birmingham
09.2019 - 06.2023
Intern
ARUP Group Limited
10.2017
A-Levels - Maths A* Further Maths A, Physics B, AS Chemistry B, UKMT Maths Challenge Silver
Cardiff High School
09.2017 - 06.2019
Mathematics Tutor
09.2017 - 06.2019
GCSEs - 6A* 5A, Distinction in Additional Maths, top student in mathematics year group
Corpus Christi High School
09.2015 - 06.2017
Customer-Facing Roles
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