Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic
Samuel John McDonald

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
2024.07 - 2025.08
  • 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

2023.07 - 2024.06
  • Independent travels through Southeast Asia and Oceania after graduating from university.

BNY Insight Event

London
2024.03
  • 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
2022.01 - 2023.01
  • Completed Commissioning Course Short Module A.
  • Developed skills in leadership, strategic thinking, and rapid decision-making under pressure.

Intern

Office for National Statistics
Newport
2021.08
  • Analysed COVID-19 data to identify trends and present findings to policymakers.

Intern

ARUP Group Limited
Cardiff
2017.10
  • Conducted cost analysis on infrastructure projects and presented to senior managers.

Mathematics Tutor

Cardiff
2017.09 - 2019.06
  • 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
2025.09 - 2026.09

B.Sc - Mathematics

University of Birmingham
2019.09 - 2023.06

A-Levels - Maths A* Further Maths A, Physics B, AS Chemistry B, UKMT Maths Challenge Silver

Cardiff High School
2017.09 - 2019.06

GCSEs - 6A* 5A, Distinction in Additional Maths, top student in mathematics year group

Corpus Christi High School
Cardiff
2015.09 - 2017.06

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
2025.09 - 2026.09

Pricing Analyst in Household Risk Pricing

Admiral Group PLC
2024.07 - 2025.08

BNY Insight Event

2024.03

Travel Career Break

2023.07 - 2024.06

British Army, Birmingham University Officer Training Corps, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
2022.01 - 2023.01

Intern

Office for National Statistics
2021.08

B.Sc - Mathematics

University of Birmingham
2019.09 - 2023.06

Intern

ARUP Group Limited
2017.10

A-Levels - Maths A* Further Maths A, Physics B, AS Chemistry B, UKMT Maths Challenge Silver

Cardiff High School
2017.09 - 2019.06

Mathematics Tutor

2017.09 - 2019.06

GCSEs - 6A* 5A, Distinction in Additional Maths, top student in mathematics year group

Corpus Christi High School
2015.09 - 2017.06

Customer-Facing Roles

Samuel John McDonald