SARAH O'CALLAGHAN
Leeds
Summary
Business Management with Finance graduate (2:1, Leeds Beckett University) with hands-on experience applying financial analysis and commercial thinking to real business problems, including constructing and valuing a diversified UK equity portfolio and delivering a client-facing consultancy project for a business client. Over five years of customer-facing experience across luxury retail, high street retail and hospitality, developing strong commercial awareness, attention to detail and communication skills. Strongly motivated to build a career in finance, develop through CIMA and contribute to Asda's commercial and financial decision-making.
Overview
5
5
years of post-secondary education
5
5
years of professional experience
Work history
Kitchen Associate
Wetherspoons, Leeds
2026.08 - 2026.09
- Work effectively within a fast-paced team environment while maintaining service standards during busy periods.
- Follow food safety, hygiene and operational procedures consistently, demonstrating attention to detail and reliability.
- Manage competing tasks and priorities during high-volume service while working collaboratively with colleagues.
Festival Bar Staff
Bushy's Isle of Man, Douglas, Isle of Man
2026.05 - 2026.06
- Processed high volumes of cash and card transactions accurately in a fast-paced, time-pressured festival environment
- Maintained service speed and quality during sustained peak-demand periods
Retail Sales Associate
Flannels, Leeds
2024.10 - 2026.06
- Delivered premium customer service in a luxury retail environment, contributing to store sales targets
- Advised customers on product selection and styling, building rapport that supported repeat custom
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, protecting customer satisfaction and brand reputation under pressure
Retail Sales Associate
TK Maxx, Leeds
2021.09 - 2024.09
- Maintained stock accuracy and replenishment across a high-turnover sales floor
- Reduced stock loss through proactive, attentive customer service and floor monitoring
- Operated tills accurately under time pressure, handling high transaction volumes with strong attention to detail
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management with Finance
Leeds Beckett University
Leeds 2023.09 - 2026.07
A-Levels -
St Ninian's High School
Douglas, Isle of Man 2021.09 - 2023.06
Skills
- Financial: CAPM, DDM valuation, portfolio analysis, financial reporting fundamentals, financial analysis
- Analytical: Data analysis, problem-solving, commercial analysis, attention to detail
- Commercial: Retail operations, customer insight, commercial awareness, attention to detail
- Technical: Microsoft Excel
- Professional: Teamwork, time management, adaptability, communication
KEY PROJECTS & COURSEWORK
Business Consultancy Project — Client: Leap Health Grade: 73%
- Worked as part of a 4-person team on a live client brief, designing and distributing an online survey that gathered 55 responses on podcast listening habits and engagement
- Applied PESTLE, Porter's Five Forces and Uses & Gratifications theory to analyse the UK podcasting market and identify growth opportunities
- Presented a prioritised, SMART-based 12-month strategic roadmap directly to the client, and co-authored an 11,180-word consultancy report
Financial Markets & Investment — Diversified Equity Portfolio Grade: 73%
- Constructed a four-stock UK equity portfolio across the insurance and retail sectors (including Sainsbury's and Tesco), to meet a client's moderate risk profile.
- Applied CAPM to calculate beta and expected returns, and DDM to estimate intrinsic share value against market price
- Analysed correlation between holdings to evaluate portfolio diversification and reduce firm-specific risk
Business Strategy — IKEA Strategic Analysis Grade: 72%
- Evaluated IKEA's value proposition and business model against a changing retail environment, using FY25 performance data (£44.6bn retail sales, 915m store visits) to support the analysis
- Developed three long-term recommendations covering omnichannel convenience, supply chain resilience and brand consistency
Accounting & Finance for Managers Grade: 82%
Timeline
Kitchen Associate
2026.08 - 2026.09
Festival Bar Staff
2026.05 - 2026.06
Retail Sales Associate
2024.10 - 2026.06
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management with Finance
Leeds Beckett University
2023.09 - 2026.07
A-Levels -
St Ninian's High School
2021.09 - 2023.06
Retail Sales Associate
2021.09 - 2024.09