Celebrating Success: Matt Noblett Achieves CGMA Qualification

BCW Group is proud to celebrate a significant milestone for our Finance Business Partner, Matt Noblett, who has successfully completed his Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) qualification. This achievement reflects his dedication, expertise, and commitment to professional growth, all of which contribute to BCW’s continued success.

Since joining BCW, Matt has played a vital role in shaping financial strategy, ensuring alignment between operational objectives and long-term business goals. Balancing his career development with family life, he has demonstrated remarkable perseverance and focus.

We recently sat down with Matt to discuss his journey, the challenges he faced, and his vision for the future.

1. Can you tell us about your career journey so far and how you came to join BCW?

I decided to do a degree in Business Management straight after finishing my A levels at college, as I believed it would provide me with a broad and versatile knowledge base in all business areas, rather than focusing solely on one specific area such as Accounting. Over the past eight years, I have built extensive experience in finance, continuously striving to advance my skills and expertise. When I was approached with the opportunity to join BCW, I was impressed by the company's significant growth in recent years and its clear ambitions for continued expansion. After my interview, it became evident that BCW was on an exciting trajectory and I was eager to contribute to and be a part of that journey.

2. How long have you been part of the BCW team, and what has been your most rewarding experience here?

I’ve been part of the BCW team for approximately a year and a half and I’ve never looked back. During this time, I’ve made significant progress in my role, further developing my experience and commercial awareness. One of the most rewarding aspects has undoubtedly been the opportunity to work closely with the Managing Director and Finance Director to drive the business forward.

My involvement in strategic decision-making alongside budgeting and forecasting, has been both highly rewarding and integral to my professional development. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to key strategic discussions to ensure that financial and operational objectives align with long-term growth ambitions. My experience in budgeting and forecasting has enabled me to deliver financial insights that support the company's decision-making processes and effective planning.

3. What motivated you to pursue the CGMA qualification?

The CGMA qualification is aligned with roles within industry, a career path I’ve chosen to pursue. The courses focus on strategic management and leadership will provide me with valuable insights and skills that I can apply in my day-to-day responsibilities. I’m confident that this qualification will equip me with the essential tools to effectively manage both internal and external stakeholders, enhancing my ability to drive informed decision-making within the organisations I work with. Ultimately, I believe the CGMA will support my development as a leader, enabling me to contribute more effectively to the strategic objectives of the business.

4. How long did it take to complete your CGMA, and what was the most challenging part of the process?

I initially started studying for the ACCA qualification whilst working at an accounting practice as this would provide me with the technical expertise necessary to pursue a career as a financial accountant, with a particular focus on tax and accountancy. I continued studying ACCA until I moved to BCW, which is where I decided to switch to studying CIMA. BCW have supported me in this decision and have given me the tools to pass the exams in a relatively short space of time.

The most challenging aspect was balancing my home life with the demands of raising two young children alongside my work commitments, whilst also dedicating time to my studies. It required significant commitment and personal sacrifices to successfully complete these exams. However, I was fully aware that the long-term benefits would be substantial, both professionally and personally, which motivated me to persevere through the challenges.

5. How has completing the CGMA impacted your role as a Finance Business Partner?

As I mentioned previously, I strongly believe that the CGMA qualification will significantly enhance my decision-making capabilities, equipping me with the strategic insights needed to support the business in making well-informed and effective decisions. This qualification will not only refine my analytical skills but also help me to align financial strategies with the company's long-term objectives.

In my role as a Finance Business Partner, the knowledge gained through CGMA will enable me to provide more valuable financial guidance, to ensure that key stakeholders have the information they need to make sound business decisions. By improving my ability to translate financial data, I’ll be more knowledgeable to drive performance improvements and ultimately contribute to the achievement of organisational goals.

6. What are your immediate goals now that you've achieved this milestone?

Having successfully completed all the CGMA exams, my immediate focus is to use the skills and knowledge gained to enhance my performance in my current role. I aim to apply the financial management techniques acquired during my studies to drive more informed decision-making and support the business in achieving its long-term objectives.

I also plan to develop my leadership capabilities, taking on more responsibility in different projects and partnering with senior management to influence key business decisions. Ultimately, my goal is to progress within the organisation, whilst continuing to add value through my expertise in finance and business partnering

7. Who has been your biggest inspiration throughout your career and why?

Throughout my career, my biggest inspiration has been my dad and uncle, both of whom have enjoyed successful careers in finance and have gone on to build successful businesses. Their achievements and work ethic have had an impact on my own professional journey. Growing up, I was always inspired by their determination and the way they approached challenges, which has made me aim for long term success.

They’ve been invaluable mentors to me, offering guidance and support at various stages of my career. Their advice has always been appreciated, whether it was discussing the importance of financial planning or the need for adaptability in a fast-evolving business world.

8. What advice would you give to someone considering a similar path or qualification?

My advice to anyone pursuing a career in finance is to start your professional exams as early as possible. Completing qualifications like the CGMA early on will provide you with the technical skills and strategic insight needed to progress more quickly in your career. It also becomes increasingly difficult to balance exam preparation with other responsibilities as you advance, so tackling these exams sooner allows you to focus on your studies before other commitments take precedence.

A career in finance from my experience offers opportunities to get involved in business strategy, and influence key decisions. The CGMA qualification will help you with not only financial expertise but also non-financial such as leadership and strategic skills.

Closing Statement

Matt’s achievement has been met with great pride and admiration from the team, including BCW Design & Manufacture’s Managing Director, Mark Corns who shared his thoughts on this remarkable milestone:

"We are incredibly proud of Matt for completing his CGMA qualification. He has been an essential part of the team, contributing to key strategic discussions to ensure that financial and operational objectives align with our long-term growth ambitions. His insights and dedication have strengthened our financial planning and decision-making processes at BCW."

Balancing a demanding career with family life is no small feat, and Mark acknowledged Matt’s commitment:

"Achieving this qualification while raising two young children and managing work commitments is a testament to Matt’s determination and focus. His hard work and resilience have not gone unnoticed, and we are excited for his future here at BCW."

Rachael Ashworth, BCW Group Finance Director, went on to say, “Matt’s achievement is a testament to his hard work and dedication. His ability to apply strategic financial insights while balancing day-to-day operations has been invaluable to BCW. This qualification not only enhances his expertise but also strengthens our finance team as we continue to drive the business forward. We look forward to seeing him grow even further in his career with BCW."

Congratulations again to Matt on this fantastic achievement.