When Rory joined Woodland Group as a university placement student, finance was more than just a subject - it was a natural fit. With strong analytical skills and a passion for problem-solving, he quickly became an integral part of the finance team.

After completing his degree, Rory accepted a training contract with Woodland, giving him the chance to earn his CIMA qualification while gaining hands-on experience in both the UK and the US. His story reflects our values most: curiosity, growth, and opportunity. Through a blend of professional study and real-world learning, Rory developed the strategic and leadership skills that are now key to his role in New York.

As he continues to grow, Rory remains committed to helping others do the same — sharing his experience to inspire the next generation of finance professionals.

Interview with Rory

Richard (People Development & Culture Manager): Rory, first of all, thanks so much for taking the time to chat today, and congratulations on completing your CIMA qualification!
Rory: You’re very welcome and thank you very much!

Richard: Was finance something you always wanted to do?
Rory: I think it was, yes. I always enjoyed maths at school and was naturally drawn to working with numbers. When it came to choosing a university course, accounting and finance just made sense — it fit my strengths and interests. I didn’t have much exposure to accounting before, but once I started studying it and especially during my placement year, it really clicked. I realised it’s something that comes naturally to me and that I genuinely enjoy doing day to day.

Richard: You've been lucky enough to work with our finance teams in the UK and the US. How did you feel about your move from here to New York?
Rory: It was a really exciting move. I’d had some exposure to the US team before, and when the opportunity came up during a team restructure, it just felt like the right next step. I’d always been curious about working in New York after visiting during my placement year, and the experience exceeded my expectations. The team there, especially Jason and Deborah, were incredibly supportive, which made settling in so much easier. Having already worked across several parts of the business in the UK, the transition felt natural — it was a big move, but it never felt daunting because the Woodland culture and people were so familiar.

Richard: Now you've been there for a few years, is New York home? And do you feel fully part of the US Woodland team now?
Rory: Yes, it definitely feels like home now. After spending time back and forth at the start, once I settled in properly it just clicked. I’ve built a life here and really feel part of the Woodland team — everyone’s been so welcoming, and the culture is very similar to what I loved about the UK side. Looking back, I’d never have imagined ending up in New York, but it’s become home in every sense.

Richard: So, for any non-finance people, can you tell us a bit more about what CIMA is?
Rory: CIMA is the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. It focuses on using finance to support business decisions rather than just accounting, and it’s internationally recognized, taking you from operational through strategic levels — very relevant for working in an industry like Woodland.

Richard: What appealed to you the most — the strategic, leadership, or the international element?
Rory: It was definitely all of them. I was drawn to the strategic and leadership aspects because they help you become a real asset to the business, and the international element was exciting too — I always wanted the opportunity to work abroad, and CIMA opened that door.

Richard: There’s a lot of benefit to you personally having the CIMA qualification, but what are the benefits for Woodland?
Rory: CIMA benefits Woodland because it’s a strong endorsement of my skills and knowledge. Being fully qualified gives the company confidence that I can take on high-level responsibilities, make strategic decisions, and add value across the business — it’s a benefit for both me and Woodland.

Richard: If somebody else in the finance team said, ‘I want to start studying CIMA’, what would your advice be?
Rory: I’d say absolutely go for it. Start by getting a foundation like AAT if you haven’t already, then commit to regular study — consistency is key. It’s a big commitment, but very rewarding, relevant to what we do at Woodland, and helps with career progression. I’d recommend tackling it sooner rather than later, because once you get started and stick with it, the benefits — skills, confidence, and opportunities — are huge.

Richard: Is there anything during your training journey with CIMA that you learnt and thought, “I’m going to use that moving forward”?
Rory: What stood out most for me was the strategic and business side of CIMA. It reinforced how to approach problems, communicate clearly, and translate financial data for non-finance teams — skills that are hugely relevant to everyday work and essential for progressing in a career.

Richard: Having completed CIMA now and worked at Woodland for nearly a decade, if you had a time machine, is there anything you would change?
Rory: If I could go back, I’d aim to complete CIMA a bit faster. There were delays due to life events and the challenges of the exams themselves, but I’m proud of finishing the strategic level and case study within a year. Overall, I’m really happy with how my career and CIMA journey have progressed — it taught me discipline and resilience along the way.

Richard: So now you've completed CIMA, are we going to be organising any other training for you, or do you need a rest?
Rory: I’m focusing now on continued professional development and applying what I’ve learned in CIMA to day-to-day work. With the transition to our new accounting system, there’s a lot to learn, especially around automation and process improvements. I’m happy to continue learning, but for now it’s more about applying my skills and making a real difference rather than formal training.

Richard: Anything else you’d like to add?
Rory: I’m always happy to share my journey and experiences with accounting qualifications to help others. I see it as part of my role to support and train colleagues, passing on skills and knowledge so they can grow and feel more confident in their work.

Rory’s journey is just one example of how we support professional growth at Woodland Group. From early careers and placements to global opportunities and professional qualifications, we’re proud to help our people build meaningful, long-term careers.