The Progress Group welcomes new Financial Controller

Specialist education and training provider, The Progress Group, have recently welcomed Sam Toothill to their Senior Leadership Team. Sam takes up the role of Financial Controller within the Group, bringing with him a wealth of experience and from his previous role at Grant Thornton.

Sam, who had been with Grant Thornton since his placement year in 2012, studied Accounting & Finance at Leeds University before passing his Chartered Accountant exams in 2016. Since then he has worked with a range of clients across the hospitality, technology & education industries, including the likes of City of Liverpool College and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. In 2017, he achieved his ACA qualification, one of the most advanced learning and professional development programmes available for financial professionals.

More recently, Sam has had a split role at Grant Thornton, specialising in data analytics. This role saw him drive forward management reporting and business efficiencies using software such as PowerBI.

Sam joins The Progress Group at a time of growth after the Group secured investment from Bankers Life Insurance Company (BLIC) earlier in 2020. This investment has been a catalyst for growth, which has seen the Group acquire specialist Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance provider CareersInc. But the investment doesn’t stop there. Earlier this year, the Group also invested in a new Business Development Team, appointing Tom Whitlock to the role of Director of Business Development. Tom moved from Progress Schools to work for the Group after successfully securing numerous tenders with local authorities across the country. These successes have helped Progress Schools to expand to now have 11 alternative schools across England within the space of five years. Tom is now applying his vast knowledge of the education and training sector to the wider Group growth strategy.

Talking of his appointment Sam said;

“I instantly felt that The Progress Group was the right fit for me. Not only does this sector genuinely make a positive change to the lives of the individuals, but working for a business that is so committed to achieving their mission statement to change lives through the power and education and training was really inspirational.

“To join a business where I will have a real opportunity to shape its future success is a huge motivation for me, and I can’t wait to get stuck in!”

Jayne Worthington, Group CEO said;

“We are delighted to welcome Sam to the team. His extensive prior financial experience and specialism in data analytics makes him a great addition to the team. As we continue to drive forward our innovation and growth strategy, Sam’s expertise will be invaluable.”

The Progress Group is made up of five education and training providers who work with individuals aged from 11 – 65. They operate nationally, often supporting some of the most vulnerable in society to positively engage in education and training, with the ultimate goal of helping them to achieve their potential.