Experience

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  Massey University

  • Palmerston North, Wanganui-Manawatu, New Zealand

  • Financial Operations Manager

    • Mar 2023 - Present
    • Palmerston North, Wanganui-Manawatu, New Zealand

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  Rotorua Lakes Council

  • Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

  • Financial Services Manager - Kaea Pūtea

    • Mar 2021 - Apr 2023
    • Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

    Rotorua Lakes Council is one of the largest employers in Rotorua, building a positive future for our district with approximately 70,000 residents, and visitors numbering in the millions. We are determined to be among the best councils in New Zealand and are committed to continually improve the service provided to our customers, both external and internal. Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou ka ora ai te iwiWith your basket of knowledge, and my basket of knowledge, all will be wellFinance and Business Performance Team Mission Statement:The Finance and Business Performance team delivers trusted Governance, timely and accurate financial services, information and support to a wide range of stakeholders. We uphold the utmost in professionalism and integrity and our Business partnering approach means we provide collaborative and value added services to optimise business performance.Financial Services Team Mission Statement:The Financial Services team processes, interprets, and maintains financial information while providing quality customer service and training. We strive to protect the financial integrity of the Council by delivering accurate and timely financial records that meet audit standards, ensure that Council satisfies relevant regulatory and compliance obligations and act as the front line to safeguard the Council Financial strategy. Position MissionTo manage the Financial Services team to ensure all regulatory and compliance obligations are met, develop and maintain accounting policies, practices and procedures that ensure accurate and timely financial information is produced to support Council operations. Critical to the success in this role is the ability to identify, challenge and recommend actions to improve team performance and build strong and enduring relationships with the wider finance team and across Council.

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  New York University

  • Buenos Aires

  • Assistant Director for Administration

    • Nov 2009 - May 2021
    • Buenos Aires

    Responsible for finance, administration, management accounting, statutory reporting and audit, local tax and legal compliance, budget management, human resources and payroll, information technology, and facilities at NYU’s study abroad site in Buenos Aires. Developed detailed monthly financial report comparing actual to budget expense and providing analysis and commentary. Achieved operating budget targets in the six fiscal years under my management. Recognised by Global Programs Office for achieving excellent financial control.Designed and implemented comprehensive procedures for supplier payments, payroll, and month end reconciliations achieving effective control and efficient transaction processing.Initiated with colleagues from NYU London, Paris, Madrid, and Accra an administration workgroup to share knowledge, ideas, and experiences across NYU’s study abroad sites.Created a series of reports and analysis to measure non-financial performance. Reports include site critical success factors and balanced scorecard, student learning outcomes and overall satisfaction, database of faculty course evaluations, and analysis of student enrolment.Designed Google Sheets global planning tool to manage all aspects of programming and financial planning for short stay programs hosted by NYU’s 11 study away sites. Enables program leaders to work with sites to coordinate and develop program of activities and provides comprehensive financial report showing actual Vs forecast expense plus invoice for internal billing purposes. Successfully implemented a global classroom with Polycom video conferencing technology enabling students in Buenos Aires to share a virtual classroom with students at NYU New York and other study away sites. Acted as local project manager and worked with building constructor, suppliers, implementer, and head office IT team to achieve on time and on budget implementation.

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  Mindsight Consulting

  • Buenos Aires

  • Founder and Managing Director

    • Jan 2009 - Jan 2011
    • Buenos Aires

    We provide high value added outsourcing and consultancy solutions in accounting, administration, business intelligence, information technology, and actuarial services. We are a dynamic and creative team of professionals from different educational and cultural backgrounds. We are dedicated to providing outstanding customer service, seeing the world with new eyes, and having fun while doing it! We have extensive knowledge of the offshore financial industry as well as important experience in other sectors and industries. Based in Buenos Aires, Argentina our cost effective services enable clients to achieve significant cost savings.

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  Centurion Group

  • Buenos Aires

  • Finance and Accounting Manager

    • May 2003 - Nov 2008
    • Buenos Aires

    Responsible for accounting, finance, corporate and client reporting, fund accounting, administration, human resources, and all local tax and legal issues.Established in Buenos Aires the finance and administration function for international tax planner and fund manager Centurion Group. From an original staff of two in 2003 grew the team to 20 in 2008 and provided high quality and cost effective support to its European head office and to international clients. Developed a high performing multinational team of staff combining talented locals with ex pats living in Buenos Aires. As mentor and leader inspired staff to achieve outstanding performance and provided a positive learning focused working environment. Implemented induction and training programs, performance reviews, and regular team building activities. Implemented Microgen ERP and developed comprehensive management information pack that included consolidation of Centurions 10 revenue centres and more than 70 individual legal entities. This project was challenging as the legal structure underlying Centurion is extremely complex as required for effective international tax planning. The end result was a comprehensive and high quality resource for Centurion management that enabled enlightened decision making.

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  RELX Group

  • Buenos Aires

  • Financal Controller Latin America

    • Feb 1999 - Mar 2001
    • Buenos Aires

    Overall responsibility for the finance and administration functions of the Reed Elsevier Legal Division’s operations in Latin America. Successfully transformed the administration and finance functions of three Argentine legal publishers from those of family run businesses to part of a multinational corporation. Implemented Microsoft Dynamics ERP, defined organization structure and job descriptions, trained and motivated staff, and upgraded infrastructure.Implemented monthly reporting, budgeting, and forecasting systems and procedures (previously no management information had been produced), managed external and internal audits, ensured that corporate reporting deadlines were met. Developed market and competition analysis reports. Implemented regular meetings and performance measures for senior management. Ensured the cooperation of former competitors, developed publishing, sales, and marketing policy. Provided training and initiatives to help staff at all levels integrate into and feel part of a major corporation.Managed successfully the acquisition of Chilean legal publishers Conosor, and Publitecsa and of Argentine journal publisher Jurisprudencia Argentina by Reed Elsevier. Management of due diligence, business and commercial analysis, development of business plans and budgets, negotiation with vendors, and development of relationships with key staff.Ensured a smooth transition of ownership as interim General Manager of Abeledo-Perrot immediately after the purchase of 100% of its shares by Reed Elsevier. Ensured that all staff clearly understood the effect of the change and that all transition issues were addressed.