Theashen Vandiar CPA CA(Aust)

GRC Leader | Internal Controls (COSO/SOX) | IFRS | Compliance (GDPR, ESG/CSRD) | IT & Integration Risk

Netherlands

About

Senior governance, risk, and internal controls professional with 15+ years of international experience across Europe, Australia, Africa, and the Middle East. Expert in designing and embedding enterprise-wide control frameworks in complex, multi-entity environments, with a strong track record in building controls from the ground up—particularly across new systems, integrations, and evolving operating models. Experienced in: Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and COSO / SOX-aligned control frameworks Designing preventive and detective controls across finance, operations, and system-driven processes Oversight of IT General Controls (ITGCs), including access management and segregation of duties, in collaboration with IT risk and security teams Control design across system integrations (e.g., middleware, ERP, and ticketing platforms), ensuring data integrity and auditability across end-to-end processes IFRS technical advisory, including complex revenue recognition (IFRS 15) Exposure to regulatory frameworks including GDPR, AML, ESG and CSRD, as well as the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), with a focus on operational resilience, data protection, and third-party risk International compliance exposure across the UAE and EU, including CBAM and ICV-related frameworks, with a focus on aligning regulatory requirements to commercial incentives and ESG-driven reporting Chartered Accountant with a pragmatic, business-focused approach—partnering with leadership to translate risk into scalable, value-driven governance solutions.

Experience

  • Director of Compliance at SKI Asia Pacific

    Architected and deployed comprehensive governance and compliance frameworks, ensuring alignment with ESG, CSRD, CBAM, and UAE regulatory mandates, including the In-Country Value (ICV) programmes. Formulated and enacted robust policies addressing AML, Anti-Bribery & Corruption, and governance structures compliant with international benchmarks. Established ESG-driven governance models that synergised compliance efforts with financial and commercial objectives, enhancing strategic market positioning. Collaborated with executive leadership to integrate regulatory compliance strategies with business growth initiatives and an incentive-based ESG approach.

  • Risk Control Manager at Stage Entertainment

    Re-engineered and instituted the Group-wide Risk and Internal Control Framework, transitioning from disparate controls to a standardised COSO-aligned Risk and Control Self-Assessment (RCSA) framework across operations in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, with full alignment to US headquarters requirements. Facilitated the integration of the new ticketing and payments ecosystem by designing end-to-end controls to guarantee data integrity, revenue completeness, and regulatory adherence. Spearheaded enterprise risk assessments (SIRA), encompassing strategic, operational, financial, and compliance risks, including in-depth analyses of payment processes, fraud vulnerabilities, and operational resilience.

  • Corporate Specialist at FrieslandCampina

    Orchestrated enterprise-wide internal control enhancements, embedding COSO-based frameworks and RCSA methodologies into daily operations. Executed comprehensive enterprise risk assessments (SIRA) that evaluated strategic, operational, financial, and compliance risks. Provided expert consultation on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) requirements, including IFRS 15 (Revenue from Contracts with Customers) and IFRS 16 (Leases), and IAS 36 (Impairment of Assets). Collaborated closely with factory operations, supply chain teams, and senior management to implement and oversee controls within diverse operational environments.

  • Business Executive at KnowledgEquity

    Delivered expert IFRS advisory, training, and implementation support to a global clientele, effectively bridging technical accounting principles with practical application, including the development of online training materials and the facilitation of webinars and live training events. Engineered and developed technical accounting learning solutions, translating complex standards into accessible and operationally viable guidance. Managed high-profile strategic projects and stakeholder engagement across international markets, driving business growth and ensuring successful client delivery.

  • Director: Governance and Compliance at SKI ASIA PACIFIC FZCO UAE
    Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

    • Led development of governance and compliance frameworks in a high-growth, international environment, translating ESG, CBAM and ICV regulatory requirements into commercial and operational models. • Designed policies including AML, anti-bribery and governance frameworks aligned with international regulatory expectations. • Partnered with executive leadership to align regulatory compliance with strategic growth initiatives and incentive-driven ESG positioning.