Markham, Ontario, Canada
Highly accomplished financial professional with extensive experience in financial planning, analysis, management and corporate reporting. Highly analytical and results driven with proven track record of improving operational processes and forecast modeling, utilizing automations and detailed key drivers that delivers accuracy and visibility. A strong leader and communicator with 15+ years’ supervisory/managerial experience, overseeing all aspects of Accounting& Operation department. With ability to translate vision into practical business plans and able to work in a dynamic, time sensitive environment. Fluent in English and Mandarin. HIGHLIGHTS • Financial Planning & Analysis • P&L Management • Management Reporting • Account reconciliation expert • Vendor Management • Hands-On Leadership • Payroll & Human Resource • Operational Management • Cash-flow Management • Cost Management • Budget Development & Management • GAAP / IFRS knowledge • Back Office Management • Process Development & Improvement • Audit & Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance coordination Skills in using a wide variety of programs including Advance Microsoft Excel skill, Oracle Financial, QuickBooks, Epicor Financial, Blackline reconciliation, MarkView invoicing system, AXYS, and Salesforce system.
• Manage and executes Corporate Accounting function through analysis, review and reporting expertise as subject matter expert. Leads, guides and advises on daily activity to a team of Sr. Accountants • Financial Report Management - Reviewing & approving team’s activity associated with the general ledger including team access to general ledger system, journal entries, daily cash flow and investment decisions - Structured and streamlined redundant day-to-day operations resulting in more accurate and timely financial information used in the monthly financial reporting package and account reconciliations - Oversee the annual financial statement audit. Liaise with internal & external auditors and coordinate audit requirements - Review & approve corporate financial statements on a monthly basis for senior management’s review, responding directly to inquiries from business line managers and directors - Serves as a subject matter expert in providing guidance and recommendations to the organization with regards to interpreting and applying corporate accounting policy • Financial System Upgrade and Continuous Process Improvement Initiative - A key contributor to the Financial system upgrade project activities includes: review and set up chart of accounts, reconcile data, and lead team to perform testing prior to system go-live launch date April 8, 2022 - Took a leadership role in identifying opportunities for staff cross-training, system automation and processing efficiencies leading to department efficiencies • Manage and Supervise Reporting Team - Led a core team of four employees and increase morale and productivity with professional development initiatives - Provide strong leadership to the Corporate accounting team by focus on staff empowerment and foster strong communication
• Corporate Finance Management - Develop, implement & manage annual budget process, financial and management reporting. Provide expert level of financial supports, analysis and consultations to the Board of Directors - Supervise all accounting and taxation matters, including AP, AR, fixed assets, GL, payrolls, loans, income taxes, regulatory filings for monthly, quarterly and yearly closings - Established and improved on financial reports, and review of budgets vs. actual analysis processes to reduce preparation time from 15 days to 5 days - Strengthened compliance of the Accounting department and financial operation for year-end audit by implementing reconciliations and correction of account system errors through QuickBooks - Oversee treasury functions by introducing new policies/procedures for cash flow and working capital forecasting structure which resulted in dramatic improvements in cash management and enhance bank relations - Applying financial knowledge to improve profits and operations, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with OSC regulations and IFRS requirements - Coordinate with auditors in bringing audit to conclusion within a 3-week timeline, with a cost-savings of 35% on bookkeeping & auditing fees • Operation Management - Responsible for the day-to-day operational workflow, maintaining compliance standards and coordinating audits - Increase efficiency of client asset transactions and account reconciliations by developing report automations with the use of advanced Microsoft Excel skills • Human Resource Management - Designed and executed a new vacation policies, tracking & recording processes - Introduced and replaced Employee Benefit Plan with $20K in annual savings while enhancing benefit coverage to all employees - Developed and launched a new 360 annual performance evaluation - Coordinate and participate in the company-wide recruiting process
• Manage and Supervise Reporting Team - Recruited, hired, mentored and led a core team of five employees and increased morale and productivity with professional development initiatives - Led team-building events for the Finance department to foster communication and staff empowerment • Financial Report Management - Appointed to be the Canadian Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) coordinator, tasked to maintain internal control documentation and coordinate annual compliance audit - Structured and streamlined redundant day-to-day operations resulting in more accurate and timely financial information used in the monthly financial reporting package - Oversee the annual financial statement audit. Liaise with external auditors and coordinate audit requirements - Review and coordinate the monthly tax payments and annual regulatory filings - Manage the preparation of the consolidated legal entity financial statement in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) and US GAAP • Implemented Global System Upgrade and Continuous Quality Improvement Initiative - A key contributor to the Oracle system upgrade project activities includes: review current processes and chart of accounts, reconcile data, provided feedback and recommendation prior to system go-live launch date - Took a leadership role in identifying opportunities for staff cross-training, system automation and processing efficiencies leading to department efficiencies and staff empowerment
• Budget Planning Forecasting and Analysis - Coordinated for organization-wide budget process and was responsible for determining cost saving measures to achieve desired budget goals - Supported corporate groups in developing and completing quarterly financial forecasts • Management Reporting and Support CFO - Prepared monthly, quarterly, annual financial performance versus budget, and Management discussion and Analysis (MD&A) to Board of Directors and business units - Analyzed and interpreted trends that allowed the executive team to rapidly determine the company’s financial performance in all operational areas for their decision making • Relationship Management with Various Business Units - Established and maintained strong working relationships with key internal stakeholders, to provide ongoing support and help to identify appropriate financial solutions to meet budgetary goals as well as Continuous Improvement initiatives
• Managed and Performed Analysis and Reporting for PCG - Consolidated monthly, quarterly, and annual financial performance analysis and asset reports for senior management and business units (Retail Investment, Asset Management, North American Private Banking, Online Brokerage and Full Service Investing) - Assisted in preparing & distributing earnings and expense reports, as well as quarterly board slides presentation materials for the Bank’s board of directors • Managed and Supervised Reporting Team - Supervised Reporting Analyst to ensure accuracy and timeliness of the reporting information request by Senior Management team, Strategy and Investor Relations groups to mandatory deadlines - Approved monthly journal entries prepared by Analyst to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of all financial transactions • Supervised Various BMO Financial Systems and Compliance Requirements - Maintained and reviewed employee access for various BMO financial systems - Ensured the financial reporting process met SOX Compliance requirements