Accounting Manager, Controller, Sr Tax Manager

Vahé Geragosian

Redmond, WA 425-***-**** ****.**********@*****.***

Profile

Strategic tax & accounting expert with 18+ years of US and Canadian experience. Successful managing complex corporate finances with multiple regulatory compliance requirements. Enthusiastic trainer and presenter, skilled partner with executives, auditors, government officials, diverse customers.

Financial team leadership, training and education, direct service to clients, B2B, B2C. Multiple years of experience leading diverse teams. Excellent leadership and management skills

Financial strategy analysis, hands-on experience with tax reporting, new system implementations and process improvements. Deep modeling capabilities, ability to work with various financial systems.

Financial and tax reporting, Strong knowledge of US and Canadian federal, state and provincial tax law and regulations

General Accounting (general ledger, A/P, A/R, payroll, inventory, budgeting, forecasting) extensive experience in operational tax and accounting filed

Audits and regulatory compliance (Provincial, State and Federal), government and legal liaison

Variety of industries including construction, manufacturing, banking, personal services, retail

Professional Experience

Corporate Controller, Canada Scaffold Supply Co. Ltd., Richmond, BC 2014 - 2016

Managed accounting and finances for leading Canadian steel manufacturer and scaffold supplier. Oversaw all functions including G/L, A/R, A/P, PR, Collections, Inventory and HR.

Prepared monthly, quarterly and annual financial statements, custom analysis and ad hoc reporting

Managed $12 Million budget and coordinated annual corporate tax filling for all entities

Collaborated with Operations, Board of Directors and executive team to measure, analyze, and improve current financial processes. Implemented new systems and processes resulting in:

Significantly improved customer service for B2B clients

Improved operations efficiency

Simplified compliance with multiple entities across US and Canada

Reduced outstanding collectables by 35% following new A/R process implementation

100% successful external audit

Senior Manager, Operational Taxation, HSBC Bank Canada, Vancouver, BC 2008 – 2012

First employee hired to launch new team at Canada’s leading bank. Served as nationwide subject matter expert on tax reporting, training and supporting teams companywide. Provided over 700K tax slips and additional B2C statements annually.

Provided strategic and technical guidance to newly-formed Operational Tax team

Trained IT and business teams on tax, financial, compliance and regulatory topics

Directly supported all HSBC Bank branches and HSBC customers with tax guidance

Analyzed existing tax reporting processes and successfully implemented new automated system

Improved accuracy 95%, reducing slip amendments and customer complaints

Developed new consolidated slip reporting module, reducing volume by 50% and saving the company over $400K annually

Managed US and Canadian compliance; communicated critical regulatory changes to subsidiaries

Created detailed analysis of comprehensive IRS reporting requirements; presented to executives

Manager, Financial Reporting (Contract Position), Imperial Parking, Vancouver, BC 2007 – 2008

Managed financial reporting and accounting at one of North America’s largest parking management companies (3,400+ locations with 9,000+ employees across US and Canada).

Coordinated with KPMG tax team gathering US tax return information, including follow-up to US regulatory entities

Managed and supervised several direct reports, including a Corporate Financial Accountant

Led monthly financial reporting to senior management, Board of executives, shareholders

Prepared and supervised multi-currency accounting reports, including complex journal entries/postings, account reconciliations, consolidated financial statements, EBITDA

Prepared multi-jurisdictional tax returns with financial statements and supporting schedules

Oversaw preparation of monthly budget worksheets, continuity schedules and calculation of depreciation for Canadian and US entities

Senior Trust Tax Analyst, Alderwoods Group (formerly Loewen Group), Burnaby, BC 2000 – 2007

Managed complex systems conversions, tax reporting and filing for $700+ Million international firm with 600+ locations. Provided critical documentation to facilitate $1.2 Billion buyout in late 2006.

Implemented Convey tax software, automating tax preparation process and improving efficiency

Prepared and verified tax and compliance documentation for US states and federal agencies

Researched and resolved numerous US federal and State tax compliance issues, including correspondence with IRS and other agencies regarding 1065, 1041, GAL, and 1099s

Created and delivered new training content to strengthen team knowledge of complex issues

Owner / Managing Director, VG Accountancy, Coquitlam, BC 1999 – present

Provided strategic consulting and full-service accounting and financial management to over 25 large to small businesses, government sector, corporate divisions, non-profits organization and individuals.

Managed integrity and completeness of all accounting data from general ledger to custom reports

Prepared financial statements, reports, and tax returns, including US tax return and schedules (1040, 1120, 1041) Canadian tax return and schedules (T1, T2, PST, GST)

Communicated directly with IRS and CRA regarding tax returns and inquires

Certified as installer and trainer on ACCPAC for Windows (currently Sage 300)

Corporate, Personal and General tax consultation, taxes imposed at the transaction layer including sales tax, VAT/GST, PST as well as withholding taxes and requirements

Education and Special Skills

4th Level – Certified General Accountant (C.G.A.) Certified General Accountant Association of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC

Bachelor of Commerce - Major in Accounting

Azad University of Iran – Tehran, Iran

Training, coursework and Certification on ACCPAC for Windows (Sage ERP)

Extensive expertise with Microsoft Excel, proprietary and web-based tools including Convey tax preparation software, Lacerte, CCH Tax Prep (T1, T2, T3, TaxPrep Forms), Profile Pro, Sage 50, 300

Pro bono tax accountant and treasurer for cultural, not for profit and charitable organizations

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