Manager Accounting

Leslie Fernandes, CPA, FCMA

*** ***** *******, *********, ********** 94086

408-***-****/650-***-**** ***************@*******.***

Qualifications Profile

Analytical, dependable, results-oriented Senior Finance Manager with progressive experience, culminating in driving the month-end close of Google’s multibillion-dollar multi-currency revenue, Receivables, and Payables subledger in a fast-growing, dynamic Hi-Tech business environment:

Collaborated on large, cross-functional team to launch Google’s online commerce business in Europe. Demonstrated ability to manage complexity and ambiguity.

Streamlined processes for stronger output, reducing the Month End Close Cycle from 5 business days to 3 business days.

Maintained solid client relations, with proven Order to Cash (O2C) experience.

Completed a large project to transition $6 Billion accounting system to a new subledger accounting platform, ahead of schedule and under budget.

Passion for personally mentoring team, operating outside finance comfort zone, driving process improvements and strong personal work ethic to achieve objectives and deliver results.

Tenured professional with experience in multiple industries, with penchant for continuously evolving roles and ability to step into roles in other Process Towers.

Invested in success of organization and team, with the ability to collaborate and influence others. Master juggler able to take on multiple challenges at a time, focused on details while finding creative ways to tackle big picture challenges.

Outstanding career path in Governmental Auditing culminating in position of Director of Audit.

Professional Experience

Arvato Digital Services (Division of Bertelsmann Group), San Jose, California

Senior Finance Manager, 6/2005–Present

Located on site at Google. Responsibilities include driving Google’s monthly finance close for North & South American entities for multibillion-dollar, multi-currency revenue, receivables and payables portfolio, subledger management, Intercompany Accounting, Customer Segmentation, SLA/KPI reporting and Analytics and delivery of the associated month end accounting and financial reports. Also responsible for relationship management with Google’s Divisional Controllers. Prepare and consistently deliver accurate financial reports to executive leadership.

• Strong people management experience, with demonstrated success in building teams, staff career development and guiding an analytical agenda.

Received multiple awards for contributions, including an Outstanding Achievement Award from Google’s CFO in 2009 and an Arvato Business Success Award in 2010.

Recognized as a key contributor and go-to-person for the ability to multitask, operate in multiple operational areas, and get results. Ability to operate even under ambiguous environments, creating structure and driving impact with limited guidance or precedence.

Played a key role in stabilizing operations during site leadership transitions, including managing site productivity, motivating staff, and overseeing multiple areas (Collections, Cash Applications, Billing, Business Analysts, and Human Resources) during the transitions. Oversaw 150 staff members during this time.

Meriwest Credit Union, San Jose, California

Senior Financial Accountant/Analyst, 4/1999–6/2005

Managed $200 million Investment Portfolio for a billion-dollar financial institution originally established to meet financial needs of IBM employees. Oversaw investments in complex Mortgage Backed Securities, Collateralized Mortgage Obligations, Treasury and Agency Bonds, and Commercial Paper.

Prepared and submitted the Organization’s Annual Budget, monthly Financial Statements, and Reports to the Board of Directors.

Responsible for managing daily liquidity, Funding, $100 Million Borrowing Portfolio and related Collateral.

Instrumental in introducing and implementing a Financial Derivatives Program designed to manage and hedge Interest Rate Risk.

Established an Activity-Based Cost Accounting System, resulting in Organization and Product Profitability.

OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR – GENERAL OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA

April 93 – May 95 Director of Audit*

* Started out as Audit Inspector I in June 1985, promoted to Regional Manager and Principal Auditor

Overall planning, supervision and control of 4 audit teams engaged in appraisal, compliance and attest audits of the accounts of Provincial Governments, Local Level Entities and other Public Bodies.

Extensive experience in governmental accounting at the Provincial and Local Entity level.

As Regional Manager, I re-established operations at a Regional Office that had been previously devastated by volcanic activity.

Reviewed audit evidence as to coverage, adequacy of scope, implication of results, validity of conclusions and recommendations and expressed audit opinion on the Financial Statements.

Finalized audit management letters detailing deficiencies in accounting system, weaknesses in financial and operating controls and non-compliance with statutory and legal provisions.

Carried out special investigations which involved a great degree of tact and diplomacy, ensured audit evidence could stand the test of law and interacted with the legal division in cases that led to prosecution.

Prepared Auditor – General’s Reports to Parliament.

Managed 14 staff; 1 Regional Manager, 4 Provincial Audit Managers [direct] and 9 support staff.

Reported to Assistant Auditor – General.

ACHIEVEMENTS:

Eliminated time and cost over-runs whilst implementing Provincial Audit Plan.

Cleared all (28) existing arrears of audit during tenure as Director of Audit.

Revised format of Provincial Parliamentary Reports, which improved quality of audit reporting.

Developed Field Audit Control Manuals that were adopted by the Auditor-General’s Office.

.Guest Lecturer at Federal Government Courses on audit skills and techniques.

Involved in transfer of audit skills through on the job training to cover performance gaps.

Member of the Corporate and Strategic Planning Team involved with developing a 5-year strategic plan to improve overall administrative and operational functions of the office.

Previous Professional Experience

Allied Signal Aerospace, Toronto, Canada, Accountant, 2/1996 5/1996

Bennett Gold Chartered Accountants, Toronto, Canada, Accountant, 10/1995 1/1996

Corporation Bank, Sept 83 –Feb 85, Officer, Junior Management Cadre

Aug 78 – Aug 83, Clerical Cadre, Staff member of the Chairman’s Club Branch.

Educational Background

University of Cambridge, Overseas School Certificate – United Kingdom

Local Examinations Syndicate, St Joseph’s High School

Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm), Advanced Currency and Banking

Loyola College

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant, California, Since May 2000

Fellow Member, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA), United Kingdom

Contact this candidate