Regional Audit Manager - North/Latin America

Summary

Dynamic professional with over ** years experience in Auditing, Finance and General Accounting. Successful track record of project management skills, maintenance of highly motivated personnel and strong team work building

Key Accomplishments

• Successful implementation of a new global risk-based audit methodology for the Americas Region in 6 months.

• Developed annual audit programs to assess the effectiveness of financial and operational internal controls.

• Startup of Procurement and Finance Departments with $140 millions in annual expenditure in three months.

• Achieved successful MM / FI SAP implementation to 250+ procurement and finance users in six months.

• Outstanding audit partnership questionnaire scores (150% above target).

• Achieved 95% timely completion of 12 month audit plan under budget requirements.

• Generated $6 millions in saving annually by securing long-term agreements with vendors.

• Developed training workshops in governance, financial internal controls and fraud worldwide.

Professional Experience

CADBURY PLC, 2007 – 2009 LTSE 100 + $10 billion global consumer goods company

Risk Assurance Director / Regional Audit Manager (April ’07 – March ‘09) Parsippany, NJ, USA

• Developed and executed risk-based financial and operational audit reviews. Conducted special and fraud audit investigations among business units. Managed an annual audit plan in accordance with standard audit practices and code of ethics which covered business units, key business processes and major capital projects to evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, compliance with Cadbury’s policies, GAAP and internal reporting procedures. Managed a team of 4 colleagues.

• Implemented a new global risk-based audit methodology within the Region. Developed risk management skills and internal control awareness across the business. Acted as ‘business partner’ in the assessment internal controls and risk management. Provided guidance regarding processes, controls and systems.

• Maintained an ongoing assessment of the major risks faced by the Region and its control framework through regular risk assessments and discussions with business leaders and participation in critical change projects.

• Prepared audit reports which clearly define the status of financial and operational internal controls, governance and risk management, provide precise and solid recommendations and identify areas of good practice. Built strong business relationships so audit conclusions are seen as positive force of improvement.

• Supported SOX compliance efforts for the region by identifying common weaknesses and providing advice on mitigation efforts. Plan and carried out SOX and COSO framework testing work in business units and outsourcing vendors. Lead role in regional coordination with external auditors.

• Developed and rolled out training workshops in financial controls, effective governance, fraud, COSO controls and risk management worldwide with focus on business units with poor control environments.

• Recruited and trained business auditors and audit managers. Identified development and training needs across the regional staff. Partnership with HR for recruitment projects: FLDP, inter-region, etc.

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE CO, 2005 – 2007 Fortune 500 + $15 billion global consumer good company

Senior Corporate Auditor (April ’05 – April ‘07) New York City, NY, USA

• Executed operational and financial audits within business units and supporting functions in accordance with its policies, procedures and US GAAP. Supervised (indirectly) up to 5 auditors.

• Ensured the effectiveness of internal controls, evaluate the strength of the control environment and provide proactive analyst of the group’s operations, financial activities and systems of internal controls.

• Developed audit programs and apply appropriate audit techniques for the scope of the audits: recurrent, first time, SOX or ad-hoc tasks for key business operations (e.g. media partner vendors).

• Drafted audit reports that effectively communicate to senior management audit purpose and scope, audit findings and recommendations. Suggested actions plans on weaknesses within the business leadership team.

• Sarbanes-Oxley 404 Compliance reviews in US and international subsidiaries. Overseen and monitored software for SOX reporting (RCTS) and support documentation among Colgate-Palmolive Co subsidiaries.

ONDEO DE PUERTO RICO, SUEZ GROUP, 2002 – 2005 $400 million aqueduct and sewer service operation,

Finance Manager (July ‘04 – April ‘05) San Juan, Puerto Rico

• Responsible for Accounting, Finance, Treasury and Account Payable departments, including financial reporting (USGAAP/IFRS) to headquarters and government institutions.

• Developed / implemented procedures & control mechanisms necessary to ensure that all business transactions are performed accurately in the SAP (FI, CO and MM) system and ensure protection of the company’s assets.

• Reviewed cash flow requirements in accordance with the Treasury policies and cash flow tools. Served as liaison for bank personnel. Achieved bank fees reduction (30%) and reduced account payables cycle near 60%.

• Oversee in daily basis issues regarding purchase order and contracts. Lead negotiations with providers / government to achieve successful transitions of contracts. Avoid $ 5 million penalty for advance termination.

• Coordination with the external auditors, implementation of internal control procedures and recommendations.

Purchasing Vice Director (November ‘02 – June ‘04) San Juan, Puerto Rico

• Managed 5 purchasing departments with $140 million annual in expenditure; established vision and objectives statements, hired, trained and managed team of 5 managers and 2 professionals.

• Managed contract negotiations with domestic and international providers to assure best value for money. Contract’s annual turnaround: $40 million.

• Managed business projects to maximize cost reduction strategies: SAP implementation to 250+ finance and administration users, fitting & pipeline materials, MRP, security services, chemicals, and mobile phone procure.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP / ANDERSEN, 1999 – 2002 $150 million Big four consulting and auditing

Senior Finance Auditor (June ’02 – October ‘02) Buenos Aires, Argentina

• Executed external audits on financial statements under IAS GAAP and US GAAP for foreign registrants. Identified internal control weaknesses and recommend mitigating controls. Managed team of 2 professionals.

• Participated in international water & sewer sector takeovers.

Finance Auditor (October ‘99 – June ‘02) Buenos Aires, Argentina.

• Audited and prepared financial statements for $2 billion equity companies.

• Design of functional operational models of finance, supply chain, human resources and fix assets.

AMANCO S.A., 1995 – 1999 $25 million local real state and agriculture investment group

Finance and Project Analyst (’97 – ’99) / Accounting Analyst (‘95 – ’97) Buenos Aires, Argentina

• Managed $ 5.8 million annual budget for real state projects including, market analyst, pricing, strategic and vendor negotiations. Achieved an averaged 21% IRR in 5 projects under responsibility.

• Responsible for monthly financial reporting and closing. Developed corporate budgets and tax reviews.

Education

Bachelor’s and Masters’ degree in Accounting and Business Administration

University of Buenos Aires, Finance and Economic School, Argentina, 1995 – 2000 (GPA: 3.68)

Credential evaluation and authentication report performed by World Education Services, NY, NY

Fluent in English and Spanish; advanced knowledge of French.

Argentina CPA and all required credits to sit for US CPA exam & license (NJ)

Strategic Marketing Course, School of Economic Sciences, Argentina, 2001

Analysis of Investment Projects and Advanced Finances, School of Economic Sciences, Argentina, 1998 – 1999

Budgeting and Financial Controlling, School of Economic Sciences, Argentina, 1999

Technology Skills

Proficient in Excel, Word, Power Point and Access; advance knowledge of SAP (MM, FI and CO) and Hyperion.

Contact this candidate