Sethurathinam Somasundaram
Freetown
Summary
Proven Finance Controller at Zak Building aterials (Concord Group), adept in ERP systems and fostering team growth, streamlined financial processes, enhancing data accuracy and compliance. Achieved significant cost savings through strategic negotiations and optimized working capital, demonstrating exceptional project management and internal controls expertise.
To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Finance Controller
Zak Building Materials (Concord Group)
06.2016 - Current
- Reviewed documentation and identified financial discrepancies where applicable.
- Streamlined month-end close process, reducing time spent on manual tasks and improving data accuracy.
- Ensured compliance with GST, Paye, Payroll, Customs, WHT, PIT, CIT tax regulations; timely filing of all required documents, mitigating potential penalties or fines.
- Prepared monthly reconciliation of bank accounts and took corrective actions on deviations.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms for the company, resulting in significant cost savings.
- Mentored junior staff members in best practices for accounting procedures, fostering professional growth within the team.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders, including banks, investors, and auditors to secure funding and maintain transparency.
- Optimized working capital through careful inventory management and accounts receivable collection efforts.
- Implemented internal controls to safeguard company assets and mitigate risks associated with fraud or error.
- Oversaw the preparation of monthly financial statements, providing critical insights into business performance.
- Streamlined financial reporting by implementing efficient accounting systems and processes.
- Managed financial audits, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining accurate records for review.
- Supported operations management, sales, and marketing efforts to increase revenue and overall financial health.
- Managed investments to diversify financial portfolios and grow revenue.
- Developed strategic plans for day-to-day financial operations.
- Prepared internal and regulatory financial reports, balance sheets and income statements.
- Complied with established internal controls and policies.
- Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
Finance and Accounting Manager
Adnan Super Market
11.2013 - 06.2016
- Strengthened internal communication channels between finance team members through regular meetings and collaborative tools.
- Improved financial reporting accuracy through meticulous data analysis and reconciliation efforts.
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering a supportive work environment that encouraged professional growth.
- Streamlined financial processes by implementing automated systems and reducing manual tasks.
- Oversaw the month-end closing process, ensuring timely and accurate financial statement preparation.
- Assessed risks and opportunities, implementing strategies to mitigate potential losses and maximize gains.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms with vendors, leading to cost savings throughout the organization.
- Spearheaded annual audit process, liaising with external auditors to ensure smooth completion of requirements within deadlines.
- Managed budgeting process for multiple departments, resulting in more efficient resource allocation.
- Drove cost reduction initiatives by identifying inefficiencies in existing processes and suggesting improvements based on best practices.
- Contributed towards improving operational workflows by collaborating with IT teams to implement new accounting software solutions.
- Ensured company tax compliance by staying up-to-date on legislative changes affecting the industry.
- Managed banking reconciliations and monthly balance sheet statements.
- Managed journal entries, collection efforts, reconciliations, and payroll processing.
- Generated monthly and quarterly financial statements for executive review.
- Tracked business revenue and expenditures and reconciled accounts to maintain high accuracy.
- Developed and maintained system of internal controls to prevent fraud and abuse.
- Complied with established internal controls and policies.
- Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
- Improved overall financial reporting by streamlining control processes and reporting structures.
- Conducted financial due diligence on potential investments and acquisitions.
Finance and Administration Manager
Goodwill Team Papers Limited
02.2009 - 03.2013
- Oversaw accounts payable and receivable, ensuring timely processing and accurate recordkeeping.
- Drove operational efficiency within the administration team through continuous process improvement initiatives.
- Collaborated closely with external auditors during annual reviews, facilitating a smooth audit process each year.
- Played an integral role in long-term strategic planning efforts, using financial modeling techniques to project future performance accurately.
- Streamlined administrative processes by implementing new software solutions, improving overall productivity.
- Ensured timely completion of month-end close activities while maintaining strict adherence to accounting standards.
- Spearheaded process improvements in the finance department by developing standardized procedures and documentation templates.
- Managed payroll operations, ensuring accurate calculations and timely disbursements for all employees.
- Coordinated with various departments to develop annual budgets, monitoring expenditures throughout the year.
- Reduced operating expenses through effective vendor negotiations and contract management.
- Conducted regular audits to identify areas of improvement and maintain a robust control environment.
- Boosted internal controls by conducting risk assessments and implementing appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Developed and maintained financial policies to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.
- Increased financial efficiency by implementing cost-saving measures and streamlining budgetary processes.
- Analyzed budgets, forecasts and current trends to support overall financial operations.
- Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
- Prepared internal and regulatory financial reports, balance sheets and income statements.
- Implemented and regularly reviewed financial controls to generate accurate and reliable financial data.
- Monitoring liaison work and compliance with Labour Dept, Pollution Dept and other regularities.
Finance Manager
Ternakan Kamran Sdn Bhd (Group)
11.2003 - 02.2009
- Reviewed documentation and identified financial discrepancies where applicable.
- Ensured compliance with local GST, Corporation Tax, Socso, Customs and other tax regulations; timely filing of all required documents, mitigating potential penalties or fines.
- Prepared monthly reconciliation of bank accounts and took corrective actions on deviations.
- Mentored junior finance staff, fostering professional development and strong team dynamics.
- Optimized cash flow with diligent monitoring of accounts receivable and payable.
- Supported operations management, sales, and marketing efforts to increase revenue and overall financial health.
- Developed comprehensive financial reports for executive decision-making support.
- Strengthened internal controls through regular audits and adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Enhanced budget management by implementing expense tracking and cost reduction strategies.
- Improved financial forecasting accuracy, utilizing advanced analytical models.
- Reviewed and approved capital expenditure requests, aligning with corporate objectives.
- Prepared and managed large capital expenditure budgets to effectively handle infrastructure investment and long-term operations.
- Evaluated project applications and verified with outline specifications to approve, reject and recommend adjustments.
- Implemented risk management strategies to protect company assets and minimize losses.
- Prepared cash flow projections, cost analysis and monthly, quarterly and annual reports.
- Prepared internal and regulatory financial reports, balance sheets and income statements.
- Established internal audit procedures to validate and improve accuracy of financial reporting.
- Complied with established internal controls and policies.
Senior Audit Assistant
N.Sridhar & Co., Chartered Accountants
06.1997 - 10.2003
- Performed auditing work in accordance with rigorous auditing standards and principles.
- Identified various risks and errors to propose corrective action to decision makers.
- Handled planning and budgeting for audit engagements.
- Worked audit engagements for industries in engineering, manufacturing, non-profit and human resources.
- Analyzed trends in financial data to investigate fluctuations.
- Performed extensive assessments of assets, liabilities and equity to verify accuracy in financial reports.
- Established audit and internal control procedures and recommended process improvements to address issues.
- Organized training for cross-functional teams to achieve greater performance and results.
- Participated actively in professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and best practices in auditing techniques.
- Developed tailored audit plans for each engagement, ensuring thorough coverage of all relevant areas within specified timelines.
- Streamlined audit processes through the implementation of advanced software tools, reducing time spent on manual tasks.
- Strengthened internal controls by evaluating business processes and recommending necessary changes to mitigate risks effectively.
- Managed multiple concurrent engagements effectively, prioritizing tasks and resources to meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality.
- Maintained strong working relationships with clients throughout the audit process, addressing concerns promptly to ensure satisfaction with services provided.
- Guided junior staff members in performing their audit tasks efficiently while maintaining a high standard of quality work.
- Assisted in the preparation of annual audit schedules, ensuring timely completion of engagements across multiple industry sectors.
- Monitored department compliance with laws, regulations and codes.
- Found tax solutions to complicated tax issues or errors from incorrect tax filings.
Education
ACCA (Final) 2 Paper Remains - Accounting And Finance
ACCA UK
UKCMA (Inter) Qualified - Accounting And Finance
The Institute of Cost And Management Account India
Kolkata03.2021
Master in Commerce - Accounting And Business Management
Madurai Kamaraj University
Madurai, Tamilnadu, India04.2011
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting And Business Management
Madurai Kamaraj University
Madurai, Tamilnadu India04.1996
Skills
- Accounting Software Proficiency
- Regulatory Compliance
- Cash Flow Management
- ERP Systems Expertise
- Working capital management
- Internal Controls
- Audit Coordination
- Financial statements expertise
- Tax Compliance
- Project Management
- Investment Analysis
- Cost accounting
Timeline
Finance Controller
Zak Building Materials (Concord Group)
06.2016 - Current
Finance and Accounting Manager
Adnan Super Market
11.2013 - 06.2016
Finance and Administration Manager
Goodwill Team Papers Limited
02.2009 - 03.2013
Finance Manager
Ternakan Kamran Sdn Bhd (Group)
11.2003 - 02.2009
Senior Audit Assistant
N.Sridhar & Co., Chartered Accountants
06.1997 - 10.2003
ACCA (Final) 2 Paper Remains - Accounting And Finance
ACCA UK
CMA (Inter) Qualified - Accounting And Finance
The Institute of Cost And Management Account India
Master in Commerce - Accounting And Business Management
Madurai Kamaraj University
Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting And Business Management
Madurai Kamaraj University
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