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Christo Paxton

@christopaxton

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Accounting Manager at DigiCert Group who transformed payroll controls and shortened the month-end close.

South Africa

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At DigiCert Group, I lead accounting across 25 entities and oversee payroll and accrued-liability close activities across North America, EMEA, and APAC. I also lead a team of six and partner with Treasury on cash deployment and tax risk.

I designed and implemented global payroll controls, strengthening compliance and eliminating processing errors. I also automated NetSuite bank feeds, reducing the month-end close cycle by one day, and automated expense allocation.

I rebuilt intercompany accounting across 25 entities, authored a group accounting policy and employee processing manual, and validated receivable and payable positions. I also designed a standardised reporting pack to streamline audit readiness and consolidation.

Before returning to DigiCert Group, I worked in finance roles at South Pole Africa (Pty) Ltd and Oracle EMEA Limited, and in assurance at PwC Ireland and PwC South Africa. My experience includes US GAAP and statutory reporting, audits, inventory accounting, and finance transformation.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Accounting Manager

Current

DigiCert Group

May 2024 - Present (2 years 6 months)

Leads and develops a team of 6, driving end-to-end finance transformation initiatives including payroll, ERP, intercompany, and reporting projects. Manages month-end close across 25 entities and reviews payroll for 20+ global entities.

NetSuite Oracle Fusion ERP Floqast Financial Close Payroll Intercompany Accounting US GAAP Variance Analysis Balance Sheet Reconciliation Internal Controls Process Improvement Team Leadership

Assistant Financial Manager, EMEA

DigiCert Group

Aug 2023 - May 2024 (9 months)

Managed month-end and quarter-end close for multiple EMEA and Bermuda entities, ensuring compliance with US GAAP and local GAAP. Led statutory audits and prepared financial statements.

US GAAP Local GAAP Financial Close Statutory Reporting Audit Management Trial Balance Review Variance Analysis Team Leadership

Finance Manager, Inventory (Carbon Credits)

South Pole Africa (Pty) Ltd

May 2023 - Jul 2023 (2 months)

Managed project cost profitability analysis and accounting, implemented inventory policy, and maintained inventory dashboard for carbon credits. Monitored inventory requirements and reconciliations between systems and ERP.

Inventory Management Cost Accounting ERP Reconciliations Financial Analysis

Senior Assistant Financial Controller

Oracle EMEA Limited

Jan 2019 - Jul 2022 (3 years 6 months)

Owned full financial compliance for 5 entities in Russia and Armenia, managing US GAAP and local statutory requirements. Delivered month-end and quarter-end close, prepared statutory financial statements, and supported audits.

US GAAP Local GAAP Financial Close Statutory Reporting Audit Support Trial Balance Review Variance Analysis

Manager – Assurance

PwC Ireland

Jul 2018 - Dec 2018 (5 months)

Planned, executed, and managed risk-based audits in line with PwC methodology. Communicated findings to client management, led and coached audit teams, and managed engagement budgets.

Audit Risk Assessment Financial Analysis Team Leadership Budget Management Customer Relationship Management

Assistant Manager - Assurance

PwC Ireland

Nov 2016 - Jun 2018 (1 year 7 months)

Planned, executed, and managed risk-based audits in line with PwC methodology. Communicated findings to client management, led and coached audit teams, and managed engagement budgets.

Audit Risk Assessment Financial Analysis Team Leadership Budget Management Customer Relationship Management

Finance – Internal Auditor

Clicks Group Limited

Jan 2016 - Oct 2016 (9 months)

Planned and executed risk-based operational audits aligned to business priorities. Prepared audit reports for senior stakeholders and managed the internal audit department budget.

Internal Audit Risk Assessment Operational Audits Report Writing Budget Management

Trainee Accountant – Tax Elective

PwC South Africa

Jan 2013 - Dec 2015 (2 years 11 months)

Audited financial statements for a portfolio of listed and private clients. Performed direct and indirect corporate tax audits and provided tax consultancy services for major clients.

Audit Financial Statements Tax Compliance Tax Audits Tax Advisory Customer Relationship Management