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Sarah CH

@sarahch

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Experienced senior finance professional with 20 years in accounting.

United Kingdom

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that challenges me and allows for professional growth, ideally in a collaborative environment focused on strategic financial management.

I am a seasoned finance professional with over 20 years of experience in financial and management accounting. My career has been marked by a proven track record in budgeting, strategic planning, and managing billion-dollar budgets. I excel in effective communication and persuasion, collaborating with senior colleagues and stakeholders to achieve organizational goals. My recent role as a Freelance Senior Finance Professional allowed me to implement task automation in NetSuite, significantly reducing month-end processing time and enhancing financial performance.

Throughout my career, I have held key positions such as Financial Controller and Regional Financial Manager, where I successfully led teams and improved financial processes. My leadership in hiring and training finance teams has been instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment that drives results. I am passionate about leveraging my extensive background to contribute to strategic decision-making and enhance financial operations in a dynamic organization.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Senior Accountant

Haygain Limited

May 2023 - Jan 2024 (8 months)

Oversaw month-end processes for 7 legal entities across the UK, North America, and Europe, reducing processing time from 1 month to 15 days by implementing task automation in NetSuite. Prepared monthly consolidated financial statements and conducted comprehensive financial analysis to enhance overall financial performance.

NetSuite Financial Analysis Cash Flow Management Accounts Payable Accounts Receivable Financial Reporting Tax Advisory

Financial Controller (Head of Finance)

Edinburgh Instruments

Jun 2020 - Apr 2022 (1 year 10 months)

Implemented and enhanced departmental controls, processes, and systems, significantly reducing the month-end close timeline from 11 working days to 3 working days. Managed end-to-end accounting processes, including management accounting, payroll, and statutory accounting, while leading the finance and IT teams.

Financial Control Budgeting Forecasting Team Leadership Management Accounting Payroll Management

Regional Financial Manager EMEA

Lenovo Technology

Nov 2018 - May 2020 (1 year 6 months)

Prepared annual statutory accounts for multiple countries, ensuring compliance with local GAAPs and IFRS, and managed the filing of accounting returns. Served as the main reference point for accounting information and internal controls across various countries in EMEA, utilizing SAP ERP.

Statutory Account Filings IFRS SAP Internal Controls Tax Filings Audit Management

Finance Manager

Aviat Networks

Mar 2017 - Sep 2018 (1 year 6 months)

Led financial accounting operations for Middle East entities using Oracle, overseeing month-end closing, intercompany transactions, and cash management. Successfully compiled and prepared 2016 tax returns for the Saudi entity in 3 weeks, restoring its license and unfreezing its bank account.

Financial Accounting Oracle Month End Close Cash Flow Forecasting Accounts Receivable Accounts Payable Compliance

Finance Director

GEFCO Algeria

Aug 2014 - Mar 2016 (1 year 7 months)

Integral member of the start-up committee, successfully setting up the accounting team by hiring, coaching, and supervising 3 accountants. Directed all aspects of accounting operations, group reporting, and spearheaded the ERP implementation and migration to SAP.

Accounting Operations ERP Implementation SAP Cash Flow Management Budgeting Forecasting Team Leadership

Senior Finance Professional

Freelance

May 2013 - Jun 2014 (1 year 1 month)

Conducted external audits for various audit cabinets, ensuring adherence to financial regulations and standards. Provided comprehensive assistance to local companies in accounting, tax matters, finance, and internal control, and assisted in the creation of new enterprises.

Externe Audits Accounting Tax Consulting Internal Controls Cash Flow Management Business Setup

Head of FP&A Algeria

Baker Hughes EHO Algeria

Aug 2009 - Mar 2013 (3 years 7 months)

Led financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes using SAP and Hyperion, presenting yearly budgets to Africa board members. Acted as a business partner to Operations Managers, providing financial advice to optimize profit and meet KPI targets.

Financial Planning Budgeting Forecasting SAP Hyperion Financial Reporting KPIs Contract Negotiation

Treasury and Credit Manager

Shell Algeria

Jul 2007 - Jun 2009 (1 year 11 months)

Served as the country focal point for the company regarding the local banking market and insurance, preparing cash flow forecasts and working capital budgets. Implemented a new credit and collections process, achieving a 30-day decrease in DSO within 3 months.

Treasury Management Cash Flow Forecasting Working Capital Financial Risk Management Collections Financial Reporting

NAF Chief Accountant

Eli Lilly

Jun 2006 - Jan 2007 (7 months)

Managed accounting operations and ensured compliance with financial regulations. Responsible for financial reporting and analysis.

Accounting Financial Reporting Compliance Financial Analysis

Accountant

Halliburton Energy Services

Aug 2004 - Jun 2006 (1 year 10 months)

Performed various accounting tasks, including data entry, reconciliations, and financial record keeping. Supported the finance department in daily operations and month-end closing procedures.

Accounting Data Entry Reconciliations Record keeping Month End Support