James Killick
St-Cergue
Summary
Talented Head of Accounting & Group Financial Controller well-versed in accounting principles and regulations. Motivated to keep company financial operations compliant, accurate and cost-effective. Ready to bring 10+ years of experience and take on challenging new role.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Accounting
Frontiers Media SA
2022.01 - Current
- Improved financial reporting accuracy by streamlining accounting process and implementing robust internal controls.
- Prepared comprehensive financial statements for annual audits, consistently receiving unmodified opinions from external auditors on company's financial health.
- Reduced monthly close from more than 20 days down to 4
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for operational improvements, leading to increased efficiency and cost savings.
- Supported CFO with special projects and additional job duties.
- Oversaw general accounting, accounts payable and receivable team of 23, maintaining strong accounting practices as well as cash flow management ensuring payment from clients and timely settlements with vendors.
- Implemented new accounting software, improving data accuracy and reducing manual input errors while increasing overall productivity.
- Acted as team leader in group projects, delegating tasks and providing feedback.
Financial Controller
Frontiers Media SA
2019.06 - 2022.01
- Spearheaded implementation of new accounting software, resulting in increased efficiency and improved financial tracking capabilities.
- Oversaw all aspects of month-end close process, ensuring timely completion of accurate financial statements for executive review.
- Improved financial reporting accuracy by streamlining processes and implementing efficient financial controls.
- Supervised accurate, efficient, and compliant completion of monthly financial reporting packages.
- Managed team of finance professionals, providing guidance, support, and ongoing training to ensure continued growth and development.
- Reviewed processes and procedures to guide program implementation and optimize auditing.
- Led finance function during company growth phase incorporating eight new subsidiaries and setting up external accounting and tax functions
Accounting Manager
Chiquita Brands International Sàrl
2017.09 - 2019.05
- Managing team of six Accountants of varying levels within Shipping Division of Chiquita; controlling and reporting on periodic basis
- Overseeing management of monthly, quarterly and year end reporting via Hyperion in US GAAP and IFRS for European and North American Shipping divisions
- Annual US GAAP and IFRS audit management for 7 entities
- Review Lease Accounting processes across multiple divisions to ensure compliance with IFRS 16
- Key Lead for Payroll Process and Accounting for Italian Based Branch
- Implementation and update of Accounting procedures and policies as well as SOX Controls
- Overall, continuous process review and improvement of team processes.
Senior Accountant/Financial Analyst
Autodesk Sàrl
2016.12 - 2017.08
- Managing monthly US GAAP close and Annual Statutory Reporting for Merger & Acquisitions as well as other EMEA based subsidiaries and commissionaires
- Participate in Organization's monthly, quarterly and year end closing and US GAAP reporting
- Monthly Cost Plus Schedule and Royalties Preparation for Revenue Recharge to Subsidiaries
- Management of Statutory Filing Process from TB Package Preparation, Transfer Price Profitability Schedules and Auditor Engagement through to Financial Statement Preparation, Review and filing
- Monthly Reconciliation of key accounts including VAT and withholding tax
- Annual support to Tax Team for Subsidiary Tax Packages.
Senior Accountant & Business Partner
GAVI – The Vaccine Alliance
2012.11 - 2016.05
- Managing US GAAP periodic close for organization; Controller of organizational capital expenditure review from budgeting through to forecasting and actuals
- Management of Organization's monthly, quarterly and year end closing and US GAAP reporting including Prepayments, Accruals and Key Account Reconciliation and Review
- Manager of Organizational CapEx budget and forecasting
- Fixed Asset Upkeep and Quarterly CapEx budgeting report to Organizational Board
- Business Partner to Knowledge Management/IT teams to assist with Budget and Forecasting for cloud-based donor reporting software
- Key Project Member in upgrade of Accounting and Expense Submission software
- Implementation and update of Accounting procedures and policies as well as SOX Controls
- Management of Payroll Accounting for US & Switzerland locations
- Point of contact for annual external and internal audit for Annual and Ad-Hoc audits.
Corporate Assistant Manager
ADM International Sarl
2010.05 - 2012.04
- Reporting to European Group Controller; Controller of Luxembourg subsidiary, Project Manager for pension accounting through twenty five European Locations.
Senior Financial Accountant
Beckman Coulter International SA
2008.06 - 2010.05
- Principally supporting Emerging Markets subsidiaries in the EMEA and India region.
Senior Staff Accountant
Beckman Coulter (UK) Ltd
2007.04 - 2008.06
- Financial and management accounts reporting and general periodic monthly accounting tasks.
Education
Certificate Level -
CIMA, Chartered Management Accounting Qualification
Geneva01.2012
Bachelor of Arts - French Language Studies With Business
University of Brighton
Brighton, UK06.2004
Skills
- Statutory Reporting
- Budgeting
- ERP Implementation
- Group Financial Reporting
- Consolidation
- Financial Audits
- Team Leadership
- Financial Management
- AR & AP Management
- Internal Controls and Reporting Systems
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 12/12/80
- Nationality: British
Languages
French
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Hobbies and Interests
I am an active person, enjoying a number of sports including football where I have enjoyed playing and coaching at a competitive level for some years. I also enjoy greatly learning about the consistent technological changes and advances within our lives from Healthcare through to overall enjoyment and wellbeing.
References
Upon Request
Timeline
Head of Accounting
Frontiers Media SA
2022.01 - Current
Financial Controller
Frontiers Media SA
2019.06 - 2022.01
Accounting Manager
Chiquita Brands International Sàrl
2017.09 - 2019.05
Senior Accountant/Financial Analyst
Autodesk Sàrl
2016.12 - 2017.08
Senior Accountant & Business Partner
GAVI – The Vaccine Alliance
2012.11 - 2016.05
Corporate Assistant Manager
ADM International Sarl
2010.05 - 2012.04
Senior Financial Accountant
Beckman Coulter International SA
2008.06 - 2010.05
Senior Staff Accountant
Beckman Coulter (UK) Ltd
2007.04 - 2008.06
Certificate Level -
CIMA, Chartered Management Accounting Qualification
Bachelor of Arts - French Language Studies With Business
University of Brighton
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