Aashna Kamal

Advantage Tyre Solutions (Beau Ideal limited) "ATS" is a Tyre Retail network of 45 stores and 200 employees in New Zealand grossing $40-$50 million annual revenue and $100 million with its sister Wholesale Company. ATS is the largest tyre retail network in New Zealand that's mostly locally owned with Michelin as one of the shareholders. While ownership and management remains the same, ATS operated under the licensed Australian brand name of Beaurepaires and rebranded to ATS in 2023. I joined Beaurepaires in 2017 as the Management Accountant and have grown into the current role over the years with 5-10 direct reports and over 40 indirect reports during my tenure. Being passionate about organisations development, I am looking forward to broaden my scope.

Apart from below core skills, part of my role entails assisting in the rebranding of the network and enabling a new brand to take shape.

• Developed strategic financial plans to support company growth and achieve long-term objectives.
• A-grade negotiator of contracts, plans, rates. Successfully managed and signed up strategic commercial contracts providing long term security for the business in times of economic downturns. Excellent at supplier and customer relationship management.
• Implemented cost reduction initiatives and process improvements to optimize efficiency and productivity.
• Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Analyzed operational issues and implemented corrective action to maximize profits/minimise losses.
• Managed risk effectively through comprehensive insurance coverage review and implementation of robust internal controls.
• Directed budget development, budgetary controls and recordkeeping to make informed financial decisions.
• Authored, evaluated and reviewed reports to highlight company financials to key stakeholders.
• Conducted detailed data analysis of company financial information and oversaw preparation of related reports. Identifying patterns in store performance and their key drivers.
• Managing staff, management departments and outsourced roles. Collaboration with Departmental heads of approx 10-15, 5-8 direct reports and 40 indirect reports.
• Oversaw payroll of 180-200 employees, and accounts payable and receivable function. Finance team of 5-8.
• Prepared accurate financial statements at end of quarter to summarize financial health and business performance.
• Oversaw the successful completion of external audits, addressing any recommendations promptly to ensure smooth operations.
• Increased & protect cash flow by optimizing working capital management and reducing outstanding receivables.
• Championed effective communication between finance personnel and other departments to facilitate cross-functional collaboration on projects and initiatives.
• Streamlined financial processes by implementing automation techniques.
• Enhanced profitability with cost reduction initiatives, such as renegotiation of supplier contracts and process improvements.
• Provided insightful financial/data analysis for mergers and acquisitions, resulting in successful transactions that added value to the organization's portfolio.
• Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.

• Established policies governing treasury activities to enhance liquidity management capabilities while minimizing exposure to market fluctuations.
• Developed comprehensive budgets in collaboration with department heads, facilitating better resource allocation decisions.
• Collaborated with external auditors during annual audit processes, ensuring timely completion and accurate representation of company's financial position.
• Coordinated tax planning strategies
• (2017-Current 2024) Lease management (property Accountant) of 50 leases (now 45) of retail locations. Relationship built with landlords in managing lease requirements, renewals and rent reviews.
• Modeled and facilitated IFRS 16 Transition of 50 leased properties financial disclosure
• Championed process improvements initiatives within finance department, driving efficiency gains and reducing operational costs during COVID 19 period and after.
• Effective and result driven negotiations with suppliers and property landlords to savings up to $300K over a 2 month period.
• Supported and executed remote working processes by way of digital tools such as microsoft teams and microsoft forms and flows for full digitisation and enhanced collaboration
• Ensured staff remained motivated and engaged.
• Safeguarded company assets by establishing strong internal controls and procedures for accurate financial reporting.
• Trained finance team members on best practices and new regulations, fostering culture of continuous professional development within the department.
• Improved cost efficiency through meticulous analysis of financial data and identification of areas for potential savings.
• Recognised and implemented market requirements with regards to payment options while improving existing options by collaborating with merchant service providers and internal marketing and IT Personnel's. E.g. Buy now pay later options. Genoapay, Humm, Afterpay, Q finance etc.
• Completed journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis to prepare quarterly financial documents and general account management.
• Checked payroll, vendor payments, commissions and other accounting disbursements for accuracy and compliance.
• Followed up with delinquent accounts to obtain funds and reduce aging balances.
• Collaborated with C-level executives and stakeholders to develop long-term financial plans.

• Major projects - Inventory management across 45 locations, Fixed Asset Management, remodelled Companies Asset register to be audit compliant, Remodelled all reconciliation and targeted processes that were time consuming within the group for Retail and Wholesale.
• Assisted group (Beau Ideal Limited and Tyreline Distributors Limited) in the due diligence audit requirements by the Big 4 for sale of shares to current 25% owners and listed entity, Michelin.
• Spear headed transition of privately owned group of companies to be compliant for external audit requirements for filing purposes while leading the finance team and assisting COO on operational requirements of the wholesale and retail network.
• Excelled to groups financial controller role within 9 months of employment
• Developed and maintained strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including department heads, vendors, and banking partners.
• Partnered with auditors to track errors and add contributions to maintain accuracy.
• Managed financial and compliance aspects of the E-Commerce platform launch for Beaurepaires
• Conducted variance analyses between actual results and forecasts, identifying areas of improvement for future budgeting cycles.
• Reduced operational costs by identifying inefficiencies in workflows and implementing process improvements.
• Managed a team of junior accountants, providing mentorship and guidance to ensure consistent growth in their professional skills. (CAANZ Mentor)
• Enhanced budgeting and forecasting processes for increased accuracy, allowing management to make more informed decisions.
• Maintained integrity of general ledger and chart of accounts.
• Reviewed accounts, resolved coding errors, and tracked recurring expenses for accrual entry.
• Collected and reported monthly expense variances and explanations.
• Provided journal entries and performed accounting on accrual basis.
• Trained new employees on accounting principles and company procedures.
• Kept up-to-date with tax changes and industry trends by participating in professional organizations, opportunities, and networks.

• Adapt to International requirements when seconded to Stamford, New York and Amstelveen, Netherlands.
• Optimized resource allocation for audits by using data-driven analysis to prioritize tasks based on risk levels and potential impact on the organization's financial position.
• Proactively identified opportunities for process improvements and cost savings within the department, driving positive change and increased efficiency.
• Contributed to positive workplace culture through active participation in team-building activities and events.
• Assisted in development of annual audit plans, ( prioritizing high-risk areas and focusing resources accordingly.
• Developed junior staff members by providing ongoing training, mentorship, and performance feedback.
• Managed multiple concurrent audits effectively, ensuring timely completion without compromising quality or attention to detail.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and emerging risks by attending relevant conferences and training sessions.
• Reduced audit cycle times with thorough planning and effective time management techniques.
• Assisted in preparation of executive-level presentations summarizing key findings from completed audits for senior management review.
• Partnered with internal managers to deliver client proposals and presentations and increase department sales revenues.

• Managed team of 4-6 field auditors on engagements.
• Assisted in the development of audit plans to address high-risk areas, improving overall effectiveness of audits conducted.
• Led extensive audit programs based upon prior approved audit plans to evaluate management of institutional activities.
• Managed multiple concurrent engagements while meeting tight deadlines, demonstrating exceptional time management skills.
• Mentored junior associates in audit procedures and techniques, fostering a positive learning environment for professional growth.
• Streamlined the audit process by developing customized templates that increased productivity without sacrificing quality.

• Audit of not for profit organisations and Maori trusts. Grant and funding audits of Grassroots organisation. Probity testing of funds utilisation.
• Developed tailored audit plans to address each client''s specific needs and risks, resulting in more effective audits.
• Conducted thorough risk assessments, identifying potential areas of concern within clients financial systems.
• Improved client satisfaction by maintaining transparent communication and promptly addressing concerns during the auditing process.