Ariel Zhang CA

As a Project Accounting Manager, I took charge of leading a team comprised of 2 Senior Financial Analysts and 4 Financial Analysts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervised and conducted regular reviews of the financial performance associated with all UniServices contracts.
• Prepared comprehensive dimensional project analyses for Finance Business Partners (FBPs), empowering them to offer strategic insights and guidance to stakeholders.
• Ensured the Project Accounting Team possessed the necessary resources, guidelines, tools, and competencies to effectively execute financial analytics and provide pertinent advice to stakeholders.
• Guided financial analysts through intricate business cases, identifying stakeholders' analysis and reporting requirements.
• Formulated a reporting structure tailored to meet stakeholders' reporting needs.
• Managed month-end, year-end, and annual audit processes concerning project accounting.

By adeptly managing resources and providing strategic guidance, I facilitated seamless financial operations and supported informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

I was seconded on Oracle PeopleSoft System Migration Project as a Subject Matter Expert.

Key Responsibilities:

• System Analysis and Planning: Collaborated with project manager and IT specialists to analyze the existing financial systems and processes. Assessed the compatibility of the new system with the organization's financial needs and objectives. Contributed to the development of migration plans and timelines.
• Data Migration and Integration: This involves mapping data fields, cleansing and validating data, and ensuring that data integrity is maintained throughout the migration process. Worked on integrating the new financial system with other existing systems within the organization.
• Configuration and Testing: Participated in configuring the new financial system according to the organization's requirements. Collaborated with IT teams and system developers to customize settings, create financial reports, and set up user permissions. Conducted extensive testing to identify and resolve any issues or discrepancies before the system goes live.
• Training and Support: Provided training and support to finance staff and end-users on how to use the new financial system effectively. This included developing training materials, conducting training sessions, and offering ongoing support to address any questions or concerns that arise during the migration process.
• Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution: Throughout the migration project, troubleshooted technical issues or challenges that arose with the new financial system. Worked closely with IT support teams and system vendors to diagnose problems, implement solutions, and ensure that the system operates smoothly.
• Documentation and Reporting: Assisted documenting all aspects of the system migration process. Communicated updates to project stakeholders and senior management.
• Post-Implementation Support: Continued to provide support and assistance to finance staff as they transition to using the new system in their daily operations. Addressed lingering issues, provided additional training as needed, and monitored system performance to ensure ongoing reliability and effectiveness.

As a Finance Business Partner specializing in Commercialization, Strategic Growth, IMAC, Conectus, and Wharaurau, I collaborate closely with Directors and Managers to optimize operations and address business challenges, enhancing overall performance and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Spearhead the annual budgeting and in-year forecasting procedures.
• Conduct valuation analysis and generate reports for investments in high-tech start-up ventures.
• Assess month-end and year-end financials for portfolio review.
• Contribute to sections of the annual report concerning financial instruments and university investments.
• Prepare comprehensive Board reports.
• Support the year-end audit process.

Through strategic financial oversight and proactive problem-solving, I ensure alignment with organizational goals and facilitate informed decision-making at all levels.

In charge of overseeing and managing Spectrum Care's Finance Systems, facilitating seamless communication between business operations and technology systems.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing crucial support to key decision-makers by ensuring the accurate capture of financial data.
• Guiding the business through future enhancements for improved financial systems.
• Leading budgeting and forecasting processes to ensure financial accuracy and alignment with organizational goals.
• Assisting in the preparation of business cases and project implementations.
• Recommending system enhancements to boost operational efficiency.
• Collaborating closely with Service Managers to streamline processes and offer effective solutions.
• Initiating changes to the Finance intranet page to enhance internal communication channels.
• Building financial models for budgeting, forecasting and month end management reports

Through proactive management and strategic guidance, I ensure the optimization of Spectrum Care's financial systems and processes.

• Offered a range of services encompassing due diligence analysis, recruitment of finance staff, professional development initiatives for finance personnel, profit and loss analysis, and enhancements to company processes.

As the Management Accountant for primary business units within Inland Revenue, responsibilities included:

• Budgeting and forecasting to align financial plans with organizational objectives.
• Conducting cost pressure analysis and forecasts to manage resources effectively.
• Compiling monthly management packs to provide insights into financial performance.
• Reviewing and enhancing processes and procedures to optimize efficiency.
• Contributing to technical training initiatives to develop team skills.
• Building financial models to support decision-making and planning.
• Performing project benefit analyses to evaluate potential outcomes.
• Ensuring timely preparation of regular statutory returns to maintain compliance.

As the Business Analyst for Avis Budget Group, my key responsibilities include:

• Compile and scrutinize management reports and analyses for accuracy and relevance.
• Revise and assess monthly profit reporting to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
• Aid in the planning and development of the Annual Corporate Plan.
• Contribute to the upkeep of Fleet Plans to optimize resource management.
• Conduct monthly reviews and analyses of Profit and Loss statements.
• Analyze financial data to identify opportunities for enhancing profitability and initiate corresponding actions.
• Prepare CSI thresholds and associated reports to monitor performance.
• Undertake ad hoc projects as required to address emerging needs and challenges.

As the team leader and the management accountant, my responsibilities include:

• Supervise a team comprising three Finance Officers, ensuring efficient operations.
• Direct oversight of Accounts Receivable (AR), Accounts Payable (AP), month-end, and year-end processes.
• Manage system administration tasks to maintain optimal functionality. Provide support during system upgrades and testing phases.
• Develop and customize report templates to suit business requirements. Offer valuable business insights and support to aid decision-making processes.
• Conduct critical analysis of key business performance indicators.
• Regularly review and optimize process efficiency and effectiveness.
• Sustain reporting models to facilitate accurate and timely reporting.
• Prepare and distribute month-end reports to relevant stakeholders.
• Maintain the fixed assets register to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Coordinate annual audit activities in collaboration with external auditors.
• Prepare and submit statutory returns to regulatory authorities as required.

• Oversee Technology One system administration duties to ensure smooth operations.
• Develop and customize system report templates to meet specific business needs.
• Collaborate closely with the MIT catering committee to provide effective business support.
• Prepare monthly reports to track and analyze financial performance.
• Maintain accuracy and compliance in the asset register.
• Contribute to the preparation of the annual report.
• Provide assistance during the annual audit process.