Chrissie Frew
Hamilton,WKO
Summary
“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari, he toa takitini.”
Success is not the work of one, but the work of many.
A dynamic and innovative individual, reputation for learning fast, highly organised, flexible, and driven to achieve results in a multi-tasked environment with firm deadlines.
Results-oriented Finance Professional experienced in management accounting across multi-entity operations. Delivered accurate budgets and insightful analysis through effective financial forecasting, risk management strategies, and cost reduction techniques. Focused on process improvement, team mentorship, and strategic planning to drive profitable decisions and enhance departmental collaboration.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Management Accountant
Activate Education Limited
Ruakura, Hamilton
08.2025 - Current
- Prepared monthly management accounts and reports for senior stakeholders. Reviewed financial data to spot trends and forecast future performance. Operations across 6 companies, with Business Partnering, attendance at Monthly Management Meetings with General Managers, and Board Level Reporting.
- Identified and implemented cost-saving opportunities through process improvements, contributing to overall financial performance.
- Reviewed processes to identify improvement areas, streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency.
- Advised on accounting policy matters, ensuring compliance and providing strategic guidance across the organization.
- Verified cost allocations for functions to enhance reporting precision. across functions to support accurate reporting.
- Analyzed budget versus actual variances and explained the differences.
- Built and maintained budgets for multiple departments with accurate financial data.
- Created financial models to support decision-making.
- Implemented new accounting systems and procedures that improved reporting efficiency and effectiveness.
- Developed KPIs to track departmental performance against agreed objectives.
- Monitored cash flow levels and shared regular updates with Management (CEO level)
- Provided documentation to meet external audit requirements.
- Supported Managers with business strategy decisions and profitability goals.
- Reduced financial discrepancies and reconciled accounts through detailed data analysis.
Regional Financial Accountant
Ministry of Education
CBD, Hamilton
05.2017 - 08.2025
- Conduct month-end closing procedures on or before deadlines (including actual v forecast v budget reporting, portfolio of $157m variance margin
- Collaborate with management personnel to prepare operating budgets for financial planning
- Conduct data analysis to devise strategies to improve operational efficiencies and implement best practices - assisting management to turn the strategy into action
- Make accurate projections for increased sustainability and service delivery by analyzing operations and trends
- Ensuring that processes underpinning the Business units are efficient and effective.
- Built trusting relationships by liaising regularly across Central North region with Deputy Secretary, 4 Regional Directors, 28 key managers, and 30 initiatives, presenting impactful data.
- Entered data into computer systems for accurate reporting (Oracle and PBCS) to enter data collected from various departments.
- Produced detailed account reports and visual data for department heads using Power BI and SmartView, enhancing clarity in financial discussions..
Financial Controller
Fire Securities Limited
Te Rapa, Hamilton
01.2013 - 12.2016
- Prepare monthly and annual financial reports including profit & loss, balance sheet and cash flow ensuring legislative compliance (9 branches located nationally)
- Managed day-to-day cash management including forecasting, loan repayments, and investments.
- Ensured accuracy of financial inputs into the purchasing system and integration into the accounts payable and receivable systems.
- Conducted KPI performance reviews to evaluate team effectiveness and pinpoint areas for improvement.
- Staff Recruitment, Team Management
Accountant /Senior Credit Controller
Colliers International Ltd
CBD, Hamilton
01.2003 - 01.2013
- Managed accounts receivable and payable, reconciled bank statements, and prepared financial reports.
- Assisted in budget preparation and forecast updates for commercial real estate accounts, contributing to financial planning.
- Oversaw property accounting records for Colliers International Ltd client portfolios, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Managed daily receivables across the Residential, Body Corporate and Commercial units (including tenancy tribunal hearings)
- Resolved customer account queries and complaints by coordinating with other divisions, achieving satisfactory outcomes on property maintenance issues.
- Attended regular Body Corporate meetings with management and property owners to discuss property issues.
Education
Batchelor of Business Studies -
Open Polytechnic
Skills
- Budget planning and forecasting
- KPI analysis
- Cash flow management
- Management reporting
- Process improvement
- Business partnership
- Intercompany transactions
- Team leadership
- Time Management
- Effective communication
Affiliations
- Quizz Evenings, Gardening, Travel, Monarch Butterflies, Cycling trails on my E-Bike
Timeline
Senior Management Accountant
Activate Education Limited
08.2025 - Current
Regional Financial Accountant
Ministry of Education
05.2017 - 08.2025
Financial Controller
Fire Securities Limited
01.2013 - 12.2016
Accountant /Senior Credit Controller
Colliers International Ltd
01.2003 - 01.2013
Batchelor of Business Studies -
Open Polytechnic