Christopher Lei Sam
Dunedin,New Zealand
Summary
Experienced finance and data analyst with strong analytical expertise and strategic planning abilities. Demonstrated success in financial analysis, budgeting, project management, and reporting, ensuring precision and adherence to regulations. Recognized as a collaborative team player with a reputation for adaptability and dependability, always focused on achieving collective goals. Proficient in financial modelling, risk management, project monitoring, and data interpretation, providing valuable insights to optimize overall financial performance. Possess excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Finance Associate
University of Otago
04.2024 - Current
- Project Finance Management and Reporting: Managed project finances, including variations and updates to project reports for Principal Investigators.
Provided advice to Principal Investigators on spending and budgeting for project funds. - Financial and Budget Updates:
Prepared financial and budget updates for the Management Division.
Presented financial and budget updates to the Heads of Departments.
Prepared payroll, project, and operating expenditure budgets for the Heads of Departments. - Expenditure Review and Purchase Orders:
Reviewed and analyzed expenditures, CAPEX, and project orders before releasing purchase orders. - Month-End and Forecasting:
Prepared month-end journal entries and reviewed the financial year forecast plan.
Reviewed and prepared forecasts for revenue, expenditures, and CAPEX.
Facilities and Property Coordinator- Contract
Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand
03.2023 - 03.2024
- Order Processing: Review and process order requisitions and purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and proper allocation.
- Invoice Management: Match and receipt invoices, ensuring they align with purchase orders and cost center codes.
- Capital Works Management: Review capital works requests, check budgets, and maintain the capital works database.
- Payroll and Job Allocation: Enter daily payroll timesheets and allocate job requests to technical teams.
- Customer and Supplier Support: Serve customers on the telephone, answer suppliers’ queries, and provide solutions.
- Reporting and Administrative Tasks: Assist with the team monthly report and other administrative duties.
Financial & Administration Administrator
PGG Wrightson-Technology Operation
06.2022 - 03.2023
- Order and Invoice Processing: Process bulk technology invoicing and purchase orders on the Approval Plus system.
- Contract Management: Manage and monitor the contract database, update contract registrations, and create monthly contract reports for managers.
- Technology Asset Management: Oversee the utilization of technology assets.
- Budget Reporting: Prepare monthly budget reports (Actual vs Budget) and create budget report dashboards on Excel.
- Budget Proposals: Provide actual estimates to the manager for new budget proposals.
- Customer and Supplier Support: Serve customers on the telephone, answer suppliers’ queries, and provide solutions.
Manager Finance & Administration Division, Acting Manager Commercialisation Division
Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS)
01.2018 - 02.2022
- Lead and Manage Multiple Service Departments: Oversee financial services, HR services, administration, IT services, facilities, and properties.
- System Administration and Implementation: Act as the System Administrator for XERO Accounting and lead the implementation of the Commercialisation Business Plan and Annual Budget.
- Procurement and Project Management: Lead procurement processes, tender evaluations, and manage project accounts funded by the Government of Samoa and donor agencies.
- Policy and Manual Reviews: Conduct reviews and updates of financial, HR, and Health & Safety manuals.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Negotiations: Lead negotiations and consultations with key government and donor agencies.
- Reporting and Compliance: Formulate monthly financial reports for management and board meetings, compile quarterly reports for the Ministry of Public Enterprises, and prepare annual reports for Cabinet approval.
Manager Finance Projects
Ministry of Health (MOH)
01.2017 - 01.2018
- Financial Implementation and Management:
Ensure the adequate financial implementation and management of all health donor projects. - Procurement:
Process purchase orders for health activities and orders funded by the Donor projects. - Funds Reconciliation:
Conduct project funds bank reconciliation to ensure Ministry Actuals align with the Ministry of Finance Transaction Listing. - Reporting:
Provide monthly project accounts and fund disbursement reports to Management and Donor Partners. - Audit Coordination:
Liaise with the Ministry of Finance – Aid Coordination Division for the Project funds Audit process. - Compliance:
Ensure disbursement of funds to Health Activities fully complies with Donors' financial standards.
Financial Accountant- Budget Consultant
Department of Finance
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Government Budget Support and Management:
Ensure that the Government budget process is supported and managed to fulfill financial management needs. - Budget Template Development:
Develop annual budget templates using the Finance One system. - Budget Strategies and Processes:
Develop and apply effective budget strategies and processes, including expenditure proposals. - Budget Preparation:
Prepare budget submissions and documents, including yearly Appropriation Bills, Budget papers, final budget outcomes, and quarterly reports. - Training and Development:
Train Department of Finance staff on the Government budget process and policies. - Comprehensive Budget Training:
Provide budget training for all Government Department Heads and budget officers.
Project Accountant & Management
Electric Power Corporation
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Project Billing and Invoicing:
Oversee the project billing process and review contractors’ invoices to ensure accuracy. - Invoice Verification and Submission:
Verify contractors' and suppliers' contract invoices and submit them to the Ministry of Finance for payment, ensuring alignment with contract terms. - Audit Process Leadership:
Lead and assist the audit process of project accounts and contract documents by Funder Donor auditors. - Financial Reporting:
Prepare and submit monthly project account reports to the Project Manager and the Funder Donors. - Budget Assistance:
Assist the Project Manager in preparing the Project Management Unit's OPEX and CAPEX Budgets. - Consultant Time Processing:
Process individual consultants' chargeable times, ensuring adherence to payment guidelines and accounting standards.
Principal Accountant & Administration Officer
Office of the Attorney General (AG)
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Accurate Information Provision:
Provide accurate financial and human resources information for management decision-making. - Staff Management and Training:
Assist the Corporate Service Manager in managing, training, and coaching Division staff. - Budget Preparation:
Prepare the budget and compile the annual budget for the new financial year. Work closely with the MOF to finalize budget supporting documentation. - Reporting:
Prepare financial and human resource reports every week for the management meeting. - Asset Management:
Update the Asset register and ensure its accuracy. - Procurement and Recruitment:
Process requisitions and purchase orders, deliver orders to the correct departments, and assist in recruiting and selecting new graduate lawyers and support staff.
Senior Accountant & Administration Officer
Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour (MCIL)
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Office Budget Management:
Monitor and control the office budget, and create internal controls to ensure proper cash flow management. - Cashier Supervision:
Supervise the office cashier, and report any irregularities to the Manager of the Corporate Service or the immediate supervisor. - Payment Processing:
Process payment vouchers for office expenditures, allowances, payroll activities, and benefits at the Ministry of Finance. - Asset and Payroll Management:
Maintain and update the Asset register and the payroll database.
Financial and Management Accountant
Ministry of Agriculture, and Fisheries (MAF)
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Payment Processing:
Process payment vouchers on the FMIS Finance One system. - Cash Management:
Monitor the Cashier, create the cash book, and update revenue on the FMIS Finance One system. - Financial Reporting:
Prepare and submit the Cash Book at the Ministry of Finance, and assist the Senior Accountant in preparing budget monthly reports. - Supplier Payment Follow-Up:
Follow up on outstanding suppliers’ payments at the Ministry of Finance
Education
Postgraduate Certificate - Information Technology
University of Auckland
Auckland, NZ06-2025
Certificate - Bookkeeping
The Career Academy
Auckland, NZ01-2023
Diploma in XERO And XERO Payroll
The Career Academy New Zealand
01-2023
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
The University of the South Pacific (USP)
01.2013
Postgraduate Diploma for General Managers - Business Administration
The University of the South Pacific (USP)
01.2005
Bachelor of Art - Finance and Management
The University of the South Pacific (USP)
01.2005
Certificate of Attainment (Form 7-Samoa) -
The National University of Samoa (NUS)
01.2001
Pacific Senior School Certificate (Form 6-Samoa) -
01.2000
School Certificate (Year 12-Samoa) -
01.1999
National Exam Certificate (Year 8- Samoa) -
01.1996
Skills
- Management & Financial Accounting
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Business Data Analyst
- Procurement and Purchasing
- Accounting Information Systems
- Contract Management
- Human Resource Management
- Payroll Computerized Systems
- Administration and Office Management
- Customer Services and People Skills
- Accounting Bookkeeping
- Account Receivables Management
- Account Payables Management
- Financial statement analysis
- Recordkeeping and file management
- Cash flow management
Accomplishments
- Successfully submitted the Budget for Pharmacology and Physiology departments within the first two months as a Finance Associate.
- Earned an excellent score in annual performance assessments as a Facilities and Property Officer.
- Designed and implemented a new budget dashboard and reporting template for the Technology Operation Division at PGG Wrightson.
- Developed and submitted the Business Plan to the Samoa Cabinet for the establishment of the Commercialisation Division.
- Secured funding from the UNDP and NZ MFAT for the procurement of a new Covid testing analytical machine and the supply of Covid test reagents.
- Project Manager for the construction of the Nafanua Pure Products Company multipurpose warehouse.
- Achieved membership for the Institute of Public Accountants (Australia).
- Become Associate Member for the Institute of Financial Accountants (UK).
- Qualified Accounting Bookkeeper (New Zealand)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Samoan
Native or Bilingual
Chinese (Mandarin)
Elementary
Affiliations
- 2024, Member Institute of Public Accountants (MIPA) - Australia
- 2024, Associate Member Institute Financial Accountants (AIFA) - UK
- 2024, Qualified Bookkeeper-Member NZQBA - New Zealand
Professional Development
- 2025, First Aid Course- Red Cross New Zealand
- 2024, Health and Safety Course- SECURO
- 2024, Advanced Excel Methods-University of Otago
- 2024, Work permit Issuer Training, Health New Zealand
- 2024, DOT-Communication, Email Writing, & Customer Services, Health New Zealand
- 2020, Advance XERO Training, BDO-Accounting Firm Samoa
- 2016, Government of NAURU PEFA Assessment, Nauru
- 2016, Technology One (Payroll HRMIS System), Australia
- 2015, Technology One (Budget System and Financial system), Australia
- 2014, JICA and ADB Banking payment systems, Samoa
- 2013, Asian Development Bank and JICA PSEP Project analysis training, Samoa
- 2012, Taxation Course by Samoa Institute of Accountants, Samoa
- 2012, Asian Development Bank OAI's Forensic Accounting Workshop, Samoa
- 2012, Public Policy by Samoa Public Service Commission, Samoa
- 2010, Adult Training Learning by Samoa Public Service Commission, Samoa
- 2008, Time Management Workshop, Samoa
- 2006, Tutored one-degree courses MG202- Operation Management, Samoa
Community Services
- Volunteer at the Little Sisters of the Poor Adultly Home Care & Services (Dunedin)
- Holy Name Church Volunteer (Dunedin) - Pastoral Services and Sunday School Teacher
- Sacred Heart School Volunteer (Dunedin)
- University of Otago Colts Rugby Team - Passing Skills- (Current)
- Nauru Rugby 7s Assistant Coach-(2015 to 2017)
- Nauru Rugby Development Program Technical Adviser- (2015-2017)
- Member of the Development Committee of the Vaitele-Uta Catholic Parish
- Member of the Fathers' Committee at Vaitele-Uta Catholic Parish
- Member of Samoa's Sevens Team (2009-2010)
- Member of the Toa Samoa Rugby League Team (2007-2009)
- Member of the Manu Samoa A Rugby Team (2007-2009)
- Member of the Marist Rugby Club Team (2007-present)
- Marist's Rugby 7's MVP (most valuable player) in 2009
- Marist Rugby League MVP in 2010
Citizenships
- New Zealand
- Samoan
Personal Information
- Number of Children: Two Daughters and one Son
- Date of Birth: 07/04/1983
- Gender: Male
- Marital Status: Married
Hobbies and Interests
- Exercising- CrossFit, Running and Cardio Boxing
- Playing Ukulele and Guitar
- Farming, Landscaping and Gardening
- Coaching (Rugby and Rugby League ball skills)
- Playing sports (Basketball, Volleyball, Touch Rugby, Cricket, CrossFit, and Table Tennis)
- Taking part in charity fundraising
- Reading- Bible and Newspaper
- Spending time with my family
Timeline
Finance Associate
University of Otago
04.2024 - Current
Facilities and Property Coordinator- Contract
Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand
03.2023 - 03.2024
Financial & Administration Administrator
PGG Wrightson-Technology Operation
06.2022 - 03.2023
Manager Finance & Administration Division, Acting Manager Commercialisation Division
Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS)
01.2018 - 02.2022
Manager Finance Projects
Ministry of Health (MOH)
01.2017 - 01.2018
Financial Accountant- Budget Consultant
Department of Finance
01.2015 - 01.2017
Project Accountant & Management
Electric Power Corporation
01.2012 - 01.2014
Principal Accountant & Administration Officer
Office of the Attorney General (AG)
01.2010 - 01.2012
Senior Accountant & Administration Officer
Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Labour (MCIL)
01.2008 - 01.2010
Financial and Management Accountant
Ministry of Agriculture, and Fisheries (MAF)
01.2006 - 01.2008
Master of Business Administration (MBA) -
The University of the South Pacific (USP)
Postgraduate Diploma for General Managers - Business Administration
The University of the South Pacific (USP)
Bachelor of Art - Finance and Management
The University of the South Pacific (USP)
Certificate of Attainment (Form 7-Samoa) -
The National University of Samoa (NUS)
Pacific Senior School Certificate (Form 6-Samoa) -
School Certificate (Year 12-Samoa) -
National Exam Certificate (Year 8- Samoa) -
Postgraduate Certificate - Information Technology
University of Auckland
Certificate - Bookkeeping
The Career Academy
Diploma in XERO And XERO Payroll
The Career Academy New Zealand
Similar Profiles
Adrian CramptonAdrian Crampton
Student Representative for Religious Studies Paper at University of OtagoStudent Representative for Religious Studies Paper at University of Otago
Nazatulaziah (Aziah) ZainalNazatulaziah (Aziah) Zainal
Academic Tutor at University of OtagoAcademic Tutor at University of Otago
Ashley Lie-OlesenAshley Lie-Olesen
Senior Mailroom Coordinator at University of OtagoSenior Mailroom Coordinator at University of Otago