Karan Prasad
Mount Roskill,AUK
Summary
- Resolute in pursuing personal and corporate excellence and bring immense value to the table. Maximising business performance capabilities and outcomes. Sales and commercial exposure including procurement.
- Chartered Manager CMgr (IML; ANZ) and an Associate fellow for the past 25 years.
- Certified Practicing Manager CMgr
- Possess Master of Management, Bachelor of Business Administration majoring in accounting. A Certified Management Accountant (CMA; ANZ)
- Experienced Regional Development Manager, Procurement Manager, Commercial and Trade Manager, Finance Manager, and Internal Auditor
- An experienced Investor in Residential and commercial properties
- More than 23 years’ experience in Regional and Pacific Island Shipping
- Managing Ecumenical Institute and School My expertise have been product differentiation, process improvement, capacity building within the Pacific Island shipping industry, regulatory, financial reporting, planning/forecasting, and budgeting. I believe in a strong advocate and commercial thinking, I have established a reputation in New Zealand, Fiji, and other Island countries in the South Pacific markets as a results-focused “go to”. Experience in negotiating and resolving long-running issues/problems. I have managed and worked on a wide variety of complex financial/shipping and freight matters including freight determination CAF and BAF calculations and regularly engaged to advise and act for leading Shipping Companies in the South Pacific. Represent company directors in meetings. Member of Institute of Directors - NZ
Diligent commercial manager with background in managing cargo operations efficiently and ensuring accurate documentation. Successfully coordinated logistics, contributing to timely and safe transport of goods. Demonstrated excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in fast-paced environments. Diligent manager with background in managing cargo operations efficiently and ensuring accurate documentation. Successfully coordinated logistics, contributing to timely and safe transport of goods. Demonstrated excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in fast-paced environments.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
CARGO AGENT
AIR NEW ZEALAND
Auckland
02.2024 - Current
- Monitored cargo documentation for accuracy, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
- Conducted inspections of cargo equipment to maintain safety standards and operational readiness.
- Implemented strategies to enhance cargo tracking systems, improving visibility across operations.
- Developed process improvements that streamlined operations, reducing turnaround times for cargo handling.
- Provided support during peak periods or staff shortages, demonstrating adaptability and teamwork skills.
- Coordinated and verified proper dispatch of cargo shipments, working closely with different departments to resolve issues.
- Improved cargo processing efficiency by streamlining documentation and communication procedures.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations and company policies in all aspects of cargo handling and documentation.
- Operated cargo handling equipment to facilitate safe and quick loading and unloading of cargo.
- Implemented and maintained security protocols to safeguard cargo shipments.
- Assisted clients with customs clearance processes when required, guiding them through documentation requirements for smooth transitions.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and loyalty through exceptional service delivery.
- Examined cargo and freight shipments to check goods' condition.
- Built working relationships with clients to foster loyalty and encourage repeat business.
GENERAL MANAGER (Temp)
KAMAN GROUP OF COMPANIES
Auckland
07.2023 - 02.2024
- Overseeing daily business operations.
- Developing and implementing growth strategies.
- Training low-level managers and staff.
- Creating and managing budgets.
- Improving revenue.
- Hiring employees.
- Evaluating performance and productivity.
- Analysing accounting and financial data.
- Researching and identifying growth opportunities.
- Generating reports and giving presentations.
- Implemented cost-saving initiatives that increased overall efficiency and streamlined processes.
- Established performance metrics to monitor progress and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
- Analyzed market trends to identify opportunities for expansion and innovation in product offerings.
- Managed budget implementations, employee reviews, training, schedules, and contract negotiations.
- Managed budget development, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to track progress towards organizational objectives accurately.
- Managed budget implementations, employee evaluations, and contract details.
- Increased overall company efficiency by streamlining operations and implementing innovative managerial strategies.
Group Procurement Manager
Neptune Pacific Direct line
Auckland
03.2021 - 07.2023
- I ensured business purchased the goods and services that will best help them achieve their goals. Generally, that means finding supplier partners that strike a balance between quality and cost, manage supply base, analyse market and delivery system. and negotiate contracts.
- Neptune Pacific Direct Line is a Cargo Ship operator, do freight and container Transportation and container depots.
Regional Development Manager
Pacific Direct line Limited
Auckland
01.2013 - 03.2021
- Advisory, Risk Management, Project Management, Auditing, Financial Reporting, Conflict resolution, Mentoring/Coaching, Data Management, reviewing Port and Stevedoring contracts, cost control and day to day supervisory role in a highly rated as one of the top shipping organisations in NEW ZEALAND and the Pacific.
Commercial Manager
Reef Shipping Limited
Auckland
12.2008 - 12.2012
- Liaised with authorities in Islands; reviewed and applied for trade shipping licenses; assessed profitability of the Voyages as well as profitability of slot vessels and advise GM Shipping
- Checked trade performance against budget and advised trade managers.
- Did costing for trade managers.
- Advised GM on Trade lanes for the board report; Cost Control; Agency appointments; Tariff control; Voyage costing.
Finance Manager
Reef Shipping
Auckland
08.2000 - 12.2008
- Created procedures Manual for our JV’s. - Auspac Manual
- Checked reconciliations of Rhia and Auspac JV’s.
- Rechargers; Freight account against TEU’s at load port and discharge ports.
- Voyage R1 reports – 7 days after completion of Voyage.
- Voyage R2 reports – 45 days after completion of Voyage.
Joint Venture Accountant
Pacific Direct line Limited
Auckland
01.1999 - 08.2000
- Led financial reporting for joint ventures, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations.
- Managed complex reconciliations, enhancing accuracy in financial statements and reports.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline joint venture accounting processes and improve efficiency.
- Developed and implemented internal controls to mitigate financial risks associated with joint ventures.
- Analyzed joint venture performance metrics, providing insights to inform strategic decision-making.
- Oversaw preparation of budget forecasts for joint ventures, aligning financial goals with organizational strategy.
- Developed comprehensive training materials for new team members on best practices related to joint venture accounting procedures.
- Assisted with due diligence efforts during merger and acquisition transactions involving joint ventures or other complex partnerships structures.
- Maintained strong relationships with joint venture partners through proactive communication regarding account status, financial performance, and potential opportunities for collaboration.
- Supported the negotiation of new joint venture agreements by providing detailed financial analysis of prospective partners'' assets, liabilities, and historical performance.
- Improved efficiency of financial reporting processes by streamlining workflows and implementing automation where appropriate.
- Ensured timely and accurate billing of joint venture partners by consistently monitoring expenses, revenue allocations, and invoice generation.
- Regularly monitored industry trends and competitor activity to inform strategic decision-making related to potential new joint venture opportunities.
- Contributed to the development of annual budgets for each joint venture project, collaborating closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
Manager
Marist Brothers Trust Board
Suva Fiji
08.1997 - 01.1999
- Led strategic planning initiatives to align operations with organizational goals.
- Developed and implemented process improvements to enhance efficiency across departments.
- Streamlined communication channels among stakeholders to facilitate project collaboration.
- Managed budget allocations, ensuring optimal resource utilization throughout the organization.
- Conducted performance evaluations to assess team effectiveness and identify improvement areas.
- Oversaw compliance with regulatory standards, maintaining operational integrity within the organization.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maintained professional, organized, and safe environment for employees and patrons.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
Education
Master of Arts - management
Southern Cross University
Australia07.2000
Associate of Science - Human Resources Management
Southern Cross University
Australia08.1999
Skills
- Ground handling operations
- Cargo loading
- Cargo unloading
- Dangerous goods handling
- Cargo shipment weighing
- Hazardous materials regulations
- Shipping documentation
- Import-export procedures
- Shipping documents preparation
- Load planning
- Export control regulations
Accomplishments
- Providing timely financial reporting has created the relationship of trust and positivity among our clients and the Senior Managers.
- Prepared Southpac Joint Venture Manual and updated cost and port matrix of the Pacific.
- Tightly monitor budget and expenditure as well as align the policies and procedures to the business processes of the Pacific Direct Line as well as the clients in different island countries. Audit on Cost control; cost double checked to ensure charge made to JV is according to procedure manual.
- Induct, educate mentor and coach new and incoming staff on work culture of Pacific Direct Line creating a positive and open-door work culture, where staff feel welcome and cared. This approach of mine has enhanced employee commitment. Employee motivation has also increased by 60%.
- Successfully collaborated and managed Agency and Joint Venture cost Audit, put Procedures in place, ensure presentation of Agency account is aligned to the Financial Standards and the benchmarks and mentor in operational budgets of Transam agencies.
- Successfully Collaborated with agency and Joint venture on developing competitive edge strategies and business process in enhancing ways of maximising profit.
- Research, market, and relationship with prospective corporate clients; liaised with government and statuary organisations (PORT/Stevedores and container yards) for smooth operations of our services; job costing and PEST and SWOT analysis to check on the viability of the projects.
- Check procedures in place for Agencies; Travel to agencies abroad wearing Agency hat; at least twice annually.
- Review and negotiate Port and Stevedoring contracts in the pacific
- Attend Micronesian Shipping Commission and Central Pacific Shipping Commission meetings when directors not available.
Timeline
CARGO AGENT
AIR NEW ZEALAND
02.2024 - Current
GENERAL MANAGER (Temp)
KAMAN GROUP OF COMPANIES
07.2023 - 02.2024
Group Procurement Manager
Neptune Pacific Direct line
03.2021 - 07.2023
Regional Development Manager
Pacific Direct line Limited
01.2013 - 03.2021
Commercial Manager
Reef Shipping Limited
12.2008 - 12.2012
Finance Manager
Reef Shipping
08.2000 - 12.2008
Joint Venture Accountant
Pacific Direct line Limited
01.1999 - 08.2000
Manager
Marist Brothers Trust Board
08.1997 - 01.1999
Master of Arts - management
Southern Cross University
Associate of Science - Human Resources Management
Southern Cross University
Community Involvement
West Auckland Cultural centre, Trustee and Member, 2018-12, Present, working with community groups to explore their needs and abilities., providing projects to support sections of the community with issues such as mental health or drug use., helping communities to share knowledge and resources effectively., setting up programme for youth development, Set up Ramayana Mandali service for Hindu youths in Mount Roskill, New Lynn and Avondale.
Qualifications
- Certified Management Accountant - ANZ
- Diploma in Computing
- Diploma in Construction Studies
- Dangerous Goods Management and segregation of class
- Chartered Fellow of Australian Institute of Management
- Chartered Manager CMgr; UK and ANZ
- Certified Management Accountant – ANZ
- Institute of internal Auditor – NZ
- Institute of Directors – IoD
- Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
- Masters in Management
- Graduate certificate in HRM