Liza Garay

Tawera Group is a property development company which develops residential apartments and commercial spaces. Recently, they have shifted their focus to modular construction, aiming to deliver advanced, sustainable housing solutions.

Role Overview: I was responsible for tasks including accounts payable, creditors’ maintenance, invoice processing, bank transactions and daily bank reconciliations. I also carry out accounts receivable administration, process cash receipts entries, manage fixed asset register maintenance, prepare depreciation journal entries and manage prepayments, accruals and leases. In addition, I conduct month-end and year-end processes and prepare BAS reports and GST tax return workpapers, as well as reconciling tax and wages GL accounts. Finally, I prepare reports and financial statements.

Key Achievements:

• Successfully led accounting analysis and reconciliation efforts: I completed full accounting analysis, reconciliations, and journal entries for both financial statements and monthly reports, ensuring accurate and timely financial reporting for multiple entities (TG & TGNZ).
• Streamlined financial processes: Maintained compliance with NZ IFRS 9 & 16 for lease and FX forward contracts.
• Was integral in the migration from XERO to Jobpac (JP): I played a critical role in the successful migration of financial systems from XERO to JP, including reviewing the chart of accounts and preparing closing balances and accounts breakdowns for a seamless transition.
• Developed and applied accounting procedures: I created detailed flowcharts and procedures (e.g., PO processes, invoice approval, reconciliations, credit card transactions), ensuring consistency and transparency within the team.
• Enhanced compliance and reporting: Prepared accurate statutory reports, monthly financial statements, and GST returns.
• Became a trusted advisor and system trainer: I gained the trust of management and colleagues, frequently providing guidance on the new JP system and resolving complex accounting and system-related issues.

Much Moore is one of New Zealand’s most renowned ice cream makers, making ice cream for the domestic market and exporting to customers abroad. A family-owned business, it has been making award-winning ice cream for over 30 years.

Role Overview: I was responsible for documenting internal processes for purchasing, inventory, and accounts payable, as well as carrying out accounts receivable administration, and managing customer receipts and discounts journal entries. The role also included managing export documentation and updating files for main abroad customers and conducting inventory stock taking and reconciliation with accounting system balances, whilst preparing various ad-hoc reports.

Key Achievements:

• Optimised internal processes: I documented and improved internal processes for purchasing, inventory, and accounts payable, leading to more efficient operations.
• Enhanced export management: I managed export documentation and maintained updated records for key international customers, ensuring smooth international transactions.
• Improved inventory accuracy: I conducted inventory stock-taking and reconciliations, identifying variances and reducing errors in the accounting system

Grupo Indalo is a diversified Argentine conglomerate which operates in various sectors including media, construction, energy, mining, and food production. It is known for its significant influence in the Argentine media landscape.

Role Overview

• Leading a team of five Financial Controllers and the Shared Service Centre Manager, and supervising Financial Controllers across divisions, I ensured optimal performance of the shared service centre.
• I provided information for decision-making and advised the Board of Directors, as well as participating in analysing and executing acquisitions of new business lines and implementing the Group’s information system and accounting processes in subsidiaries
• Grupo Indalo is a diversified Argentine conglomerate which operates in various sectors including media, construction, energy, mining, and food production
• It is known for its significant influence in the Argentine media landscape
• Reporting & Compliance: Directed statutory reporting for a conglomerate spanning media, construction, and energy sectors
• Supervised the financial reporting of subsidiaries, ensuring compliance with group policies
• Led a high-performing team: I managed a team of five Financial Controllers, improving the accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting across divisions
• Integrated acquisitions: I played a key role in analysing and executing acquisitions of new business lines, contributing to the company’s expansion.

Role Overview: I led a team of five specialised managers providing services in taxation, financial reporting, payroll, IT, and internal control. I was responsible for unifying information systems, software, and processes across divisions, and advising CEOs of different divisions, providing relevant information and professional services.

Key Achievements:

• I led a team of five specialised managers providing services in taxation, financial reporting, payroll, IT, and internal control
• I was responsible for unifying information systems, software, and processes across divisions, and advising CEOs of different divisions, providing relevant information and professional services
• Established a Shared Service Centre: I successfully created and managed a Shared Service Centre, providing consistent professional services to subsidiaries
• Standardised systems and processes: I unified information systems, software, and processes across divisions, resulting in more streamlined operations
• Provided strategic advice to CEOs: I advised division leaders on critical financial decisions, enhancing overall company performance