Russell Hartley
Accountant
Katikati,BOP
Summary
Commercially astute CAANZ certified accounting professional with over 14 years of experience delivering high-quality finance and accounting support. Proven track record in providing strategic and financial guidance to executive leadership, including the CEO and Board, while maintaining a strong commitment to achieving results. Expertise in streamlining processes and enhancing financial performance to ensure alignment with organizational goals. Adept at navigating complex financial landscapes to drive informed decision-making and foster sustainable growth.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Contract Accountant
Bluelab
05.2025 - Current
- 3-month contract to assist Bluelab in streamlining reporting and their Group Consolidation. I have been working with the team to pull together a consolidated New Zealand Dollar view of the Global Group.
Contract CFO
GENESIS NURSERIES LIMITED
11.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: Genesis Nurseries are New Zealand’s leading specialist commercial fruit tree nursery, growing stone and pip fruit trees in the Waikato and Hawkes Bay, for orchardists around New Zealand.
- Manage projects.
- Manage the account receivable, and aged debtors.
- Manage payroll, sales, IP, administration, marketing and HR teams.
- Board reporting and working closely with the CEO.
- Maintain banking relationships.
- Funding applications.
- Financial process and policy development.
- Internal audit related tasks.
- Any other ad hoc tasks.
Financial Accounting and Shared Services Manager
ZESPRI INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
11.2021 - 08.2023
- Company Overview: Zespri International Limited is the world’s largest marketer of kiwifruit, with a turnover of over $4 billion selling kiwifruit into more than 53 countries and managing 30 percent of the global volume.
- Manage the monthly financial close of the Group.
- Manage the year-end close of the Group.
- Manage and facilitate the year-end audit process.
- Audit, Risk, Management Committee (ARMC) meetings.
- Participate in Board Meetings as required.
- Prepare and review ARMC and Board papers.
- Oversight of credit management.
- Owner of the Global Delegated Authorities Matrix.
- Regulatory and Required SteerCo member for EPMO projects.
- Facilitate and assist in the budgeting and forecasting process.
- Perform analysis to identify areas of risk in the businesses and implement procedures to address those risks.
- Support the growth of team members to enable them to achieve their goals.
- Support the team to ensure targets are achieved to a high standard.
- Assist stakeholders in any areas of finance.
- Develop and maintain inter-company and stakeholder relationships.
- Key Achievements
- Implementation of SAP S/4HANA ERP system.
- Implementation of lease standard and software.
- Successfully lead my finance team through a significant period of growth and uncertainty.
Financial Accounting Manager
Zespri International Limited
11.2017 - 11.2021
Financial Accountant
Zespri International Limited
09.2015 - 11.2017
Accountant
FONTERRA
07.2014 - 09.2015
- Company Overview: Fonterra is a leading multinational dairy company, owned by 13000 New Zealand dairy farmers and the world's largest exporter of dairy products.
- Support Cost Centre Managers in all areas of finance.
- Assist in the budgeting process.
- Assist in monthly and quarterly forecasting.
- Perform analysis to identify areas of risk in businesses and design procedures to address those risks.
- Year-end process including Audit queries and financial statements.
- Monthly commentary and variance analysis.
- Support Commercial and Capital accounting functions.
- Perform entity accounting including tax, accruals, monthly management reporting, accounts payable and receivable.
Auditor
KPMG
03.2011 - 07.2014
- Company Overview: KPMG is one of the world's leading providers of Audit, Tax and Advisory services.
- Understand and document key processes within organisation.
- Perform analysis to identify areas of risk in businesses and design procedures to address those risks.
- Undertake day-to-day project management, including communicating with team members, managers, partners, and clients to ensure deadlines and desired outcomes are met.
- Design and performance of comprehensive test work on areas such as revenue and receivables, purchases and payables, inventory systems, fixed assets, investments, and debt.
- Obtain relevant evidence; research, review and summarise information.
- Critically examine financial statements, perform analytical procedures, and test financial statement line items.
- Review financial statements for technical (IFRS) compliance in measurement and disclosure.
- Identify issues (including control weaknesses) and develop recommendations for areas of improvement.
- Provide coaching, review function, and support to other team members.
Education
Chartered Accountancy -
Chartered Accountancy Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ)
01.2014
Bachelor of Management Studies - Accounting
University of Waikato
01.2010
Skills
- Effective leader with strong delegation skills
- Diverse experience working with large multi-nationals and SMEs
- Four years of professional auditing in a Big Four setting
- Strategic advisory experience
- ERP system implementation
- Expertise in budgeting, forecasting and financial statement preparation
- Experienced in interpreting financial and non-financial data
- Effective time management
- IFRS compliance
- Financial process improvement and strategy development
- Continuous learning mindset
- Financial and Board reporting
- Cross-functional collaboration
Hobbies and Interests
A variety of interests including water sports, fishing, camping, music, socialising with friends and family, and travelling.
Affiliations
- 2021-Current New Zealand Institute of Directors, New Zealand
- 2012-Current Chartered Accountancy Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), New Zealand
- Chartered Accountant
Timeline
Contract Accountant
Bluelab
05.2025 - Current
Contract CFO
GENESIS NURSERIES LIMITED
11.2023 - Current
Financial Accounting and Shared Services Manager
ZESPRI INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
11.2021 - 08.2023
Financial Accounting Manager
Zespri International Limited
11.2017 - 11.2021
Financial Accountant
Zespri International Limited
09.2015 - 11.2017
Accountant
FONTERRA
07.2014 - 09.2015
Auditor
KPMG
03.2011 - 07.2014
Bachelor of Management Studies - Accounting
University of Waikato
Chartered Accountancy -
Chartered Accountancy Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ)
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