Sunita Soma
Hataitai,WGN
Summary
Approachable Finance Manager dedicated to providing financial services to stakeholders at all levels of the organisation, and beyond, as and when required. Proficient in financial controls and policy making, analysis, budget oversight, and risk management to foster understanding and good decision-making within the business. Committed to continuous improvement and quick adaptation to new responsibilities.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Finance Manager
Asia New Zealand Foundation
, Wellington
10.2007 - Current
- This is a sole-charge position, reporting to the Director of Operations.
- The Finance Manager is responsible for ensuring that the organisation's accounting and financial management are effective and compliant with relevant legislation and regulations.
- Key tasks include:
- Preparation of annual budgets and forecasts, including the Statement of Performance Expectations.
- Monthly production of reconciliations, Management Accounts, and reports for management and the Board of Trustees.
- Production of the Annual Report (including IFRS implementation), CFIS Treasury uploads, and Charities Services Annual Return; the Foundation is a Tier 2 PBE.
- Input into performance measurement settings, collection of data, and responsibility for reporting.
- Management of taxes: GST, PAYE, and FBT, including the filing of returns and payments.
- Payroll processing for all regular, and ad hoc staff.
- Investment management, current funds under management: $8 million.
- Full decision-making management, from invoice input to the final set of annual accounts.
- Management of the Audit and Risk Committee.
- Maintain a chart of accounts, accounting and governance policies and systems, and internal controls to maintain a strong audit record.
- Management of auditor relations, including interim and final audit preparation, up to annual report sign-off.
- Management of the Legislative Compliance System and Reporting.
- Maintenance and management of the Risk Register.
Analyst /Financial Consultant (Contract)
New Zealand Post
06.2006 - 10.2006
- Monthly Management Reporting – variance analysis on various business unit performance –including commentary for significant variances
- Production of Cost Centre/Department Reports on a monthly basis for review with budget holders
- Preparation of detailed budgets & Expense forecasts during the year as and when required
- Month-end close – incl. Accruals & Prepayment Calculations
- Design and Production of a Reporting Framework for Retail Managing Director and individual Retail Managers (based in excel- with links to financials)
- Project Analysis: budgeting, forecasting, reporting, investigations for major IT Capex Projects
Assistant Management Accountant (Contract)
AXA Investment Managers Ltd – UK Head Office
07.2005 - 03.2006
- Monthly Management Reporting - both locally by production of London Management Accounts and globally by completion of reporting pack to Global Finance, Paris. Includes production of commentary for significant variances
- Production of Cost Centre/Department Reports on a monthly basis including variance analysis on both Expenses and Headcount – reviewed with respected budget holders
- Preparation of detailed Annual budgets & Expense forecasts (Viseé's) during the year as and when requested by Global Finance
- Month-end close – incl. Accruals & Prepayment Calculations (including Payroll Accruals), Inter Company Recharges
- Reviewing input to the Nominal Ledger and checking postings of purchase ledger invoices for accuracy
- Monthly review of Trial Balance pre Period Close
- Adhoc Investigations/Queries from Global/Local Finance
Country Management Accountant – United Kingdom (Contract)
Peregrine Systems Ltd (now HP) – EMEA Shared Services Office
12.2004 - 07.2005
- Manage entire accounting function for the UK subsidiary including:
- Monthly Management Reporting – Variance Analysis, Revenue and Balance Sheet Packs
- Bank Reconciliation and Cashflow Analysis
- Revenue Reconciliation and Sales Invoice approval
- Month-end close – incl. Accruals & Prepayment Calculations
- Tax & VAT Reconciliations
- Payroll – Including Commissions, Bonuses, Annual Leave Accruals
- Inter-company Reconciliations
- Approval and Coding of all purchase invoices
- Reconciliation of Sub-ledgers to GL
- Fixed Asset Register Administration
- Adhoc Internal/External Audit requirements
- Extensive Sarbanes Oxley Compliance Testing/Implementation
Primary Care Management Accountant (Contract)
Kensington & Chelsea Primary Care Trust, London
08.2004 - 12.2004
- Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts for PMS/GMS Practices
- Preparation of Forecasts for PMS/GMS Practices
- Accrual/Prepayment calculations for PMS/GMS Practices
- Analysis of budgets – actuals/variance for PMS/GMS Practices
- Ad-hoc accounting for PMS/GMS Practices
- Reconciliation of GP Superannuation accounts
- Preparation of Monthly Block Payments for PMS Practices
Corporate Accountant (Contract)
Metronet Rail BCV Ltd, Finance, London
04.2004 - 08.2004
- Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts
- Preparation of Budgets and forecasts for various business units
- Accrual/Prepayment calculations for various business units
- Analysis of budgets – actuals/variance for various business units
- Analysis of actual staff costs and headcount against budget
- Ad-hoc accounting for the shared services dept
- Project Management for a number of Operating/Capital Projects
- Liaison with non-accounting staff
- Internal/External Charging
Budget Analyst
Department of Infrastructure, Victorian State Government, Australia
06.2002 - 12.2003
- Assist with the preparation and review of budgetary financial estimates
- Complete variance analysis for selected Divisions and Cost Centers and provide written reports to Management (including Ministers) on a Monthly basis
- Ensure Chart of Accounts elements have been used correctly, if not journal to correct elements
- Manage Ministers Grants Program, including payment of grants, reconciliation of fund and follow up of administrative requirements and any adhoc investigations and reporting as required
Financial Accounting Officer Customer Service
AXA Australia
07.2000 - 06.2002
Finance Officer Government Superannuation Schemes Administration
AXA New Zealand
07.1998 - 07.2000
Personal Customer Services Officer
Inland Revenue Department
03.1998 - 07.1998
- This was a call center role, where I handled inquiries regarding Personal PAYE Tax, Student Loans and Family Support.
- This role involved the interpretation and application of NZ tax laws.
- This role required a lot of patience and tolerance when dealing with sometimes, irate clients.
Education
Various IFRS and Tax related courses -
Various
07.2025
Diploma in Excel -
Career Acadamy
01.2023
Bachelors of Commerce and Administration - Commercial Law and Management
Victoria University of Wellington
01.1997
Skills
- Effective communication skills
- Computer literacy
- Independent work capability
- Team collaboration
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Motivation and enthusiasm
- Interpersonal skills
- Results-oriented approach
References
Available on request.
Timeline
Finance Manager
Asia New Zealand Foundation
10.2007 - Current
Analyst /Financial Consultant (Contract)
New Zealand Post
06.2006 - 10.2006
Assistant Management Accountant (Contract)
AXA Investment Managers Ltd – UK Head Office
07.2005 - 03.2006
Country Management Accountant – United Kingdom (Contract)
Peregrine Systems Ltd (now HP) – EMEA Shared Services Office
12.2004 - 07.2005
Primary Care Management Accountant (Contract)
Kensington & Chelsea Primary Care Trust, London
08.2004 - 12.2004
Corporate Accountant (Contract)
Metronet Rail BCV Ltd, Finance, London
04.2004 - 08.2004
Budget Analyst
Department of Infrastructure, Victorian State Government, Australia
06.2002 - 12.2003
Financial Accounting Officer Customer Service
AXA Australia
07.2000 - 06.2002
Finance Officer Government Superannuation Schemes Administration
AXA New Zealand
07.1998 - 07.2000
Personal Customer Services Officer
Inland Revenue Department
03.1998 - 07.1998
Various IFRS and Tax related courses -
Various
Diploma in Excel -
Career Acadamy
Bachelors of Commerce and Administration - Commercial Law and Management
Victoria University of Wellington
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