Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

ALYSON CONRAD

Shakespeare,ON

Summary

Accomplished executive bringing expertise in business planning, revenue development and change management. Offers pragmatic, collaborative, forward-thinking mindset and demonstrated track record of achievement. Excels at communication, problem-solving, and decision-making to navigate complex business environments and achieve goals. Committed to fostering collaboration and driving innovation to lead organizations toward sustained success.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Festival Hydro and Rhyzome Networks
Stratford, Ontario
03.2021 - Current
  • Responsible for Finance, Regulatory, Corporate Projects, Customer Service and Billing Departments
  • Contributes to the development, implementation and execution of strategic plans for Festival Hydro and Rhyzome Networks
  • Delivers comprehensive reports, KPIs and financial statements to key stakeholders including the Audit Committee, City Finance Council and Board of Directors
  • Oversees annual rate applications, the Cost of Service Application and other regulatory filings
  • Acts as Executive Sponsor for implementation of a new Customer Information System, HR & Payroll System, Budgeting System and Enterprise Resource Planning System
  • Develops new business opportunities, maintaining budgets and ensuring strong financial cash flows to deliver positive results and dividends for the shareholders.
  • Drives company vision with collaborative employee engagement techniques and strategic leadership
  • Active involvement in multiple industry organizations, fostering collaborations and networking opportunities among diverse peer groups
  • Conducts thorough analysis of M&A opportunities to assess strategic compatibility
  • Filled role of VP of IT and Acting CEO of Rhyzome Networks during periods of vacancy from 2021-2023
  • Fills role of Acting CEO of Festival Hydro and Rhyzome Networks when CEO is on leave
  • Currently sits on Joint Health & Safety Committee and Community Engagement Committee to demonstrate Executive support for corporate values

FACILITATOR and MENTOR

CPA Canada & CPA Ontario
01.2016 - Current
  • Marks cases and exams for CPA Canada and CPA Ontario for prospective CPA candidates
  • Mentors newer CPAs on marking and facilitation
  • Presents and facilitates weekend sessions to help prepare candidates for final examinations
  • Assists in maintaining the quality of the designation

Manager of Finance and Regulatory Affairs

Waterloo North Hydro (WNH)
01.2013 - 03.2021
  • Managed annual budgeting process with a focus on short term and long term strategies, customer service and customer rate impacts
  • Oversaw all financial reporting, OEB submissions and rate filings including the Cost of Service submission while maintaining a strong business relationship with OEB staff
  • Managed treasury functions including cash flow, debt requirements, cash controls and credit rating with external parties
  • Oversaw all financial functions including payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable
  • Informed and assisted internal departments with regulatory updates including customer service changes and makes presentations to the Executive on important changes to the regulatory and financial environment
  • Assisted in implementation of various software projects including CIS, HR/Payroll, Asset Management and ERP
  • Worked to achieve corporate objectives and identifies areas for continuous improvement through constant communication with all departments
  • Achievements and special projects include: MergeCo. Project (Enova) (2020-2021), Project Leader for Cost of Service Rate Filing (2020), Project Manager for new HR/Payroll System (2020), Finance Lead on new Sub Metering Company (2020), Team Lead for Virtual Net Metering Submission (2018), Finance Lead for CIS Implementation (2016-2017), investigation and successful submissions for SR&ED claims and Credit Ratings which resulted in significant savings for the organization

AUDIT MANAGER

Collins Barrow Chartered Accountants
01.2008 - 01.2012
  • Experienced auditor in various industries including: Rate-regulated utility companies, medium to large private businesses (Revenues $20 - $650 million) including manufacturing, oil and gas, publishing and agricultural businesses, and Not-for Profit organizations
  • Extensive knowledge of financial statements reporting requirements under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles: IFRS, PSAB and ASPE including complex technical accounting areas
  • Provided recommendations to clients on enhancing financial management, internal controls, cost allocation decisions, and budget analysis whilst improving financial reporting procedures
  • Responsible for analyzing organizational processes, identifying weaknesses, and suggesting cost effective organizational improvements
  • Attended and participated in engagement meetings with client's management, audit committees and boards of directors
  • Uncovered and addressed several highly sensitive issues related to fraud within organizations with a high degree of discretion

Education

Chartered Accountant -

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario (Subsequently CPA Ontario)
12.2010

Bachelor of Business Administration (HONOURS) -

Brock University
12.2007

Advanced Executive Certificate

Queen's Smith School of Business

Skills

  • Strategic Planning and Decision Making
  • Transformational and Charasmatic Leadership
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Cash Flow and Treasury Management
  • Financial Reporting
  • Budget Development
  • Analytics and Problem Solving
  • Effective and Collaborative Networking

Affiliations

  • Utilities Standards Forum (USF)

- President and Chair – April 2023 – Current

- Board Member, Treasurer, Audit Committee Chair – November 2017 – April 2023

- Regulatory Advisory Council – April 2017 – Current

  • Electricity Distributor’s Association

- Chair Niagara Grand District - March 2024 - Current

- Chair of Finance and Corporate Issues Council, Finance Advisory Committee – March 2020 – Current

- Vice Chair Regulatory Council, Regulatory Advisory Committee – March 2019 – March 2020

- OEB Modernization Review Panel Sub Committee – 2019

  • Ontario Electricity Board

- Adjudicative Modernization Council - 2023 - Current

- Participates in various OEB Working Groups including Net Metering and Activity & Program Benchmarking, Customer Service Rules and Net Metering

  • Huron Perth Health Care Alliance Foundation Board

- Board Member 2022 - Current

- Finance Committee Member 2022 - Current

Certification

  • MEARIE Regulatory Specialist Certificate Program, 2015
  • Nominated for 2018 Canada’s Female Emerging Leader Award
  • Education Credit Union Of Waterloo Region, Board Member and Audit Committee Chair, 2016-2018
  • Credit Union Director Achievement (CUDA) Program – Level A & B, 2016-2017
  • Certified Wine Specialist, WSET Level 3 Awards in Wine with Merit

Timeline

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Festival Hydro and Rhyzome Networks
03.2021 - Current

FACILITATOR and MENTOR

CPA Canada & CPA Ontario
01.2016 - Current

Manager of Finance and Regulatory Affairs

Waterloo North Hydro (WNH)
01.2013 - 03.2021

AUDIT MANAGER

Collins Barrow Chartered Accountants
01.2008 - 01.2012

Chartered Accountant -

Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario (Subsequently CPA Ontario)

Bachelor of Business Administration (HONOURS) -

Brock University

Advanced Executive Certificate

Queen's Smith School of Business

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ALYSON CONRAD