Christopher Lawson, CPA, CA
Kemptville,Ontario
Summary
Driven financial professional, including 5 years of experience as a Controller, looking to exemplify my strong analytical skills and expertise in financial reporting and strategic planning in a senior financial accounting role where my analytical and leadership skills will contribute to enabling the organization in meeting its goals and objectives as part of an active and challenging work environment.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Controller
CORADIX Technology Consulting Ltd.
09.2019 - Current
- Oversaw the financial reporting, financial analysis, cash flow and cash management of a group of three companies totaling in excess of $60M in revenues on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis
- Maintained direct relationships with other members of the leadership team as well as individual shareholders and stakeholders including corporate wide presentations
- Spearheaded negotiations with banks related to financing term sheets resulting in reductions to reporting requirements and financial covenants, as well as liaising with insurance brokers and other service providers as well as preparation of working papers for external accountants
- Managed the challenges of a transition from a fully paper environment to a paperless environment leading to improved document retrieval capabilities and employee satisfaction as well as evaluation, selection and testing of a new financial system implementation
- Lead and mentored a team of 7 staff members across the areas of contracting and financial reporting, including assuming the leadership of the corporate security group
- Implemented automation of monthly processes to improve efficiencies to keep up with demands imposed by 20% business growth in 2 consecutive years.
Senior Manager - Audit and Assurance Section
Baker Tilly REO LLP
09.2018 - 09.2019
- Responsible for maintaining and growing a client base including seeking out new clients and supporting existing client development initiatives
- Responsible for overseeing key client contacts and field staff members, reporting to partners, and ensuring that client deliverables are met within time constraints and budgets
- Responsible for planning and reviewing audit and other assurance engagements including presentation of results to key stakeholders
- Manage a diverse client base, ranging from not-for-profits to farm businesses and construction industry, as well as government funded organizations and self employed individuals and contractors
- Well versed in corporate reporting and filings, personal and corporate tax planning and preparation of personal tax returns related to the company owners and family
- Involved with helping clients to file required government filings related to HST, payroll, WSIB and EHT including required annual government filings for each as required
- Upheld administrative duties such as fee negotiations, client billings, monitoring work in process, coaching and mentoring of staff
- Involved in updating Baker Tilly REO initiative to standardize the farm business financial statement presentation across all four offices.
Manager - Level II, Audit and Assurance Section
Welch LLP
09.2004 - 08.2018
- Responsible for maintaining and growing a client base including seeking out new clients
- Responsible for managing a team of 8 field staff members and key client contacts, reporting to partners, and ensuring that client deliverables are met within time constraints and budgets
- Responsible for planning and performing audits; presentation of audit reports and client financial statements including the application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
- Managed a diverse client base, ranging from not-for-profits to car dealerships and automotive repair facilities, construction industry, as well as government contribution audits and pension plans
- Involved in the audit of private companies; well versed in corporate reporting and filings, tax planning and preparation of personal tax returns related to the company owners and family
- Upheld administrative duties such as fee negotiations, client billings, monitoring work in process in excess of $150,000, coaching, mentoring and performing staff evaluations and involved in recruiting initiatives and staff hiring.
Project Manager
Welch LLP
09.2009 - 03.2010
- Performed concurrently with position as Manager, Audit and Assurance Section.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours - Concentration in Accounting) - undefined
Carleton University
Ottawa, Ontario06.2004
Skills
- Preparing financial statements
- Policy Planning
- Corporate finance
- Financial Forecasting
- Strategic Planning
- Debt management
- Financial statements expertise
- Financial Management
References
Available upon request
Hobbies and Interests
- Treasurer of HOAM (February 2020 – present)
- Member of the Baker Tilly REO LLP social events committee (September 2018-present)
- Chair of Education committee at Welch LLP (2009 – August 2018), responsible for coordination of firm education programs and mentoring of students enrolled in the CPA, CA program, including delivery of educational seminars materials and coaching
- Member of Talent Management Committee at Welch LLP (2012-2014), involved in recruiting and employee retentions
- Member of the Performance Measurement working group at Welch LLP (April 2016 – August 2018, involved in the redesign of employee performance reviews and metrics
- Former treasurer of the North Lanark Agricultural Society, and past volunteer
- Sports: golf, and weightlifting
Timeline
Controller
CORADIX Technology Consulting Ltd.
09.2019 - Current
Senior Manager - Audit and Assurance Section
Baker Tilly REO LLP
09.2018 - 09.2019
Project Manager
Welch LLP
09.2009 - 03.2010
Manager - Level II, Audit and Assurance Section
Welch LLP
09.2004 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Commerce (Honours - Concentration in Accounting) - undefined
Carleton University
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