Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Desmond Whittaker

Edmonton,Canada

Summary

As a CPA and an Internal Auditor with over five years of experience in accounting and auditing, I have developed and demonstrated strong competencies in evaluating and ensuring the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting, facilitating external audit workflows, and collaborating with diverse business partners. I am currently working at Finning, the world's largest Caterpillar dealer, where I lead and conduct CSOX testing across various regions and entities, applying a risk-based approach and adhering to the COSO framework.

I am passionate about Finning's mission to create value for its customers, employees, and shareholders, and I uphold the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and professionalism in my work. I enjoy working with collaborative teams, and I bring a positive and proactive attitude to every project and challenge. I use my analytical and communication skills to identify and report any control deficiencies, gaps, or recommendations for improvement, and to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting. I continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow, and to contribute to the success and innovation of Finning.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Internal Auditor

Finning
11.2021 - Current
  • Served as the global lead, collaborating with and overseeing CSOX testing initiatives across diverse regions and entities within the organization, ensuring the evaluation and effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting on a worldwide scale
  • Collaborated with external auditors during the annual audit process to facilitate effective audit workflows
  • Proactively engaged with internal business units to build partnerships, ensuring a thorough understanding of their operations and control environments
  • Contributed to continuous process improvement by identifying and implementing enhancements to internal control frameworks, resulting in increased operational efficiency
  • Initiated and conducted training sessions to educate internal teams on CSOX compliance, fostering a culture of awareness and accountability within the organization.

Senior Staff Accountant

BDO Canada LLP
09.2018 - 11.2021
  • Spearheaded the development of comprehensive audit procedures, meticulously conducting testing across all audit areas
  • Analyzed internal controls to strategically determine the most effective audit approach
  • Scrutinized and analyzed variances in comparison to financial plans and forecasts, fostering a comprehensive understanding of discrepancies to facilitate precise financial reporting
  • Prepared meticulous financial statements adhering to ASPE, IFRS, and ASNPO standards, incorporating relevant disclosures
  • Demonstrated versatility by applying expertise across a diverse range of industries
  • Played a pivotal role in promoting continuous workflow and issue resolution through effective communication and proactive identification of conflicts
  • Fostered a collaborative environment for streamlined audit processes and swift conflict resolution.

Business inquiries agent

Canada Revenue Agency - Agence du revenu du Canada
05.2017 - 08.2017
  • Guided taxpayers through comprehension and adherence to diverse Federal tax obligations, encompassing remittance and reporting, payroll deduction calculations, and registration requirements
  • Optimized resource utilization to effectively address intricate inquiries, ensuring business owners received accurate information promptly.

Education

Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada)
09.2020

Bachelor's Degree - Accounting

MacEwan University
06.2018

Skills

  • Problem Solving
  • Process Improvement
  • Financial Analysis
  • Audit and Assurance
  • Internal Controls
  • Cross-functional Collaborations
  • Leadership
  • Customer Service
  • Public Speaking

Certification

Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada)

Timeline

Internal Auditor

Finning
11.2021 - Current

Senior Staff Accountant

BDO Canada LLP
09.2018 - 11.2021

Business inquiries agent

Canada Revenue Agency - Agence du revenu du Canada
05.2017 - 08.2017

Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada)

Bachelor's Degree - Accounting

MacEwan University
Desmond Whittaker