Jeff Gao
Kitchener,ON
Summary
Highly collaborative Leader of Finance with strong skills in statistical analysis and performance. Poised and sharp with skill to translate financial metrics into actionable details. Exceptional performance outlining strategic financial directions for business growth.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Finance
Brantford Native Housing
03.2022 - Current
- Streamlined financial reporting processes by implementing more efficient software systems and optimizing data management.
- Enhanced company profitability with strategic financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting techniques to ensure optimal resource allocation.
- Optimized cash flow management through diligent monitoring of receivables, payables, and investment activities.
- Reduced overhead costs by identifying inefficiencies and implementing targeted cost-saving measures across various departments.
- Improved internal controls and risk management strategies to safeguard company assets and minimize potential losses.
- Managed a high-performing finance team, providing guidance and mentorship to foster professional growth and development.
- Established strong relationships with banking partners for favorable financing terms on loans and lines of credit.
- Implemented robust compliance protocols to adhere to all relevant regulations while mitigating the risk of fines or penalties.
- Provided insightful recommendations for process improvements, contributing to increased operational efficiency across the organization.
- Conducted thorough financial analysis on proposed projects, ensuring investments aligned with company''s growth strategy and delivered desired ROI.
- Developed accurate monthly forecasts using historical data trends combined with current market conditions for enhanced decision-making capabilities.
- Instituted best practices in financial management processes by conducting regular reviews of procedures, policies, and systems for continuous improvement opportunities.
- Proactively monitored industry trends to identify new revenue streams or cost-saving initiatives that would benefit the company''s bottom line.
- Successfully managed multiple, concurrent projects by prioritizing tasks and allocating resources efficiently.
- Fostered a culture of accountability within the finance department, emphasizing the importance of meeting deadlines and delivering accurate financial data to stakeholders.
- Monitored budget and revenue trends, compiling reports for company leadership to inform decision-making.
- Set clear departmental objectives and developed effective strategies to achieve targeted goals.
- Completed filings and upheld strict compliance with regulatory agencies and supervisors.
- Established and enforced controls on revenue and expenses to protect company assets.
- Generated financial and operational reports to assist management with business strategy.
- Analyzed financial data regarding product performance and customer performance and developed reports for key stakeholders.
- Assisted with recruiting, interviewing and hiring new department employees.
- Forecasted trends and recommended improvements based on financial risk analyses.
- Enhanced internal control systems and procedures to mitigate risk and support opportunities.
- Evaluated project applications and verified with outline specifications to approve, reject and recommend adjustments.
- Reduced process discrepancies through measured implementation of performance reporting and data systems.
- Verified compliance of financial policies and accounting procedures against federal regulations.
- Analyzed financial statements against forecasts to prepare high-level variance analysis.
- Improved resource utilization with data management systems, reducing costs through strategic coordination and contract analysis.
- Prepared internal and regulatory financial reports, balance sheets and income statements.
Financial Consultant
Various Employers
12.2019 - 02.2022
- Increased client satisfaction by providing personalized financial advice and investment recommendations.
- Developed comprehensive financial plans for clients to achieve their short-term and long-term goals.
- Analyzed market trends and identified investment opportunities, resulting in enhanced portfolio performance.
- Collaborated with team members to develop strategies for optimizing client portfolios and managing risk.
- Built strong relationships with clients through consistent communication and exceptional customer service.
- Streamlined internal processes, improving efficiency while maintaining compliance with industry regulations.
- Managed a diverse range of client portfolios, consistently outperforming benchmark indices.
- Provided ongoing support for clients experiencing financial challenges, offering guidance on debt management and budgeting techniques.
- Expanded client base through targeted marketing efforts and referrals from satisfied customers.
- Prepared detailed reports analyzing portfolio performance against established goals, ensuring transparency and accountability to stakeholders.
Manager, Finance Operations
Allianz Partners
06.2019 - 11.2019
- Increased team productivity by implementing streamlined processes and effective communication strategies.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Reduced operational costs through comprehensive process improvement initiatives and resource management.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Facilitated successful cross-functional collaborations for the completion of key projects, fostering strong working relationships among team members.
- Optimized resource allocation by conducting regular performance evaluations and providing personalized coaching for staff development.
- Led change management initiatives to drive organizational transformation without compromising employee morale or productivity levels.
- Mentored junior team members for career advancement, fostering a pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
- Drove operational efficiency through data-driven decision-making processes, leveraging analytics tools for informed strategy development.
Corporate Controller
Cash 4 You
06.2017 - 05.2019
- Enhanced financial reporting accuracy by implementing streamlined processes and procedures.
- Reduced operational costs through the identification of inefficiencies and implementation of cost-saving measures.
- Improved cash flow management with the development of comprehensive forecasting models.
- Increased profitability, optimizing budgeting and financial planning strategies.
- Assisted executive team in decision-making by providing accurate and timely financial analysis.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements through diligent oversight of internal controls and risk management practices.
- Managed external audits effectively, resulting in clean audit opinions year after year.
- Mentored and developed staff, fostering a high-performing team culture focused on continuous improvement.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to drive process improvements throughout the organization, positively impacting overall performance metrics.
- Developed scenario-based forecasting models to assess potential impacts of various business decisions on company performance metrics such as revenue growth rate or profit margin targets.
- Created and distributed reports on internal and external finances, audits, and budgets.
Financial Controller
Sikee Electric Fire Protection Inc.
11.2016 - 05.2017
- Improved financial reporting accuracy by streamlining processes and implementing efficient financial controls.
- Reduced operating costs through meticulous budget management and cost analysis.
- Enhanced cash flow management with timely accounts receivable monitoring and collections efforts.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements by conducting thorough internal audits and implementing necessary corrective actions.
- Oversaw all aspects of the month-end close process, ensuring timely completion of accurate financial statements for executive review.
Chief Accounting Officer
C2C Immigration & Legal Service Inc.
02.2009 - 10.2016
- Enhanced financial reporting accuracy by implementing robust internal controls and procedures.
- Streamlined financial processes for improved efficiency and reduced operational costs.
- Established strong relationships with external auditors, ensuring timely completion of annual audits.
- Developed comprehensive budgeting process, enabling accurate forecasting and effective resource allocation.
- Implemented new accounting software to streamline operations and enhance data integrity.
- Reduced month-end closing time by implementing efficient workflow practices and automated solutions.
- Managed tax planning strategies to minimize liabilities while maintaining full compliance with applicable laws.
Education
No Degree - Not-For Profit Certificate I & II
CPA Canada
01.2023
No Degree - Non-Profit And Charity Budgeting & Financial Repor
CPA Canada
06.2022
No Degree - Financial Modelling & Valuation Analyst
Corporate Finance Institute
05.2020
MBA - Accounting And Finance
Schulich School of Business
Toronto, ON07.2016
No Degree - Chartered Professional Accountant
CPA Ontario
12.2015
BBA - Accounting
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Oshawa, ON04.2014
Associate of Arts - Accounting
Seneca College of Applied Arts And Technology
North York, ON04.2012
No Degree - Charter Insurance Professional
Insurance Institute of Canada
04.2009
Skills
- Financial Analysis
- IFRS Compliance
- Working Capital Management
- Budgeting and Forecasting
- Financial Modeling
- Process Improvement
- Problem Solving
- Team Leadership
- Internal Controls
- Revenue Recognition
- Business Partnering
- Stakeholder Management
- Risk Management
- Debt Management
- Cost Control
- Performance Metrics
- Audit Management
- Data Analysis
- Decision Making
- GAAP Compliance
- Cash Flow Management
- Financial Reporting
- Business Forecasting
- KPI Tracking
- General Ledger Accounting
- General Ledger Entry
- Account Analysis
- Technology-Savvy
- Regulatory Compliance
- Financial Planning
- Organizational Skills
- Account Reconciliation
- Risk Mitigation
- Budget Planning
- Compliance Monitoring
- Team Building Leadership
- Willing to Learn
- Compliance Assessment
- Critical Thinking
- Cost Data Analysis
- Decision-Making
- Operational Reporting
- Employee Training Oversight
- Prioritizing and Planning
- Business Relationship Management
- Strategy Development
Languages
English
Full Professional
Certification
Chartered Professional Accountant - Ontario
Vounteer Experience
CPA Mentor
CPA Ontario
Timeline
Director of Finance
Brantford Native Housing
03.2022 - Current
Financial Consultant
Various Employers
12.2019 - 02.2022
Manager, Finance Operations
Allianz Partners
06.2019 - 11.2019
Corporate Controller
Cash 4 You
06.2017 - 05.2019
Financial Controller
Sikee Electric Fire Protection Inc.
11.2016 - 05.2017
Chief Accounting Officer
C2C Immigration & Legal Service Inc.
02.2009 - 10.2016
No Degree - Not-For Profit Certificate I & II
CPA Canada
No Degree - Non-Profit And Charity Budgeting & Financial Repor
CPA Canada
No Degree - Financial Modelling & Valuation Analyst
Corporate Finance Institute
MBA - Accounting And Finance
Schulich School of Business
No Degree - Chartered Professional Accountant
CPA Ontario
BBA - Accounting
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Associate of Arts - Accounting
Seneca College of Applied Arts And Technology
No Degree - Charter Insurance Professional
Insurance Institute of Canada
Chartered Professional Accountant - Ontario
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