Pierre Blignault
Oakville,ON
Summary
Seasoned Chief Financial Officer familiar with financial decision making, driving strategic initiatives and company-wide policy development. Talent for overcoming operational issues and driving proactive improvements. Offering 20+ years' experience in financial leadership.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Financial Officer – Real Estate
Grenco Limited And Tau Capital
04.2019 - Current
- In this role I was challenged to change the status quo and successfully managed to overhaul the finance function, workflows, methodologies and resource allocation (capital funding and team members).
- Tracked cash flow and financial planning to analyze company's financial strengths and weaknesses and propose strategic directions.
- Directed budget development, budgetary controls and recordkeeping to make informed financial decisions.
- Conducted detailed analysis of company financial information and oversaw preparation of related reports.
- Authored, evaluated and reviewed reports to highlight company financials to key stakeholders.
- Spearheaded contract negotiation and financing to complete high-priority projects and realize target outcomes.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Directed technological improvements, reducing waste and business bottlenecks.
Chief Financial Officer - Outsourced
Various
06.2017 - 03.2019
- 2 of the companies I assisted were Fintech start-up ventures in South Africa and I was fully responsible for (1) establishing and growing the finance and administration function; (2) assist with company and product strategy & (3) capital raising
- At another, my key responsibility was the amalgamation of three entities’ finance teams into one functioning and collaborative team, which I completed successfully
- I was also instrumental in implementing new ways of working, introducing reports that support decision making of EXCO and eradicating legacy challenges.
Group Chief Financial Officer – Real Estate & Retail
AJP Group
11.2015 - 05.2017
- I achieved great success in this role in that I re-structured the group’s finance departments and reduced reporting timelines significantly.
- I paved the roadmap for the implementation of a cloud-based accounting software and ERP
- Commenced shareholder restructuring of the group to ensure business continuity upon shareholder exit.
- Implemented cost reduction initiatives and process improvements to optimize efficiency and productivity.
- Improved cash flow, retired debt and built cash reserves to control costs and enhance benefits.
- Managed and led direct reports to handle controllership, treasury and corporate finance functions.
- Authored, evaluated and reviewed reports to highlight company financials to key stakeholders.
- Analyzed inventory strategy, reduced expenses and renegotiated contracts with vendors to increase profit margin.
- Delivered forward-thinking and bold insights to enhance business assets and report financial metrics.
- Developed and oversaw yearly budgets and capital structure of company to determine best mix of debt, equity and internal financing.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Formulated and executed strategic initiatives to improve product offerings.
Finance Executive - Manufacturing
Zenda South Africa
05.2010 - 09.2015
- I was instrumental in assisting the organization, post-acquisition, in transforming from an owner-managed business to a company operating effectively within a multi-national listed group environment
- I was also tasked, together with the country manager, with closing the South African operations when the group strategically withdrew from the country
- A project filled with adverse challenges, but which was completed successfully
- I was also responsible for various projects during my tenure and all completed successfully.
- Supported operations management, sales, and marketing efforts to increase revenue and overall financial health.
- Analyzed financial statements against forecasts to prepare high-level variance analysis.
- Enhanced internal control systems and procedures to mitigate risk and support opportunities.
- Designed and modified reporting procedures and controls to inform business development and growth.
- Developed strategic plans for day-to-day financial operations.
- Supported financial director with special projects and additional job duties.
Senior Manager
BDO South Africa
05.2006 - 12.2009
- I was the responsible manager, together with the engagement partner, which successfully listed 3 companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (IPO’s)
- I was also offered a firm partnership effective July 2010.
Senior - Secondment
BDO Seidman LLP (USA)
12.2005 - 04.2006
- I was the only secondee of that year to receive a bonus for outstanding work and going beyond expectation.
Audit articles
BDO South Africa
01.2003 - 12.2005
- In South Africa, a mandatory minimum 3 year training contract, together with a relevant tertiary qualification and 2 professional qualification exams are required in order to qualify as a CA (S.A)
- I passed my 2 Professional Qualification Exams on 1st attempt and completed training within the minimum time required.
Education
B.Comm (Hons) and CTA -
University of Pretoria
01.2002
High School completion -
01.1998
Skills
- Change Management
- Strategic Planning and its Tactical Implementation
- Building High Performance teams
- Fiscal Management
- Operational Decision Making
- Financial Management
- Corporate Leadership
- Accounting Principles Understanding
- Tax Planning and Structuring
- Capital Raising
Websites
Affiliations
- CPA Ontario – CPA, CA
- SAICA - CA (S.A)
Volunteer Experience
- Ransom Foundation, 2019
- Silver Stream Estate HOA (NPO), Vice - chairman and Finance Director, 2012, 2019
- Pick n Pay Franchisee’s IT Forum, Represent the AJP Group, 2016, 2017
- Pretoria Chartered Accountants Student’s Society (PRESTUD) (NPO), Chairman, 2005
- Pretoria Chartered Accountants Student’s Society (PRESTUD) (NPO), Treasurer, 2004
Hobbies and Interests
- Sport
- Fly Fishing
- Clay Pigeon Shooting
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
CPA (Ontario)
Chartered Accountant (S.A)
Sport, Fly fishing, Clay pigeon shooting
I enjoy staying active through regular exercise and love sport in general.
Favourite hobbies include Fly fishing and shotgunning.
Additional Information
I believe being an active contributer to your community, both professionally and personally, is important.
I have served on various non-profit committees, foundations and forums during my professional tenure and in my private capacity over the past 25 years.
Timeline
Chief Financial Officer – Real Estate
Grenco Limited And Tau Capital
04.2019 - Current
Chief Financial Officer - Outsourced
Various
06.2017 - 03.2019
Group Chief Financial Officer – Real Estate & Retail
AJP Group
11.2015 - 05.2017
Finance Executive - Manufacturing
Zenda South Africa
05.2010 - 09.2015
Senior Manager
BDO South Africa
05.2006 - 12.2009
Senior - Secondment
BDO Seidman LLP (USA)
12.2005 - 04.2006
Audit articles
BDO South Africa
01.2003 - 12.2005
B.Comm (Hons) and CTA -
University of Pretoria
High School completion -
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