Sandip Patel
St. Catharines,Ontario
Summary
Strategic Finance Leader with 15+ years of international experience directing corporate financial operations, long-range planning, IFRS/GAAP reporting, audit management, and multi-entity financial strategy. Proven ability to design financial frameworks that improve profitability, enhance asset returns, and support organizational growth. Skilled at leading teams, coaching talent, optimizing processes, and supporting mergers, acquisitions, and joint-venture activities.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis
Auto Export Corporation (AEC)
05.2023 - Current
- Leading all multi-entity financial planning, reporting, forecasting, and performance analysis.
- Developed and managed financial models supporting long-term growth, capital allocation, and strategic decisions.
- Prepared financial reports, projections, variance analysis, and executive reporting packages.
- Overseeing accounting operations, including general ledger, cost analysis, reconciliations, and controls.
- Supporting internal and external audits, preparing audit schedules, documentation, and compliance reporting.
- Leading process improvement initiatives that increased reporting accuracy by 40% and reduced cycle time by 30%.
- Supervising and coaching accounting and administrative staff, ensuring proper workflow, development, and accountability.
- Led financial forecasting and budgeting initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and aligning resources with strategic goals.
- Streamlined reporting processes through automation, resulting in timely and accurate financial insights for decision-makers.
- Developed and implemented financial models to support business planning, driving informed decisions and improved resource allocation.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to analyze financial performance, identifying trends that informed strategic adjustments and cost-saving measures.
Financial Controller
Primefuels (now Suhara Logistics)
02.2019 - 02.2021
- Directed all financial operations for a multi-site industrial logistics business, including budgeting, forecasting, controls, and financial reporting.
- Built and maintained long-term forecasting models used for strategic planning and capital allocation.
- Supported acquisition analysis and integration efforts, preparing due-diligence financials and risk assessments.
- Supervised external and internal audits; improved documentation standards and audit readiness.
- Developed new accounting procedures, internal control systems, and cross-functional administrative processes.
- Led a team of finance and administrative staff, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
- Executed internal audits and risk assessments, identifying areas for cost reduction and operational efficiency improvements.
- Mentored junior finance staff, fostering their development and ensuring adherence to best practices in financial management.
- Managed cash flow and working capital to optimize liquidity and maintain financial stability within the organization.
Budget & Controlling Manager | Customer Service Manager | Internal Auditor | Network Manager
Total Energies
01.2009 - 01.2019
- Directed budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning for operations exceeding $170M annually.
- Conducted financial modelling, variance analysis, cash-flow forecasting, and operational performance assessments.
- Ensured compliance with IFRS, corporate governance standards, and regulatory reporting requirements.
- Supported joint-venture and expansion projects through financial modelling, due-diligence reviews, and scenario planning.
- Directed internal audits to assess financial controls, risk exposure, and adherence to policies; presented findings to senior leadership.
- Built and coached high-performing teams across accounting, customer operations, and financial administration.
- Contributed to major system transitions (SAP FICO/SD), improving transparency, reporting accuracy, and data integrity.
- Developed and implemented budgeting processes that enhanced financial forecasting accuracy and streamlined operational efficiency.
- Analyzed customer feedback data, driving improvements in service delivery and enhancing overall customer satisfaction levels.
- Led internal audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and identified areas for operational cost savings.
- Managed network infrastructure projects, optimizing system performance and ensuring robust data security protocols were in place.
- Trained and mentored team members in best practices for customer service, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
Education
MBA - Business Management
Lakehead University
Thunder Bay, ON 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Northeastern University
Boston, MA 05.2001 -
Skills
Systems: SAP FICO/SD, QuickBooks, Power BI, Advanced Excel
Long-Term Planning
Financial analysis
Financial reporting
Budget forecasting
Variance analysis
Risk assessment
Internal controls
Process improvement
Cash flow management
Financial modeling
Advanced Excel
Core Competencies
- Financial Strategy
- Long-Range Forecasting
- Corporate Accounting
- IFRS/GAAP/SEC
- Internal Controls
- Audit Leadership
- Cost Optimization
- Acquisitions & JV Support
- FP&A Leadership
- Team Management
- Performance Reporting
- Financial Systems (SAP/QBs)
Timeline
Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis
Auto Export Corporation (AEC)
05.2023 - Current
Financial Controller
Primefuels (now Suhara Logistics)
02.2019 - 02.2021
Budget & Controlling Manager | Customer Service Manager | Internal Auditor | Network Manager
Total Energies
01.2009 - 01.2019
MBA - Business Management
Lakehead University
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Northeastern University
05.2001 -