Yee Leng Tham
Toronto,ON
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented leader with over a decade of experience in the financial services industry. Proven expertise in managing large teams, driving strategic initiatives, and achieving operational excellence. Recognized for exceptional leadership, analytical and problem solving skills, with a strong ability to resolve complex issues, enhance client relationships and motivate teams to peak performance.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, NAV Production/Fund Accounting
RBC Investor Services
01.2023 - Current
- Managed a team of 200 employees with 8 direct reports, specializing in Canada Mutual Funds and Unit Trust Funds.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
- Led a comprehensive risk culture review using behavioral science principles, implementing actions to strengthen the team’s risk culture.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Engaged in senior client meetings, providing strategic insights to align client expectations with organizational goals.
- Proactively identified potential risks and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize negative impacts on projects or business operations.
- Collaborated with key vendors to enhance service delivery, ensuring high client satisfaction and operational efficiency.
- Conducted an end-to-end review of Fund Accounting processes with internal Business Intelligence Team and consultant agency, driving operational efficiency improvements.
- Spearheaded an outsourcing activity of the distribution and tax process to external vendor
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Director, Private Capital Services
RBC Investor & Treasury Services
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Oversaw 95 employees with 2 direct reports, managing Fund Accounting, Transaction Management, and Shareholder Services for Private Equity and Real Estate Funds
- Scaled the team from 55 to 95 employees within 12 months, migrating key activities from Luxembourg to Malaysia with detailed project plan.
- Worked collaboratively with functional leaders in home location to implement new procedures and corrective actions to improve quality.
- Optimized staff performance by designing comprehensive training programs tailored to individual needs.
- Contributed to talent acquisition efforts by participating in recruitment activities, identifying top candidates and facilitating smooth onboarding processes.
- Led cross-functional teams to address critical operational challenges, fostering collaborative approach that leveraged diverse skills and perspectives.
- Fostered culture of continuous improvement by leading workshops and training sessions on best practices and innovative operational strategies.
Director, Transaction Management
RBC Investor & Treasury Services
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Secondment to lead the team through a critical system change, overseeing the replacement of the core Custody System.
- Supervised a team of 150 employees with 4 direct reports, managing Trade Capture, Market Settlement & Middle Office Team
Director, Fund Accounting
RBC Investor & Treasury Services
11.2018 - 05.2021
- Led a team of 200 employees, with 6 direct reports, delivering exceptional fund accounting services for funds domiciled in Luxembourg, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium and UK
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
- Implemented strategic projects that maximized efficiency and drove product enhancements.
- Successfully rolled out Robotics Process Automation (RPA) with Blue Prism, resulting in a reduction of 12 FTEs.
- Implemented a new Fund Accounting Exception Monitoring Tool, leading to additional savings of 12 FTEs.
- Drove cost-saving initiatives toward a paperless environment, achieving $1M in annual savings.
- Led multiple process migrations from different regions - Luxembourg, Switzerland and Ireland to Malaysia.
Associate Director, Fund Accounting
RBC Investor & Treasury Services
07.2016 - 11.2018
- Led a team of 80 FTE, with 6 direct reports, delivery exceptional fund accounting services for funds domiciled in Ireland, Switzerland and UK
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, creating mutually beneficial opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Reduced operational costs by identifying inefficiencies and implementing cost-saving measures in various departments.
- Trained and developed department leaders and management staff for specific projects and ongoing operational needs.
- Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Prioritized tasks and allocated resources appropriately to keep teams focused and productive.
Manager, Fund Accounting
RBC Investor & Treasury Services
10.2014 - 06.2016
- Led a team of 35 FTE overseeing services provided for funds domiciled from Ireland and UK
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
Supervisor of Operations
RBC Investor & Treasury Services
01.2013 - 10.2014
- Led a team of 12 employee delivering service for funds domiciled in Luxembourg
- Enhanced operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing best practices in the workplace.
- Evaluated staff performance regularly, offering constructive feedback designed to promote growth within their roles.
- Proactively identified and managed potential problems to minimize negative impact on daily operations.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Developed and implemented training programs for new hires, improving overall team productivity and performance.
Senior Fund Accountant
RBC Dexia Investor Services
05.2010 - 12.2012
Education
Bachelor of Science - Accounting & Finance
University of Queensland
Brisbane, Queensland12.2009
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Operations Management
- Team Management
- Strategies and goals
- People Management & Staff Development
- Decision-Making
- Contract and Vendor Management
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Process Improvements
Additional Information
Chaired the Malaysia Corporate Citizenship Committee from 2017 and 2018, enhancing corporate social responsibility and employee engagement
Timeline
Director, NAV Production/Fund Accounting
RBC Investor Services
01.2023 - Current
Director, Private Capital Services
RBC Investor & Treasury Services
01.2022 - 12.2022
Director, Transaction Management
RBC Investor & Treasury Services
05.2021 - 12.2021
Director, Fund Accounting
RBC Investor & Treasury Services
11.2018 - 05.2021
Associate Director, Fund Accounting
RBC Investor & Treasury Services
07.2016 - 11.2018
Manager, Fund Accounting
RBC Investor & Treasury Services
10.2014 - 06.2016
Supervisor of Operations
RBC Investor & Treasury Services
01.2013 - 10.2014
Senior Fund Accountant
RBC Dexia Investor Services
05.2010 - 12.2012
Bachelor of Science - Accounting & Finance
University of Queensland
Similar Profiles
JIALU(Fiona) CHENJIALU(Fiona) CHEN
Senior Analyst-Client Market Account Opening at RBC Investor ServicesSenior Analyst-Client Market Account Opening at RBC Investor Services
JONATHAN JEROMEJONATHAN JEROME
Quality Assurance Lead at RBC Investor ServicesQuality Assurance Lead at RBC Investor Services
Walter LiWalter Li
Associate Director, Pricing at RBC Investor ServicesAssociate Director, Pricing at RBC Investor Services