Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Websites
Job Reference
Timeline
Generic

Darpana Ben

Franklin,Australia

Summary

Dynamic finance professional with experience at the Department of Defence, excelling in strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration. Proven track record in driving process improvements and mentoring teams, while delivering impactful financial analyses and quality assurance. Adept at navigating complex accounting concepts and fostering stakeholder relationships to enhance operational efficiency.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Assistant Director (Acting)

Department of Defence
Canberra, ACT
05.2024 - Current
  • Executed complex learning and development initiatives within integrated workforce, drafting effective learning materials.
  • Developed technical advice on complex accounting concepts, budgeting, and forecasting dashboards.
  • Collaborated with stakeholders and subject matter experts via IBRS Support Hub to resolve technical incidents efficiently.
  • Contributed to strategic planning, project management, and policy management efforts.
  • Conducted functional, performance, and user acceptance testing (UAT) of reports post-enhancements, advising on test scripts.
  • Facilitated skill development among colleagues while mentoring direct reports.
  • Drove process improvement initiatives that enhanced efficiency and data management in IBRS Support Hub.
  • Coordinated training materials and system testing for changes, maintained intranet content, and organized end-user training sessions.

Commercial Analyst

Department of Home Affairs
Canberra, ACT
07.2022 - 04.2024
  • Delivered monthly financial analysis reports to Assistant Director, guiding strategic financial management decisions.
  • Collaborated with internal stakeholders to compile annual budgets for Corporate Contract and Branch.
  • Conducted monthly variance analysis against actuals and developed forecasts based on changing circumstances.
  • Implemented continuous process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Analyzed risks and mitigation strategies, promptly escalating critical issues when necessary.
  • Assisted in resolving contract issues, providing support to team leader and contract manager.
  • Produced timely and accurate reports for management and Group Finance Partner teams.
  • Contributed as an innovation team member for Technology and Major Capability Group.

Finance Manager

Bentspoke Brewing Company
Canberra, ACT
07.2020 - 06.2023
  • Analyzed monthly management accounts, ensuring reconciled balance sheet accounts and explained Profit and Loss variances.
  • Managed Finance team to meet weekly and monthly requirements for Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Production Accounts, IMPOS, Cash, and other transactions.
  • Led annual budget process with Chief Executive Officer, providing regular forecasts, reports, and variance analyses.
  • Conducted performance reviews and managed personnel as needed.
  • Assisted in developing project costs for business case approval of new product development, events, and capital projects.
  • Analyzed financial performance and collaborated with department leads on improvement initiatives.
  • Produced weekly and monthly cash flow reports, monitoring against forecasts.
  • Fulfilled regulatory financial requirements of the company.

Field Auditor

Suncorp Group
Brisbane, QLD
09.2013 - 06.2016
  • Conducted financial analysis on client documents to ensure data integrity and compliance.
  • Collaborated with Client Managers to discuss financial audit outcomes and suggest remedial actions.
  • Performed financial audits at client sites, delivering reports tailored to stakeholder requirements.
  • Leveraged over 12 years of accounting experience to enhance financial reporting processes.
  • Participated in two SAP ERP implementation projects, contributing to system design and testing.
  • Provided end-user training during SAP ERP rollout, facilitating smooth transitions.
  • Reviewed financial data submitted by clients for accuracy and completeness.
  • Engaged with stakeholders to address financial discrepancies and improve audit procedures.

Education

Bachelor of Business Accounting -

Central Queensland University
01.2004

Skills

  • Strategic planning and execution
  • Mentoring and empowerment
  • Change management
  • Quality assurance and governance
  • Cross-functional collaboration

Certification

  • 2015 Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) of Australia - Financial Forensics, and Fraud Investigation
  • 2011 Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) of Australia, completed professional and practical experience
  • Fully qualified Certified Practicing Accountant of Australia (CPA) since 2011
  • 2023 International Honor Society in recognition of outstanding scholastic achievement

Job Reference

Job Reference : DFG/04821/25

Timeline

Assistant Director (Acting)

Department of Defence
05.2024 - Current

Commercial Analyst

Department of Home Affairs
07.2022 - 04.2024

Finance Manager

Bentspoke Brewing Company
07.2020 - 06.2023

Field Auditor

Suncorp Group
09.2013 - 06.2016

Bachelor of Business Accounting -

Central Queensland University
Darpana Ben