Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Gary Mares

Bondi Beach,Australia

Summary

A Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand with over 45 years experience in accounting, business management, company secretarial, corporate services, corporate governance, financial modelling, financial reporting, health and safety, human resources, legal administration and taxation. Solutions oriented with excellent problem solving skills, able to identify risks and develop risk management/mitigation strategies, an effective communicator with a keen eye for detail, highly motivated, organized and able to multi-task, a mentor, a builder of teams and team player and the ability to work under pressure. With 16 years experience in Audit/Assurance and Corporate Advisory Services with KPMG in Australia in sectors ranging from banking, finance, investment property & equity trusts, insurance, manufacturing and distribution provided a solid foundation for subsequent senior management roles and a very successful sole practitioner public accounting practice of 12 years. Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance. Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.

Overview

46
46
years of professional experience

Work History

Non-executive Director / Joint Managing Director / Managing Director

Rio Dorado Limited
07.2014 - 10.2023
  • Managed small gold and platinum group metals mining exploration company with Latin American subsidiaries
  • Handled statutory compliance, shareholder liaison, accounting, taxation, company secretarial, insurances, and major shareholder financing proposals
  • Worked on compliance listing on TSXV with Canadian lawyers and brokers.
  • Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolved shareholder concerns and promote loyalty.
  • Managed senior-level personnel working in exploration capacities.
  • Handled crisis communications during challenging moments effectively preserving company integrity.

Non-Executive Director

Lark Distillery Limited
09.2014 - 05.2019
  • Served as public company director, Chair of Audit Committee & Nomination & Remuneration Committee
  • Involved in capital raising, compliance, company secretarial, due diligence, accounting and taxation matters
  • Oversaw acquisition of other distillery assets.

Principal

Gary D Mares & Associates, Chartered Accountants
02.2002 - 06.2014
  • Sole practitioner of boutique accounting practice providing taxation, accounting, advisory, company formation, company secretarial, superannuation fund accounting, taxation and audit services, special investigations, and acting as Expert Witness for Supreme Court of New South Wales proceedings
  • Provided services to corporate clients, small to medium businesses, partnerships, trusts, and individuals
  • Managed team of 3 professional staff, mentor and staff training
  • Provided corporate services advice to major unit holders of International Wine Fund (ASX: IWI) resulting in restructuring of ASX listed fund and redemption offer.
  • Increased client base through effective networking and marketing strategies aimed at attracting new business.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized accounting and taxation advice tailored to individual needs.

Company Secretary/Corporate Governance & Compliance Manager

Captech Group Limited
05.2000 - 02.2002
  • Managed company secretarial, statutory and listing rules compliance, ASX announcements, human resources, and small finance and accounting team.
  • Enhanced corporate governance by implementing efficient board meeting procedures and documentation practices.

Group Company Secretary & Corporate Governance & Compliance Manager

Tech Pacific Holdings/Hagemeyer Asia Pacific Group
08.1996 - 05.2000
  • Handled company secretarial, statutory compliance, management of legal matters, contract negotiations, group insurance program, pension plan, patents, trademarks & business names, special reviews, due diligence reviews on corporate acquisitions, and subsequent integration into group.
  • Enhanced corporate governance by implementing efficient board meeting procedures and documentation practices.
  • Facilitated efficient collaboration among board members by coordinating meeting schedules, agendas, and materials in advance.
  • Organized and executed in-house training sessions on trade practices compliance and company policies, strengthening the overall understanding of internal guidelines.
  • Negotiated fair terms for the sale of surplus real property to existing tenant, the design, tendering and redevelopment of surplus warehouse site into new corporate offices at Rosebery, NSW

Operations & Compliance Manager

Lend Lease Corporate Services
04.1994 - 07.1996
  • Responsible for financial control, financial modelling, budgeting, human resources, and compliance related to Employee Share Plan and Financial Planning services unit.
  • Reduced risk exposure for the company by identifying and addressing areas of noncompliance.
  • Advised division leaders of regulatory risks in business processed and provided recommendations for improvement.
  • Developed compliance training initiatives and materials, educating staff on regulations.
  • Analyzed and identified risk areas to determine compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Audit Manager

KPMG Australia
01.1978 - 02.1994
  • Worked on a large portfolio of audit/assurance clients and corporate advisory special engagements in sectors such as banking, financial services, insurance, investment trusts, healthcare, manufacturing, distribution, sales, mining and energy
  • Involved in statutory reporting, compliance, internal control reviews, special investigations, fraud investigations and M&A due diligence.
  • Managed a team of auditors, ensuring accurate and timely completion of audit projects.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge on accounting standards and best practices to ensure high-quality audit results were delivered consistently.
  • Implemented risk-based auditing strategies, resulting in better identification of potential issues.
  • Mentored junior auditors, aiding in their professional development and fostering a positive work environment.
  • Participated in billing and collections operations to facilitate client payment of overdue invoices.
  • Conducted regular training sessions for audit staff, increasing their knowledge and skillset in the field.
  • Attended CA ANZ conferences to gain understanding of trends and engage with current and potential clients.
  • Partnered with internal managers to deliver client proposals and presentations and increase client base.
  • Participated in fraud investigations, gathering evidence to support legal proceedings when necessary.
  • Trained new employees on accounting principles and firm practices and procedures.

Education

Fellow Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand - Chartered Accounting

Chartered Accountants ANZ
Sydney, NSW
10.1995

Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting, Finance and Systems

University of New South Wales
Sydney, NSW
08.1983

Skills

  • Proven experience in financial modeling, budgeting, contract negotiation and business analysis
  • Ability to identify and assess business risks and develop risk management/mitigation strategies
  • Strong analytical skills with keen eye for detail and ability to generate actionable insights
  • Experienced professional with strong performance record in finance leadership roles with cultural diversity and remote leadership experience
  • Good communication and writing skills to effectively interact with colleagues, management and external stakeholders
  • High level expertise with Microsoft office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Adobe software
  • Hands-on experience in areas of M&A and post-merger integration
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills with track record of building successful partnership
  • Capable manager of human resources, building teams and healthy working environment, mentoring team members in conjunction with organisation’s succession planning strategy
  • Cognizant of good health and safety practices
  • Integrity and ethical behaviour in handling sensitive corporate information
  • Operational Efficiency
  • Customer Focus

References

Details available on request

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working

Timeline

Non-Executive Director

Lark Distillery Limited
09.2014 - 05.2019

Non-executive Director / Joint Managing Director / Managing Director

Rio Dorado Limited
07.2014 - 10.2023

Principal

Gary D Mares & Associates, Chartered Accountants
02.2002 - 06.2014

Company Secretary/Corporate Governance & Compliance Manager

Captech Group Limited
05.2000 - 02.2002

Group Company Secretary & Corporate Governance & Compliance Manager

Tech Pacific Holdings/Hagemeyer Asia Pacific Group
08.1996 - 05.2000

Operations & Compliance Manager

Lend Lease Corporate Services
04.1994 - 07.1996

Audit Manager

KPMG Australia
01.1978 - 02.1994

Fellow Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand - Chartered Accounting

Chartered Accountants ANZ

Bachelor of Commerce - Accounting, Finance and Systems

University of New South Wales
Gary Mares