GRAEME BLISS

Contracted to build accounts from 5 acquisitions into Xero from other systems fit for external audit, used outsourced overseas resources passed two complete external audits on accounts

• Introduced Syft Financial reporting being adopted by Mounties, as well as Weel Debit card and approval-max work-flow, GoCardless, Corpay FX exposure instruments and $ 5 million facility

• Reported to CFO, with Finance Manager and Chief Accountant, reporting to myself, Cannim is a wholesaler, cultivator, and international distributor of medical cannabis products with cultivation in Canada and Jamaica. Consolidated worldwide results with international controllers, all local audit and tax compliance, banking and HR.
• Introduced & appointed new tax advisor who recovered increased R&D recovery 5 times to $ 585,000
• Outsourced accounting offshore, and introduced outsourced HR function

• Utilizing significant experience and financial management skills to provide contract interim relieve for companies where the prime Finance person had left, 7 months Hino Motor Sales, 6 months ATS Timber, 4 months Roberts & Co (tier one construction company),3 months Mcgregor & Coxall (design company – project Neom).
• Working with tax adviser to concluded transfer pricing, annual tax and FBT returns and bringing those to a successful conclusion, Hino and Roberts Co.
• Implemented new cloud-based payroll and HR system Hero–pay and Hero HR, , currently implementing new cloud based system with outsourcer ADP.
• Recovered SOX audit to completion and internal control to successful outcome Hino Australia appointed interim company secretary
• Revalued land that resulted in a $ 500,000 tax saving verified by KPMG Hino Australia

• Established Finance Business Partnering team to partner in all areas of NSW Trains, including Head Office and operations. Championed recruitment process, directing and managing performance of productive team of qualified accountants, overseeing month end processing and reporting. Analyse and interpreted financial data and presented information to senior management to aid in budget, forecasts, and business strategy. Supported company’s growth and strategic direction by sharing information across a number of internal departments and cross-functional teams. Developed and piloted new policies and processes to enhance productivity and diminish overheads. Ascertained compliance by offering guidance and information to Financial Accounting team pertaining to assets and GST. Addressed Auditor’s queries regarding taxation matters in timely manner and liaised with key stakeholders to achieve key deliverabl
• Successfully managed and negotiated contract with QLD and VIC Rail with regard to loss of XPT service, resulting in annual revenue of $13M.
• Directed Finance Business Partners to meet and exceed key performance indicators (KPIs) and budgets.
• Strategically planned and oversaw successful trial of Nespresso coffee on Explorer Train Service to Canberra.

• Appointed as Financial Controller for major design project for new Jeddah Airport. Controlled all financial operations including financial and management accounting, reporting to UK Head Office. Delivered meticulous financial reports and analysis to UK Head Office and offered support with business strategy.
• Successfully recovered information from highly elusive client to verify and claim $10M in tax deductions.
• Led recruitment and training of highly successful Finance Manager.

• Supervised operations across Riyadh office, managing 18 direct reports including Chief Accountant, HR Manager, Purchasing Manager, and all admin staff members. Facilitated financial/management accounting functions, including executive management of HR, IT, and Purchasing divisions, banking/loan facility auditors, and company legal representative. Recruited, structured, and directed newly established finance team. Ensured compliance with Saudi and Australian requirements at all times. Managed stakeholders, banks, suppliers, and internal parties.
• Renewed $80M banking facility on significantly better terms, from 45 consolidated loans to one.
• Recovered SR17 million in bank guarantees from Saudi Customs.
• Coordinated rollout of electronic banking and new payroll system for 400 workers.
• Recruited new finance team to collate accounts over three financial years, which were successfully externally audited.

• Championed executive financial leadership for start-up operation by sourcing and securing financing for Al Wasl, $14B project in Riyadh. Developed and drove successful finance team and legal representative for Saudi operations to meet and exceed operational objectives. Introduced control systems and comprehensive reporting for Saudi operation and managed evaluation of all new projects, presenting information to Head Office pertaining to forecasts, financial strategy, and project budget development.
• Negotiated implementation of new legal structure with Prince’s team over one year period to enable financing.
• Introduced Limitless to new Saudi bank, successfully obtaining term sheet and financing officer.