Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Jessica Brown

Melbourne,VIC

Summary

With six years of experience in the Civil Construction, Precast, and Structures industries, I bring a diverse and dynamic skill set and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to the table. Known for exceptional problem-solving, project management, and financial analysis, I am committed to continuous improvement and driving operational efficiency. I excel in fostering positive work environments and mentoring teams, with a strong focus on cross-department collaboration to streamline processes and deliver impactful results. My industry expertise extends far beyond the office, my passion for understanding the business and industry as a whole has provided me with extensive knowledge and experiences across multiple projects which has allowed me to bring a comprehensive, adaptive and confident approach to my career so far.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Group Finance Manager

M. JAMES ENGINEERING PTY LTD & M. JAMES PRECAST & FABRICATION PTY LTD
Melbourne, VIC
11.2022 - Current
  • Supervised and managed all internal and external finance and administration departments, including Payroll, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Bookkeeping, Accounting, Administration, and Operations teams across multiple entities and business groups.
  • Supervised, trained, and mentored finance and administration team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, growth, and development across the group of companies. Coordinated the flow of cross-functional teams to drive efficiency and effectiveness in financial operations.
  • Developed and implemented protocols, payroll systems, invoicing systems, and internal controls to improve efficiencies and mitigate errors and risks.
  • Managed and reviewed contracts and financial claims on large-scale government projects, working closely with senior management, engineering teams, site teams, clients, and external stakeholders to streamline the claim process and ensure accuracy across the board.
  • Conducted reviews, audits, analyses, and evaluations for cost-reduction opportunities, performance improvement, and overall efficiencies across all aspects of the business.

Accounts Payable & Receivable Manager

M. JAMES ENGINEERING PTY LTD & M. JAMES PRECAST & FABRICATION PTY LTD
Melbourne, VIC
01.2022 - 10.2022
  • Managed bookkeeping and accounting systems by completing bank reconciliations, accounting journal entries, bank transactions, project cost tracking, overseeing and processing of payroll, and completing extensive data entry with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Verified accuracy of calculations related to accounts payable and receivable activities.
  • Assisted with the preparation of monthly financial reports by collecting, analysing, and summarizing account information. Managed monthly contractual progress claims, labor hire, and plant hire claims across multiple projects and contracts at a time.
  • Problem-solved payroll, accounts payable and receivable questions on behalf of internal team members, management and vendors and analysed financial data to identify and close out any discrepancies in payments, invoices, and other documents.
  • Verified, classified, computed, posted and recorded accounts payable and receivable data. Working closely with the Senior Management, Operations, Engineering and Site teams to ensure that all information was recorded, cost tracked and managed appropriately.
  • Provided training to staff members on proper use of accounting software applications.

Payroll Manager

M. JAMES ENGINEERING PTY LTD
Melbourne, VIC
07.2021 - 01.2022
  • Onboarded new employees across the businesses with company and project inductions, starter packs and uniforms. As well as onboarding new hires onto internal platforms, including internal payroll systems, 3D Safety portal, RIW portal, and external client portals.
  • Developed processes for streamlining the implementation and maintenance of payroll systems and the workflow associated with extensive payroll operations for complex CFMEU EBA requirements.
  • Developed and enforced payroll policies and procedures to ensure consistent and fair employee compensation, in line with the CFMEU EBA and individual employee contracts, to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
  • Undertook extensive and detailed audits and analyses to ensure accuracy in processes and knowledge of payroll requirements for both internal and external governing parties. A highly recognised and regarded knowledge for management of complex and detailed employee agreements.
  • Calculated detailed weekly payments for over 100 employees of normal time, overtime, nightshift, travel allowances, site allowances, personal carer's leave, annual leave and other categories of time.
  • Reconciled monthly payroll accounts and transactions to ensure accurate payments to employees, PAYG, payroll tax and other internal and external business requirements.
  • Responsible for processing and authorising weekly payroll bank transactions, ensuring efficient and accurate payments to employees.
  • Facilitated payroll-related training sessions for new hires and ongoing education for existing staff.
  • Audited existing procedures to identify areas where improvements, risk mitigation and efficiencies could be made.

Administration Manager

M. JAMES ENGINEERING PTY LTD
Melbourne, VIC
02.2020 - 06.2021
  • Ensured compliance with organisational policies and procedures as well as applicable laws and regulations.
  • Managed the recruitment process by sourcing candidates, conducting interviews and onboarding new hires.
  • Supervised daily operations of the administrative team to ensure timely completion of tasks.
  • Created and revised systems and procedures by analysing operating practices, record-keeping systems and forms control to improve accuracy and efficiency, suggest improvements to operational efficiency, prioritise and delegate job tasks and establish personnel responsibilities.
  • Worked closely with management, operations and site teams to review and manage contracts, regulations and procedural guidelines to verify comprehension and compliance as well as negotiating and reviewing of contracts, rates and terms with suppliers and clients.
  • Organised and managed office operations and procedures, including filing systems, record keeping, data entry, mail distribution and other clerical services.
  • Supported and assisted payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, operations, logistics and management teams.

Project & Event Coordinator - Contract

LENZO
Melbourne, VIC
11.2019 - 02.2020
  • Designed and managed high end events for a wide range of clients from individual to large scale corporate events and activations.
  • Coordinated multiple projects simultaneously end to end, from original concepts, mood boards and inspiration through to vendor engagement, contracts, budget and to the onsite installations.
  • Liaised with clients to understand their vision and requirements, customising events to meet their specific needs. Facilitated meetings with vendors and clients to understand expectation, manage budgets ensuring all events were delivered within financial constraints and outline overall project scope and timeline.
  • Organised vendor contracts, negotiated fees, and ensured compliance with all regulations.
  • Managed logistics related to transportation, catering, entertainment, talent and decorations for events. Developed and maintained event timelines, ensuring all tasks were completed on schedule.
  • Recruited sponsors for events and planned scope of involvement, financial tie-ins and promotional aspects for mutual benefit.
  • Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including vendors, sponsors, and community leaders.

Project Coordinator - Contract

The Salvation Army (TSA) (Victoria) Property Trust as Trustee for The Salvation Army (Victoria)
Mebourne, VIC
05.2019 - 11.2019
  • Personally managed an Australia-wide project called "Don't Stop The Music," delivering music programs and opportunities to underprivileged Australian children and schools.
  • Worked with key stakeholders, including senior management of The Salvation Army, The ABC, and Musica Viva, to execute the project from end to end.
  • Responsibilities included managing stakeholder expectations, cost tracking, reporting, overseeing countrywide logistics, managing project leaders in all states, and meeting client expectations.
  • Allocated resources and materials to respective departments to accommodate needs.
  • Identified potential risks associated with various stages of the project cycle and developed strategies to mitigate them.
  • Drove communication within high-performance, cross-functional organization to meet aggressive goals.
  • Conducted regular reviews of team performance against established goals and objectives; provided feedback and coaching when necessary.
  • Produced thorough, accurate and timely reports of project activities.
  • Prepared detailed cost estimates for each phase of the project lifecycle.
  • Managed relationships with external partners, as well as internal teams across departments, ensuring alignment on expectations around timeline and project execution.

Marketing, PR & Social Media Consultant

Nicky Kay Activewear
Melbourne, VIC
04.2018 - 05.2019
  • Created and distributed email newsletters that enhanced customer loyalty and retention.
  • Curated and posted useful, creative and timely content on social media platforms, blog and website.
  • Coordinated with the marketing team to align content with promotional campaigns.
  • Maintained knowledge of digital technology and social media trends, media requirements, and best practices.
  • Optimized existing website pages using keywords that aligned with search engine algorithms.
  • Utilised graphic design software, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and Canva, to create an original, unique, and diverse range of visually appealing content for social channels, websites, and external platforms such as The Iconic.
  • Developed content governance guidelines to ensure consistency and quality across all channels.

Social Media & Marketing Content Consultant

Michelle & Co Property
Melbourne, VIC
04.2018 - 05.2019
  • Researched emerging trends in digital marketing technologies to recommend new approaches for optimising online presence.
  • Created high-quality content that was optimized for SEO purposes.
  • Developed content strategies aligned with company's brand voice and objectives.
  • Created proposals for service and product strategies based on marketing data.
  • Conducted research on target audience interests, preferences, needs, and behaviors.
  • Assisted teams with aligning marketing strategies and objectives based on data-driven insights.
  • Established and maintained a consistent brand voice across all content channels.
  • Managed content calendars, ensuring timely publication of articles and posts.
  • Collaborated with design teams to create and curate visually appealing layouts for web pages.

Administrative Assistant

Mills Oakley Lawyers
Melbourne, VIC
01.2014 - 06.2018
  • Worked across all areas of the Administration Department, including the in-house administration team, reception, and front of house.
  • Handled incoming and outgoing correspondence, including calls, emails, mail, and package deliveries, ensuring timely distribution to appropriate department or employee.
  • Managed daily office operations and maintained office supplies inventory, ensuring efficient workplace functionality and ensured efficient operation of office equipment.
  • Handled highly confidential and sensitive documents in an organised and professional fashion according to established protocol and developed and implemented new systems, both digital and physical to improve document organisation and retrieval efficiency.
  • Provided administrative support to the executive team, including scheduling meetings including room reservations, catering, and technical setup, for seamless execution as well as managing calendars, coordinating travel arrangements, and completing expense reports for travel reimbursements.
  • Managed the planning and execution of end to end projects such as special events by arranging catering services, securing venues and ordering promotional materials to coordinating large scale office relocations including the logistics of moving large volumes of confidential documents.

Retail Assistant - Weekends & Nights

Country Road
Melbourne, VIC
11.2017 - 04.2018
  • Provided exceptional customer service utilising my strong knowledge of garment design and fabric composition.
  • Computed purchases and received and processed processed payments using cash register, credit card machine and POS system.
  • Monitored sales floor traffic and assisted customers with their inquiries.
  • Arranged merchandise for display to highlight new styles, attract customers, and enhance sales.
  • Participated in team meetings to discuss sales goals and strategies.
  • Processed merchandise returns and exchanges for customers to refund payments, trade items, and offer store credit.
  • Answered customer inquiries regarding product features, pricing, and availability.

Education

Bachelors Degree - Media & Communications - Public Relations

Swinburne University of Technology
Melbourne, VIC

Associates Degree - Fashion Design & Technology

RMIT University
Melbourne, VIC

Skills

  • Verbal and written communication
  • Highly dedicated and motivated
  • Extensive and diverse skill set
  • Proactive and solutions-based mindset
  • Continuous improvement mindset
  • Problem-solving skills
  • High attention to detail
  • Mentoring, training, and coaching
  • Positive morale
  • Stakeholder management
  • Project cost tracking, financial management, and analysis
  • End-to-end project management
  • Complex payroll management
  • Organisational skills & ability to multitask

Certification

  • Driver License (Victoria) Automatic & Manual
  • Construction Induction Training (White Card) - CPCWHS1001/CPCCWHS1001 - 000567236401
  • Rail Industry Worker (RIW) Card - 20-00232242
  • CAT-3 Medical Certificate - 236125 - Valid until 09/11/2035
  • Marine License (Victoria) Full & PWC
  • Fire Warden - PUAFER005 - Operate as Part of an Emergency Control Organisation
  • Chief Fire Warden - PUAFER006 - Lead an Emergency Control Organisation

Timeline

Group Finance Manager

M. JAMES ENGINEERING PTY LTD & M. JAMES PRECAST & FABRICATION PTY LTD
11.2022 - Current

Accounts Payable & Receivable Manager

M. JAMES ENGINEERING PTY LTD & M. JAMES PRECAST & FABRICATION PTY LTD
01.2022 - 10.2022

Payroll Manager

M. JAMES ENGINEERING PTY LTD
07.2021 - 01.2022

Administration Manager

M. JAMES ENGINEERING PTY LTD
02.2020 - 06.2021

Project & Event Coordinator - Contract

LENZO
11.2019 - 02.2020

Project Coordinator - Contract

The Salvation Army (TSA) (Victoria) Property Trust as Trustee for The Salvation Army (Victoria)
05.2019 - 11.2019

Marketing, PR & Social Media Consultant

Nicky Kay Activewear
04.2018 - 05.2019

Social Media & Marketing Content Consultant

Michelle & Co Property
04.2018 - 05.2019

Retail Assistant - Weekends & Nights

Country Road
11.2017 - 04.2018

Administrative Assistant

Mills Oakley Lawyers
01.2014 - 06.2018

Bachelors Degree - Media & Communications - Public Relations

Swinburne University of Technology

Associates Degree - Fashion Design & Technology

RMIT University
Jessica Brown