Julia Chow, CPA

• Led cross-functional teams to enhance logistics operations and improve service delivery.
• Implemented process improvements that increased operational efficiency and reduced turnaround times.
• Analyzed logistics data to identify trends, driving strategic decisions for resource allocation.
• Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders to optimize supply chain performance.
• Coordinated training programs for staff on best practices in logistics management and compliance standards.
• Mentored junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the team.

Category management – Supplier relationship management – Logistics process mapping and improvement - Transformation & change management

• Developed and implemented strategic sourcing strategies to optimize supplier performance.
• Established strong relationships with suppliers, fostering trust and collaboration for continuous improvement.
• Championed change management efforts within the organization related to new procurement processes or systems implementation. Example: Introduced and transitioned $23 million logistics spend to Managed Solution, providing greater control on carrier selection & management, invoice validation (3-way match), regulatory compliance and data visibility.
• Improved working capital position by negotiating extended payment terms with key suppliers without compromising on product quality or service levels.
• Established SLAs and formal review process for both inbound and outbound logistics supplier, coupled with supplier audits to ensure compliance with quality and regulatory requirements.
• Analyzed spend data to identify and execute cost-savings, cost-avoidance and value analysis opportunities. Examples: Lead and managed the tender process for returnable crates logistics solution (approx. $6m spend p.a.) and Melbourne metro logistics requirement (approx. $2.3m spend p.a.). Delivered $320k annualised savings in FY16 and $302k annualised savings in FY17.

Logistics account management – Supply chain & logistics process mapping and improvement – Spend & demand analysis – Commodity price tracking – Development and management of functional KPIs – Financial accounting – Management Reporting – Budget – Project management – Staff development & leadership

• Created sourcing diagnostics to enhance procurement visibility & performance and to assist the procurement team in developing strategic commercial decision, including commodity price tracking system to assist the business with cost recovery and margin retention.
• Analyzed supplier performance metrics to enhance procurement strategies and optimize cost efficiency.
• Drove continuous improvement efforts within the procurement function through regular benchmarking exercises against industry best practices. Examples: Reviewed fuel levy mechanism which highlighted savings opportunity of $0.8m. Reviewed local distribution profile which highlighted efficiency opportunities of $1.5m.
• Facilitated successful supplier transitions during mergers or acquisitions, minimizing disruption to ongoing operations while maintaining high service levels.
• Established forecasting/budgeting & collection process and management reporting to improve visibility and accuracy of rebate revenue for the group (approx. $44m p.a.).
• Established forecasting/budgeting process and management reporting to improve visibility of trading arm in Singapore (approx. US$80m p.a. turnover).
• Mentored junior analysts on strategic sourcing methodologies, fostering professional growth within the team.

Financial accounting – Management reporting – Insights & variance analysis - Statutory compliance – Cash flow management – Budget & forecasting – Inventory management – Debtors and creditors control – Payroll management – Continuous improvement – Project management

• Analyzed financial reports to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for strategic growth. Using data to support strategic decision making.
• Oversaw annual audits, ensuring compliance with regulations and accuracy of financial statements.
• Spearheaded annual budgeting process, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and facilitating smoother departmental operations.
• Optimized cash flow with diligent monitoring of accounts receivable and payable.
• Created organizational structures to improve accounting and finance functions. Resulted in the downsizing of finance team from six members to four members.
• Streamlined month-end close process, reducing time spent on manual tasks and improving data accuracy.· Resulted to the implementation of national collection system and the reduction in end-of-month closing by ten days.
• Led cross-functional teams to implement cost reduction initiatives and enhance operational efficiency. Resulted to an improvement of gross margin by two percent, an improvement in delivery time and reduction in damaged products.
• Assisted in the set-up of national distribution centre and automated the replenishment system with optimal stock target at branch level and national distribution centre.

Statutory and compliance auditing – Review of accounting process and system – Financial reporting – Tax planning

• Conducted detailed audits, identifying discrepancies and recommending corrective action for a diverse portfolio of small-medium size retail, wholesale and manufacturing companies
• Supported senior auditors in developing audit plan, risk assessment strategies, preparation of detailed reports for management, outlining key findings and areas for improvement.
• Mentored junior staff on auditing principles and best practices for accuracy.
• Reviewed and assessed accounting systems and business controls.