Sam O’Brien

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) is responsible for staging two iconic international events, the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne as well as the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix held in Phillip Island. AGPC is an internationally recognized and respected leader on the world motorsport stage. AGPC have different specialist departments to provide value to the state of Victoria via the staging of two world-class international motorsport events.

Key roles and responsibilities:

• Developing and managing financial models including product profitability models, short and long-term cash flow models, providing analysis and key strategic recommendations on; pricing strategies, grandstand and corporate hospitality builds, timing of release of tickets and packaging of tickets.
• Taking the lead in the preparation and consolidation of the annual budget which involves working closely with the Executive and Management Teams.
• Facilitating monthly forecast meetings with departments, ensuring accurate forecasting of event revenue and associated costs to enhance decision making on a timely basis.
• Preparation of consolidated management reports included detailed analysis of current and past trends in KPI, working capital, capital expenditure, cash flow and business unit forecasts.
• Preparation and presentation of the annual Business Plan to Government including the Department of Treasury and Finance and the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.
• Playing a key role in the development and feasibility analysis of new products, including assisting in the delivery of these products.
• Maintaining 5-year forward estimates of budgets consistent with Government reporting requirements.
• Provide the Executive team and the Board of Directors with monthly financial reports.
• Provide monthly detailed commentary analysis and commercial insight of the financials results to the CEO & CFO assisting with monthly Board reports.
• Maintenance and continual improvement of short-term forecasts and long-term planning models.
• Assistance in the preparation of the Statutory accounts and audit process.
• Provide financial advice to non-finance related departments.
• Coordinated preparation of external audit materials and external financial reporting.
• Monitored business and financial performance to develop sound business strategy and operating plans.
• Supervised and mentored finance team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Costa Group is Australia’s leading grower, packer and marketer of premium quality fresh fruit and vegetables. Costa’s produce is supplied to all the major Australian supermarket chains, as well as independent grocers and a range of food industry stakeholders. It also has significant operations in Asia and Africa. The Company has experienced dramatic growth over the past 10 years and had an IPO in 2015 and currently sits within the ASX 100.

Key Responsibilities:

• Preparation of Group consolidated management reports included detailed analysis of current and past trends in KPI, working capital, capital expenditure, cash management and business unit forecasts.
• Provide Executive team and the Board of Directors with monthly financial reports.
• Taking the lead in the preparation of the Business Support category budgeting which involves working closely with Heads of Departments.
• Playing a key role in the consolidation and detailed analysis of the Group budget as well as preparation of the budget presentation to the Board of Directors.
• Playing a key role in the preparation and review of key ASX released documents such as the Investor presentation of half & yearly results.
• Provide monthly detailed commentary analysis and commercial insight of the financials results to the CFO.
• Forecasting, monitoring and analysis of group and regional net debt positions including monitoring and preparation of banking covenant compliance calculations.
• Maintenance and continual improvement of short-term forecasts and long-term planning models.
• Assistance in the preparation of the Group Statutory accounts and audit process.
• Provide assistance and financial advice to the accounting teams within all other Business Units.
• Maintain the Group’s chart of accounts, cost/ profit centers, internal orders, and act as the business partner between the finance team and the SAP team.
• Costa Group is Australia’s leading grower, packer and marketer of premium quality fresh fruit and vegetables. Costa’s produce is supplied to all the major Australian supermarket chains, as well as independent grocers and a range of food industry stakeholders. It also has significant operations in Asia and Africa. The Company has experienced dramatic growth over the past 10 years and had an IPO in 2015 and currently sits within the ASX 100.

Achieved rapid promotion to Senior and then Assistant Manager through delivery of high-quality results.

• Expanded client base across property, technology, and healthcare sectors.
• Designed and executed risk-based audits from planning to completion per PKF policies.
• Managed end-to-end engagement by coordinating communications with stakeholders and clients.
• Conducted statutory audits and financial reporting, utilizing data analytics for enhanced insights.
• Prepared special-purpose and general-purpose financial statements for diverse clientele.
• Presented key reporting requirements and discussed critical areas with Partners and Boards.
• Facilitated business development through proposal creation, opportunity identification, and networking.

• Authored weekly market summary newsletter distributed to over 300 clients and stakeholders.
• Conducted macroeconomic updates and investment portfolio reviews in client meetings.
• Researched and recommended Initial Public Offerings for direct shares and Fixed Interest Hybrids.
• Prepared and presented key documents, including annual reviews and statements of advice.
• Supported Principal and associate advisers in various advisory tasks.
• Managed incoming correspondence and ensured proper distribution to personnel.
• Facilitated office operations by answering phones, greeting clients, and screening calls.
• Documented all client-related correspondence in an organized manner.