Experienced and driven business leader with a strong process improvement background and advanced IT skillset. I’ve achieved over $2m of savings for my employers (more than $250k in the past year) through solid negotiation, streamlining processes, a can-do attitude, hands-on approach and broad skillset minimising the need to outsource tasks. Experienced with end to end finance operations in retail, manufacturing and IT services, from $2m / 5 employee operations up to $60m / 500 employee.
Responsible for the end to end financial operations of a natural skin care manufacturer / wholesaler.
MooGoo sells natural products with distribution through most pharmacies in Australia. Their eczema cream has won praise internationally for its effectiveness.
Identified and remedied chronic inventory deficiencies (<5 weeks stock of top sellers) avoiding shortages during Covid-19 volume spikes adding hundreds of thousands of dollars to bottom line. Renegotiated freight arrangements achieving 14% rate reduction (>$150k p.a. saving). Took on external IT and Accounting consulting work achieving > $100k p.a. saving.
Implemented automated confirmations and notifications improving service. Introduced detailed reporting. Reconfigured NetSuite ERP to streamline processes and improve data accuracy. Completely overhauled finance department procedures adding transparency and accountability. Supported the sales team with actionable financial intelligence to drive sales growth.
Providing commercial, financial and operational advice and support to a fast growing e-commerce company selling in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Germany and the United States.
Fortitude sells DVDs and board games through three brands globally. Despite the industry suffering from significant sales reductions, Fortitude has positioned themselves to enjoy year on year growth and improved profitability.
Developed proprietary ERP with integrations to Amazon, eBay, Catch Group and Woo Commerce. Implemented structured monthly reporting across multiple entities and jurisdictions. Improved efficiencies and reduced rate of errors by implementing automated processes for order handling, invoicing and reconciliation across the platforms. Created a wholesale division, strengthening sourcing for the core retail operations. Secured one of the largest distributors in North America as a customer.
Responsible for operations of >$60m retailer with 45 stores and 500 employees throughout Australia and New Zealand, assisting the CEO in the day to day running of the business.
Laura Ashley was a highly regarded fashion and homewares brand, subject to strict international franchisor requirements. The business was regularly featured in the media and won countless awards.
Improved customer retention, frequency of visits and average spend by implementing successful loyalty program, including active lapse prevention. Replaced legacy ERP with Tier 1 (Microsoft Dynamics AX) solution, improving efficiency and information transparency.
Reduced rental costs per square metre by negotiating favourable lease terms. Overhauled gift card program and website. Performed Due Diligence for two acquisitions, progressing to full integration of one. Acting CEO while CEO was overseas, approximately three months in 2014.
Responsible for Finance Department team of seven, and overseeing Warehouse and IT departments.
Implemented new reporting processes, including complete overhaul of procurement Reduced reporting timeframe and error-rate. Introduced financial controls across refunds, gift card redemption and issuance, and stock transfer, cutting shrinkage >50%. Replaced paper based stocktake with electronic solution lowering cost and errors. Maintained company standing during seasonal periods of cashflow distress and implemented unconventional methods to extend cash flow. Developed and managed Foreign Exchange hedging strategy.
Improved budget preparation process, increasing the level of detail while improving accuracy. Oversaw ATO, SRO and ACS audits, concluded without penalties and significant insurance claim settlement. Refinanced banking taking business out of portfolio management division (“intensive care”) to mainstream banking. Constructed three way forecasts, information memorandums and operating reports.
Managing team of three support technicians, two finance members to service 2,100 small business clients.
Grew customer base by double digits and improved margins significantly. Introduced new support system increasing the number of issues solved by each technician while improving the time taken to resolve an issue.
Founded one of Australias first hosting companies. At its peak, over 6,000 businesses used a Starcorp hosting provider. Responsible for full operations, directly managing five staff. Established branch office in Tokyo Japan.
English - Native
Japanese - Intermediate
Russian - Beginner
“Ricky is a dependable, independent member of the management team. He is professional and supportive to all levels of staff. He is reliable and consistently performs regardless of the task assigned to him or how challenging the circumstances”
- Reference 1, details to be provided directly
“…I have found Ricky to be dedicated, dependable and hard working. He is extremely helpful, and seems committed to always providing the best possible result for the company”
- Reference 2, details to be provided directly
“He is the best hiring choice I have ever made, and one of the best business decisions”
- Reference 3, details to be provided directly